Page 99 of Girl Between

“That’s the chicory,” LaSalle explained. “You get used to it.”

He wrinkled his nose. “Hope not.”

George was grounded by the familiar watercooler bickering. It was the only thing the FBI hadn’t managed to change about his precinct. Looking around, he barely recognized the place. It seemed more like they were preparing for a shuttle launch than a briefing.

The rest of his officers gazed around, looking equally impressed and distrustful of all the shiny new tech. Still, George had faith his team would find a way to work with the BAU.

Finding the serial killer plaguing their city was all that mattered. Which was why George checked his ego at the door. He didn’t love being ordered around by a kid ten years his junior, but he’d do whatever it took to protect and serve New Orleans.

Special Agent Colby Creed called everyone to order. He spoke with the air of someone who’d yet to pay their dues. It rubbed George the wrong way. But he settled in to see what the kid brought to the table before passing judgment.

87

“We have to do something!”he shouts.

My gaze snaps to his, reminding him who’s in charge here. “I’ll handle it.”

I knewshewould be a problem. I should’ve eliminated her when I had the chance. Now the FBI is at my doorstep.Or so they think.

I still have an ace up my sleeve. But I’m not ready to play it.

Instead, a misdirection might be my best bet. Planting false evidence, creating a trail that leads nowhere. It’s risky, but at this point, risk is a necessity.

My mind races through possible scenarios, each more convoluted than the last. A storm is rolling in. The air feels heavy, foreboding as the weight of the situation presses down on me. I glance at the clock, realizing time is slipping through my fingers.

"We need to move quickly," I mutter, more to myself. Lies and deception have always been my tools, but the stakes are higher now.

The room is silent except for the hum of the machines. My thoughts pound along with the rhythmical beeps. I pace back and forth, my mind analyzing every detail, every possible outcome.

I know I must act, but I can't afford another mistake.

I turn to the window and watch the thunderhead gather. Itsominous presence mirrors my own turmoil. Each flash of lightning illuminates a new idea, a new strategy.

As the sky darkens outside, a glimmer of an idea starts to form. It’s not perfect, but it might buy me some time. With renewed determination, I reach for my laptop, the screen illuminating my face in the dim room.

It’s time to set the plan in motion.

88

Dana raced the darkening sky,the rumble of thunder nipping at her heels. She reached the precinct stairs as the first fat raindrops began to fall.

She walked into the station, head held high. After her altercation with Taurant, a renewed focus settled over her.

She’d come to New Orleans to outrun her past. But every day, some part of it caught up with her. She was done fighting it. She was done being pushed around.

Dana was smart. Strong. Capable of being an asset to this newly assembled team. And they needed to know it from day one.

There were friendly faces everywhere. Officers Neville and LaSalle, Dr. Lena Cruz, Detective George, Agent Richter, and even some not so friendly faces, Dana noted, spotting Dr. Landry among the mix. However, one face was missing. She scanned the busy room, but Jake was nowhere to be found.

A pit formed in her stomach, but she squashed it. Spotting the BAU unit chief, she strode across the room, shoulders back. “Dr. Dana Gray, reporting for duty,” she said, extending her hand to Agent Creed.

The young FBI agent pushed his glasses up his slender nose andstood tall. Even on his tiptoes Dana would still have him by two inches, but she knew height had nothing to do with capability, so she didn’t hold it against him.

“SSA Creed,” he said, an echo of prepubescence still clinging to his voice. “You’re late.”

“Had to wrap up my current position. Won’t happen again.”

Agent Creed nodded. “You missed the briefing.” He waved George over. “Detective, get Miss Gray up to speed.”