Page 102 of Enigma

Olive squinted. “What do you mean she’s been cooperating with the feds for months?”

“When Lloyd started receiving those payments again, the FBI talked to her and asked her to monitor his activities.” Dean’s expression softened slightly. “She’s been trying to protect him while gathering evidence.”

“So Lloyd . . .”

“In a way, he’s a victim in this too. They’ve been using his medical skills under threat, forcing him to treat people injured in their operations. They told him they’d kill his family if hedidn’t cooperate—including Chelsea and the kids.” Dean’s gaze narrowed in anger. “He didn’t feel like he had any choice but to do what they said. Nancy’s been documenting everything. He’s not totally innocent, but he’s not totally guilty either, if that makes sense.”

“So what will happen to him?”

“With his cooperation, I expect the charges against him will be dropped.”

Olive nodded. “Have you seen him? Do you know where he is?”

“I thought you knew. He was being kept in one of the rooms here. He’s okay.”

Another whoosh of relief swept over her.

At least there was some good news.

Alotof good news, actually. These people who’d been caught up in human trafficking had been freed. A crime ring had been stopped.

But Olive had almost lost it all.

As if summoned by their conversation, Nancy appeared from the warehouse with FBI agents, supporting a familiar silver-haired figure.

Lloyd Stewart looked older and frailer than when Olive had last seen him, but his eyes were clear and relieved.

They walked toward her and paused.

“I’m sorry, Olive.” Lloyd’s voice was so low and hoarse that Olive could hardly understand him. “For everything.”

“I understand,” Olive said.

And she did. Desperate people did desperate things.

As the warehouse continued to be scoured for evidence, Olive walked back to Jason’s stretcher.

“Is it over?” His voice sounded gruff.

Olive looked around at the aftermath—Sarah, Anton, and Elena in federal custody, Anton’s network dismantled, dozens of victims rescued, and her friends alive and safe.

“It’s over.” She took his uninjured hand in hers. “And when you’re feeling better, we need to finish that conversation we keep starting.”

Jason managed a smile despite his pallor. “About us?”

“About us. About trust. About not keeping secrets anymore.” She squeezed his hand. “About how I love you too.”

His eyes warmed. “That’sdefinitelya conversation I want to have.”

“You took a bullet for me, Jason.” Her voice cracked as emotions began to choke her.

“And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

As the ambulance doors closed to begin the journey to the hospital, Olive closed her eyes and thanked God for answered prayers.

As Olive stood in the chaos of the warehouse parking lot, she felt oddly detached from the swirl of activity around her.

FBI agents coordinated the processing of evidence and witnesses. Paramedics worked to stabilize the rescued trafficking victims before loading them into a convoy of ambulances. Local police officers secured the perimeter while federal agents led handcuffed suspects toward unmarked vehicles.