Page 108 of The Bonventi Hitman

"It's what I do, Anna," he says. "I protect what's mine."

"Okay," I say, nodding slowly. "So I give the FBI this information. Then what?"

"Then," Gabriel says, and places his hand on top of mine, "we disappear for a while. Let the dust settle. I have safe houses that even Enzo doesn't know about, in Transylvania. I did a favor for the Romanian mafia a while back. We'll lay low there for a bit."

"And the FBI?" I ask. "You don't think they may come looking for me?"

Gabriel's smile is cold. "They'll be too busy with the biggest mafia bust ever, at least in the last two decades or so. Hell, they might even thank you as you walk out."

"Not to play devil's advocate here, but what if they refuse?" I ask hesitantly.

"They won't," Gabriel says confidently. "You're going to call your contact. Set up a meeting or however it is that you do it. Tell them you now have information that could bring down the entire Russian syndicate. When you get there, make it clear, this is your last act as an FBI agent. After this, you're out. You can't do it any longer. It's not the life you thought."

"Honestly, now that I think about it, this probably won't surprise them, me leaving. After I learned they used me, my mentor was using me, and even though they knew about the hit at the Irish party before it happened, they still sent me in, to my death basically."

Gabriel's look shows he's a bit stunned. "Wow, I guess the FBI can be just as ruthless as the mafia when they need to be."

"Maybe one and the same," I say and let out a nervous laugh.

Gabriel reaches over and squeezes my hand.

"Now, let me tell you all that you need to know, and when we're done, you go inform them, and when you return, you'll be done with them. Okay?"

I nod yes.

"Good," Gabriel says and smiles, "Let's begin."

ANNA - 41

Iwalk to the FBI safe house boutique store, repeating in my mind the things Gabriel told me to say. When I arrive, I make my way to the back, not even looking at the woman behind the counter.

Just as before, I enter the empty hidden room and pick up the phone.

"45 minutes," an unfamiliar voice tells me, then hangs up.

I don't think it's been the full time, but finally, Agent Harris and Agent Greens arrive and take a seat at the table.

"What's so urgent?" Agent Greens asks.

I try to remain calm now that I'm face-to-face with both of them. Seeing their faces makes my stomach tense, but I'm ready. I want this. I want Gabriel.

"I've learned some pretty big news," I begin, keeping my voice steady. "But before I get into that, I need to address something else."

Agent Harris leans forward. "What is it, Bennett?"

I look between them, these people, this organization I once trusted. Now, all I see are the lies, the manipulation, the willingness to sacrifice me for their endgame.

"I'm done," I say firmly. "I'm quitting the FBI."

"Anna," Agent Harris says, his voice placating. "I know you've been through a lot, but?—"

"No. You don't know what I've been through. You sent me in there, knowing about Bill's corruption, knowing about what would happen at that party. You were willing to let me die," I say, looking at Agent Greens, whose stoic face reveals nothing.

I look back at Agent Harris, who at least has the decency to look ashamed. "We couldn't compromise the larger operation."

"Bullshit. I was expendable to you. The FBI. Well, I'm done being a pawn."

There's a moment of silence, but I'm too worked up to allow it.