Backlash

by Rachel Dylan

  “You know, I’ve asked myself that question. When they were recruiting me, I made it very clear that I wanted an analyst position. I feel like I’m best suited to a desk job, and they seemed to accept that, but they still wanted me to do the training. They said it would be helpful for me to understand field ops better, since I have a supporting role.” She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.

  In his mind, she had much more than a supporting role. It appeared Layla had become the star of the entire show. “There aren’t that many people with your skill set, Layla. Which makes the Agency investigation even stranger. They need you. It bothers me that they would put such a valuable asset in jeopardy.”

  “This is probably even worse than we thought and most likely connected to the Mejía cartel. A drive-by on the streets of DC. A team member dead. It has to be linked.” She paused. “I called this in to Langley while I was waiting to see the doctor. They’re working on getting a security detail posted outside my condo. I figured they would want to do it just to keep an eye on me, if nothing else, but given what happened today, I think it’s the right move.”

  “I agree. I’ll feel a lot better knowing you’re not alone there. While you were being treated, I did some research on the relationship between the two Mejía brothers.”

  “And?”

  What he had uncovered made him even more fearful for Layla’s life. “They were tight. Really tight. A big age difference between the two meant that Diego was pretty much a father to Roberto.”

  “That makes a lot of sense. Seeking revenge on behalf of a family member can cause you to act irrationally. The cartel usually wouldn’t be so brash, but given the relationship between them, it explains a lot.”

  “The normal rules aren’t applying right now.” There was another thing bothering him. “How much money did the DEA seize?” It had to be a big amount.

  “In cash, about five million, but the drugs we seized were worth upward of fifteen mil. The response hasn’t been the same to each team member. Nothing has happened to Zane. And Cass’s place was trashed, but the guy who did it fled. He didn’t try to engage.”

  “Diaz is dead, though, and look at what’s happened to you.” Thoughts started to come together in his head. “Any reason that they could specifically be out for you and Diaz?”

  “If Diego thinks that either of us killed his brother, then maybe. What if they don’t even know Zane was on the op?”

  “Possible,” he said, considering the options.

  “What do you think of Zane? You’ve worked with him before.”

  He thought the world of Zane and hoped he hadn’t misjudged his character. “He’s solid. Or at least that’s been my experience.”

  “Mine too.” She grimaced as she shifted.

  “Can I ask you something a little off topic?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you ever wonder what your dad would think of all of this?”

  She looked away. “He still believes I work at State.”

  “You never told him?” He found that hard to believe. Layla and her father were close.

  “No. Once I made the decision in the beginning, it just became too difficult to tell him. He’s skeptical of the CIA. I understand why he has those reservations.”

  “But you obviously feel differently, or you never would’ve taken the job.”

  She looked up at him. “I do. I’m not completely naïve. I know the Agency does some highly questionable things, but I am a strong believer in the overall mission. And I think deep in my father’s gut, he would be too. He hates the violence that has riddled the Middle East. He also recognizes that he has it easier than some others because of our beliefs.”

  “Isn’t that what made you even more attractive to Langley?” It was clear to him that the Agency had sought after Layla even more because of her strong Christian faith. Her religious beliefs were a topic he was grilled about during his initial interview for her background check.

  “Yes, and I’m not ashamed of my faith. At the same time, though, I believe in religious freedom. That’s what our country was founded on. I want everyone to be treated with respect and dignity. That’s what Christ’s example was to all of us. Having said that, religion is often used as a weapon—especially in the Middle East. If I can be a part of stopping heinous acts of terrorism, I will do everything I can—and then some—to do so.”

  “I guess your beliefs haven’t changed over the past few years.” He hadn’t really expected that they would.

  She shook her head. “No. If anything, seeing what I see every day has drawn me closer to God. Relying on my faith helps get me through difficult times. What about you?”

  He wasn’t thrilled to be having this conversation even though he was the one who started it. But he was not going to lie to her—especially about this topic, knowing how important it was to her. “I’ve been doing some reevaluating.”

  She frowned. “Are you having doubts?”

  They’d had many talks about their shared faith when they were together in law school, but lately Hunter had started to feel numb about the entire thing. “I don’t know how to describe it exactly, but I feel like I’ve hit the pause button.”

  “Sometimes you need to take stock and hit reset.”

  “Just that easy?”

  She shook her head. “I didn’t say it was easy, but it can be necessary. I find myself in a constant dialogue with God about things. I get frustrated and even angry, but at the end of the day, I know where I place my faith and that He will walk with me through it all.”

  He wasn’t so sure about that. Hunter felt cold. Distant. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually prayed, but dumping all of that on Layla hardly seemed fair.

  Her eyes softened. “What is it?”

  “Don’t worry about it right now. Take a minute and chill while I call Zane. Then hopefully we can get you out of here soon.”

  The conversation had taken a turn he wasn’t ready for. He was still struggling to answer the major question that lingered in his head: Why had God left him?

  CHAPTER

  EIGHT

  Zane picked up his cell when he saw it was Hunter calling. “What’s up?”

  “There’s been another incident.”

  Zane looked over at Cass, who sat on the sofa beside him. They had just finished lunch at her apartment and were planning their next move. He put the call on speaker as Hunter recounted a harrowing tale.

  “That’s brazen, man,” Zane said.

  “My thoughts too. This is a move right out of the revenge playbook,” Hunter said. “Bold, reckless, and with little regard for getting caught.”

  “Well, cartel hit men don’t have a choice. If they’re given an order, they have to follow it or be killed on the spot. Where are you now?” Zane asked.

  “We’re at my place. Layla’s upstairs in the guest room, resting per doctor’s orders. I’m trying to figure out the best way to help. I’m worried about her safety, but the CIA is stationing a security detail at her condo that will be ready by tonight. I’m not letting her leave here until that’s in place.”

  Zane looked at Cass, who was frowning. “That’s good news. I’m glad she let Langley know. Given the threat level, I wouldn’t say no to any offer of security.”

  “She isn’t exactly trusting them right now, and I can’t blame her, but she felt she had no choice in the matter.”

  “I’m going to let the DEA know. This was our op. I want Mason to be fully in the loop on this.”

  “All right. I’ll stay in touch.”

  “Roger that.” Zane ended the call. “What’s up, Cass? I can see those wheels turning.”

  She rubbed her bloodshot eyes. “Why not try to kill us all?”

  “What, do you have some sort of death wish?”

  Cass shook her head. “Of course not, but the guy at my place didn’t even make an attempt on my life. You haven’t been targeted at all. Why?”

  He bristled. “You can’t possi
bly be insinuating that I’m somehow involved in this.”

  She laughed. “I know better than that.”

  “All right.” He didn’t really think it was a laughing matter, but she didn’t appear to be accusing him of anything.

  Cass shifted on the couch to face him. “Think this through. Why focus on Diaz and Layla? Maybe if we figure that out, we’re closer to breaking this thing open.”

  He could only hope. “Could the cartel believe that the two of them are responsible for Roberto’s death? Maybe holding them specifically accountable. It could be that they don’t know I was there but determined that you three were. And maybe they had some reason to believe you or Diaz had some of the cash or drugs at your place. That’s my best working theory.”

  “But why me?” Cass asked.

  “Not that much of a stretch to think one of us could be dirty.”

  She sighed. “Yeah. I guess there’s no reason to feign surprise at that. But why target me?”

  He couldn’t hold back his smile. “Maybe they think you’re the most likely candidate of the group.”

  She punched his arm. “It would definitely be you before me.”

  He’d worked with Cass for years and trusted her completely. “But it’s a good question. Why did they think it was you? Rack your brain. Is there anything that could give the cartel even the smallest indication that you might be a dirty agent?”

  Cass sat quietly for a minute. “No secrets, right?”

  “I sure hope not.” He wondered what bomb she was about to drop.

  “I haven’t been intentionally hiding this from you. There just hasn’t been a reason to bring it up.”

  “Go on.”

  “My little brother has a gambling problem. So much so that he got on the wrong side of some really bad guys.”

  “Uh-oh.” He hated to think about the implications.

  Her dark eyes softened. “I had to protect him.”

  His gut clenched. “What did you do?”

  “I emptied my savings and took out some loans to pay off his debts. If someone were to do a profile on my financials, they’d see all of that, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume I could be vulnerable.”

  “Cass, your brother is lucky to have you.” Zane paused, considering his words carefully. “I’m guessing Mason doesn’t know about this.”

  She shook her head. “And you can understand why.”

  DEA agents were supposed to immediately report to their boss anything that could be used as leverage against them. “I do. But now, what are we going to do about it?”

  She rubbed her temples. “You want to go to Mason.”

  “Not necessarily,” he shot back. “We should think this through. We don’t want to have you sidelined.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “Thank you for having my back, Zane.”

  He placed his hand on top of hers. “We’re a team, Cass. Partners don’t cut and run, and neither do Marines.”

  She smiled. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

  “Oorah!”

  “All right. So we keep this information to ourselves for now.” Her phone started beeping, and she picked it up. “Looks like we’re being summoned to a meeting with Mason.”

  Zane stood. “Maybe he’s finally got some intel to help us.”

  “I hope so, but I’m not holding my breath.”

  He started walking to the door, but she caught his arm. “We’re good, right?”

  “Yes. Don’t worry about it. We need to focus on the immediate threat.” He just hoped there weren’t more surprises yet to come.

  Izzy knew Aiden was slowing his jogging pace so she could keep up on their evening run, but he wouldn’t admit it. That was just the type of guy he was. She shouldn’t put him on a pedestal, but he hadn’t given her any reason to do otherwise.

  When her phone started vibrating in her shorts pocket, she pulled it out and stopped. “Your dad’s calling.”

  Aiden frowned. “That’s strange.”

  She placed the call on speaker. “Hi, Jay, I’m out jogging with Aiden.”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s something you need to know right away.”

  Fear struck her as she started to imagine worst-case scenarios. Had something happened to one of her friends? “What?”

  “He’s been murdered,” Jay said flatly.

  “Who?” She had no idea what he was talking about.

  Jay sighed loudly. “Him.”

  Izzy dropped the phone, and it bounced into the grass.

  Aiden picked it up. “Dad, we’re still here. I’m lost. Is this a case you’re working?”

  Izzy felt flushed as a swirl of emotions bubbled up inside her. She was certain Jay was talking about the man they’d agreed never to name again, but she had to be one-hundred-percent sure. “The sergeant?” she whispered.

  “Yes,” Jay responded.

  “But how? When?” Her mind raced.

  “Two days ago. And, Izzy, I’m not going to tell you any more than that.”

  “Why?” A moment ticked by. A moment too long. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “The less you think about him, the better. I just wanted you to know that he can never hurt you again.”

  Deep inside her, she felt a mix of relief and fear, because there was more to the story. As her feelings swirled, she wasn’t sure whether she wanted to cry or celebrate. But that was something she would keep to herself for now.

  “Dad, we’ll talk to you later. I’m going to get Izzy home.”

  “Thanks, son.”

  The call ended, and Izzy stood as still as a statue.

  Aiden pulled her into a tight hug. She took a minute just to try to steady her breathing.

  “I’ve got you,” he whispered into her ear.

  Those words were all it took to break her. The tears started flowing down her face, and her whole body shook as sobs threatened to overtake her. The man who had done so much to damage to her—both physically and emotionally—could never hurt her or anyone else again.

  After what seemed like an eternity, she willed herself to let go of Aiden.

  “Do you want me to go back and get the car to pick you up?” he asked.

  “No. I’d rather run. I just need a second.” She needed a lot more than that, but for now that was all she’d take.

  She’d thought about putting a bullet through the sergeant’s brain on countless occasions, but she also realized that doing so wouldn’t take her pain away. But someone had killed him, and she couldn’t help but wonder who.

  They ran in silence, and she pushed herself as hard as she could, flying faster than she ever had before. The pure adrenaline burst from the unexpected news propelled her all the way back to her apartment complex.

  When they walked up to her building, her stomach dropped. The doors of a dark sedan parked out front opened, and two Arlington PD detectives stepped out to greet her.

  Layla had been called to an offsite DEA meeting at Mason’s condo. With each passing minute, she was becoming more convinced that they were caught up in something bigger than the one op they’d performed in Honduras.

  Hunter was even more on edge than usual as they walked up to Mason’s front door. “I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m wondering if there’s a possibility that the Honduras op was unsanctioned. Why not meet at HQ in Pentagon City?”

  “An off-book op?” That thought hadn’t even occurred to her.

  “Yeah, as in someone wanted it to happen, but it didn’t go through the proper chain of command.”

  “I guess that’s one thing to put on the table.”

  She rang the doorbell, and Mason opened the door. The tall, brown-haired supervisory agent greeted her warmly. “Come on in, both of you. The whole gang is here. We need to talk.”

  “Why meet here?” she asked, unable to help herself.

  “I’ll explain.” He turned to her. “And I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “Thanks.”
r />   They were led into Mason’s large living room, where Zane and Cass sat in two navy blue chairs.

  “All right.” Mason remained standing as Layla and Hunter took seats on the couch. “It’s time to read everyone into the bigger picture here.”

  “There’s a bigger picture? I don’t like the sound of that,” Zane said.

  Mason nodded. “I have kept you all in the dark, but I had my reasons. The Honduras op was only one small piece of a larger DEA covert operation to try to take down the Mejía cartel.”

  “And why didn’t we know about the rest of the plan?” Cass asked. “We all risked our lives down there.”

  Mason lifted his hands. “If I need to leave for a minute and let all of you trash-talk me so we can get down to business, let me know.”

  There wasn’t an ounce of humor in Mason’s suggestion. Layla kept her mouth shut, but Zane didn’t.

  “We have a right to be angry, but we also need to get to the information, since we are the targets here. So please continue.”

  Mason crossed his arms. “The plan against Mejía is totally need-to-know. We have multiple operations running, and no one on those assignments knows about the bigger picture. Leadership made that decision to decrease the chances of leaks and to give ourselves the best chance of disrupting and ultimately destroying the network.”

  Layla still felt unclear. “How does this fit together with the current threat assessment?”

  “We’ve believed for some time that someone at the DEA is working with Mejía, but because of the larger plan, we have to be extremely careful about how we handle the insider. If we can continue to keep things compartmentalized, then we can feed information to each team and determine who might be the traitor. Also, a new development I want everyone to be aware of is that we haven’t determined for certain but believe one surveillance camera got missed in the chaos at the Mejía safe house, and that’s how you all got identified.”

  Layla was quickly processing everything he was saying. “And maybe Zane wasn’t caught on that footage?”

  “That’s our current theory,” Mason said. “We also don’t know why Cass’s situation was a break-in instead of a hit job, but we have to assume all of you are in danger.” He looked away and then made direct eye contact with Layla. “And, unfortunately, there’s more bad news.”