Page 76 of Flame

“He’s just one player among many,” Liam explains. “This ring stretches nationwide, but we’ve never been able to crack any of the cells.”

“And yet you keep shooting down any suggestions,” Rafe points out, his suspicion obvious. “So what do you propose, Mr. FBI? Though hell, you could be up Shen’s ass like the rest of them.”

“I could,” Liam admits. “And while I can’t authorize you to wear a wire and garner a confession on audio—or better yet, catch Shen in the process of covering his tracks—that would be the best piece of evidence I could use to quickly advance the investigation far enough to make an arrest. But it’s dangerous.” He faces me directly, and for the first time, a hint of concern displaces his otherwise serious expression.

“You said the force here is corrupt,” Rafe says, but I don’t miss how he moves to my side. His hand lands over my shoulder, anchoring me to him. “My place was searched the other fucking day. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.”

“Branden’s was too,” I add, frowning.

“If anything were found, there would be an arrest by now,” Liam says. “We’re at the end of the rope. A few more days without a solid lead, and this ring just moves to another city.”

“So, what do we do?”

Rafe inclines his head. “If you won’t ‘sanction’ anything, then what good are you?” he demands.

“I can analyze the cell phone, for one,” Liam says, reaching for the device. “And, while I can’t participate in any official capacity, I can be on standby. And if I happen to misplace some equipment in the meantime, then so be it.”

“Good,” Rafe says, his teeth flashing in the shadow. “I have an idea.”