Page 68 of Noble Hops

“His vengeance?”Jack asked.

“My father stole the woman he loved decades ago.Now he’s kidnapped my sister.Another reason why Agent Byrne, whose expertise in kidnap and rescue, is uniquely qualified for this case.”

“And you’re not conflicted?”Bowers scoffed.

“And you sound like a broken fucking record.”Nic pushed off the desk and took up pacing in the area behind his chair.

“Jack,” Moore said, “I agree with Price.Vaughn has gone unchecked for far too long.We’ve been building this case for over a year, and together with Byrne and Talley, we’re closer than we ever have been to closing it.We’re not gonna get another shot at him.Let ’em close the deal.”

“Jack—”

“Enough, Lou.”The Deputy AG generally had the patience of a saint, the fools on the Hill far more trying than this internal squabble, but even Nic could hear the weariness in his voice.This had gone on too long.“Price, the grand jury wants to hear from you tomorrow morning.Can you do that, given the situation with your sister?”

“Yes.”He clutched the back of his chair, hoping it wasn’t a lie.“Agent Byrne is pursuing a lead on her whereabouts.I trust him to handle that.I can handle the grand jury.”

“I want to be there,” Bowers said.

“Fine,” Jack said.“Let them hear from both of you.”

“That’s not how the grand jury works,” Nic objected.

“Would you rather air all this in a public prelim, Price?”

“I’d rather?—”

Aidan’s sharp glare shut up the foolishness that was about to escape from his lips.

“Fine,” he said instead.

“Let me make this clear,” Jack said, “to all of you.Duncan Vaughn is DOJ’s top priority.Make a case, make it stick, and do not embarrass Justice doing it.”

“Our department’s reputation is what I’m trying to save here,” Bowers replied smugly.

The earlier insult was on the tip of Nic’s tongue, and Aidan narrowly avoided it this time by saying a hasty goodbye and slapping off the phone.

Nic let loose as soon as the display clicked off.“The only person’s rep that little shit is trying to save is his own.”

“And you”—Aidan jutted a finger at him—“need to worry more about saving your own.”

Nic spread his arms out wide.“Really, Talley?Coming from you that’s fucking rich.”

“Hey!”Aidan pushed to his feet.“I’m not the enemy here.I’m your friend.I’m trying to make this case and protect you.”

“I can take care of myself.”

Moore stood and rested back against the desk, facing him.“I’m not sure you can, Price.”

Two against one, then, and the person Nic needed most was absent, searching for his sister.“I’m done here.I’ve got a hearing to prep for.”

“Nic—”

He waved Aidan off and left the office, heading for the elevators.Inside, he wanted to punch the button for the lobby, leave the Federal Building, and go search for his sister, but that was exactly what Bowers would use against him.No, he needed to prepare for the hearing like he said he would.He punched the button for the USAO’s floor instead.

The doors had just opened again when his phone vibrated in his pocket.He pulled it out as he stepped into the lobby, expecting a text from Cam.

It wasn’t that at all.

Eighteen