“Well, there you have it.” Nina sighed. “The password’s in a folder in my desk. He had to have done some digging. Then again, I’ve been putting in so many hours at the office, he’d have had plenty of time to look.” She shuddered at the thought of this person pawing through her stuff. She thought she’d felt violated when her fellow agents had done so. But this was far worse.
Quinn covered her hand, bringing Becca’s brows up. Nina should pull back, but his hand was warm and comforting. She liked the connection, the feel of him, so she let it be. “Not that this isn’t damning enough, but you said Sulyard had more.”
“He ran a current financial profile on you, Hamid, and Ty. Fortunately, Ty’s in the clear, but check this out.” Becca dug out another report and tapped an entry on an electronic printout of Nina’s bank statement.
“$40,000. In my bank account. For real?” Nina brushed Quinn’s hand away and picked up the page. “There’s another wire transfer out of my account for $20,000.” She looked at Becca. “I’m assuming you know where that money went.”
“Hamid’s checking account.”
Quinn let out a low whistle, making Nina’s stomach tighten in a knot. She felt herself hyperventilating, but forced herself to relax and concentrate on the problem. “So, not only is someone trying to set me up for the hack by planting the computer at my house, he’s making it look like I’m getting paid for it, too. And working with Hamid. Maybe establishing a terrorist connection.”
“Have you tracked the wire transfer into Nina’s account?” Quinn asked.
Becca shook her head. “The analysts are working on it.”
“Okay,” Nina said. “We know I had nothing to do with moving this money. Sulyard should know that as well.”
“No offense, sweetheart,” Quinn said. “But considering the way he’s been treating you, why would you think he’d believe in you?”
“I don’t mean believe in me as a person. But all agents have to file an annual financial report with the FBI. It’s done to keep us from engaging in this kind of thing. So when I filed my next annual report, the money would be discovered. If I’d really wanted to get away with something like this, I wouldn’t use my own bank account. Sulyard would know that.”
Becca’s frown deepened. “He thinks you’re planning to sell the hack and take off with the money long before our annual reports are due.”
Nina sat forward. “Does he really think I’d betray my country?”
Becca shrugged. “I honestly never know what the man is thinking, but DHS is all over his case. I’m choosing to believe that’s got him worried and he’s playing by the book to keep them off his back. I don’t think he truly believes you could do this.”
“Doesn’t matter which it is, though, now does it?” Quinn argued. “The fact is, someone is doing a bang-up job of setting up Nina to take the fall for this hack. And it seems like they’re doing the same thing to Hamid. Unless the kid really is part of a terrorist cell.”
“I’m not sure he’s being straightforward with us,” Becca said. “But we still haven’t found anything to suggest that he’s involved in anything illegal. I suspect he’s a victim here as much as Nina is.”
Nina tossed the report on the table. “So whoever is doing this is using the money to create a trail, making it look like I’m not only a traitor, but a terrorist as well. I’d like to say there’s no way they could accomplish that, but then, I never thought I’d ever see forty grand in my checking account either.”
“Why would this person be willing to fork over that kind of cash?” Quinn asked.
“If we’re right about it being someone seeking revenge, maybe their plan is for Nina to suffer in jail the way they did,” Becca said. “If so, there’s no telling what he might do next.”
The panic returned. Nina took deep breaths and let them out slowly. “Let’s not focus on what he might do. Instead let’s review what he’s done and see if there’s anything that can lead us to him.”
“That’s my girl.” Quinn squeezed her hand. “Keeping a positive attitude will help.”
There he went, saying his again. She wanted to correct him, but not with Becca present. “Maybe the best thing is for me to head back to town and turn myself in.”
“No,” Quinn shouted. “I’m not letting you do that.”
Like she’d let him stop her. She arched a brow and stared at him.
“I agree with Quinn,” Becca hastily added. “You’re the only one who can figure out the most likely suspect. You can’t review your case files from a cell.”
“But I—”
“I get it, Nina.” Becca rested a hand on Nina’s arm. “This goes against your very nature. You tend to take each day minute by minute. But sometimes you need to take a risk. This is one of those times.”
“I don’t know.” She bit her lip.
“You aren’t doing anything wrong, you know.” Quinn met her gaze. “It’s not like Sulyard showed up on the doorstop and you fled out the back door while he was in pursuit.”
“Technically, you’re right, I suppose.”
“He is right,” Becca added. “All you have to do is lay low and go through your files. DHS mitigated the database breach, so the list is safe for now. At least, you don’t have to worry about that. Kait and I’ll keep working from our end. We’re sure to figure this out and clear your name, but you’ve got to do your part and avoid arrest. From this point forward, anyone with a badge is off limits to you, except me and Kait.”
“Okay,” Nina said, not liking the way her stomach ached. “But if we don’t make progress soon, I’ll contact Sulyard. And neither one of you is going to stop me.”
QUINN HATED THAT Nina was the target of the investigation, and he wanted to get all the details he could from Becca before she left. “Does this mean Sulyard isn’t considering other suspects?”
Becca shook her head. “With DHS looking over his shoulder, he’s assigning resources to every possible lead.”
“Such as?” Quinn’s words came out like an accusation, but he didn’t care.
“I told you about the new developments, but we’re still working older leads.” Becca sat up straighter. “Jae’s still monitoring the chat room. The chatter has stopped, so she’s searching for other discussions. We’ve completed all the background checks and have started one on Odell. We’re also continuing down the list of people who viewed the cache posting.”
“I might have made a copy of that list.” A sheepish expression crossed Nina’s face. “I’m doing some digging on my own.”
“I suspected as much.” Becca smiled. “Just make sure you don’t leak your location. We don’t want it getting back to Sulyard.”
“I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen,” Quinn said. “You find anything on Odell?”
“He’s quite the political activist. He’s worked on logging, human rights, legalizing marijuana, that sort of thing, but nothing to suggest he has any terrorist leanings. We’re still waiting on warrant approval so we can review the database.”
“Still?”
“The judge is being a real stickler. We’ve had to provide additional details to satisfy him.”
Quinn fisted his hands. “I have half a mind to go pay Odell a visit myself.”
“That’s not a good idea,” Becca warned. “When the warrant comes through, you could run into an agent at Odell’s office.”
“I’m willing to take that risk.”
“Well, I’m not.” Nina fired an irritated look at him. “Let’s give Becca a chance first.”
“Fine,” he grumbled. “We wait. For now. In the meantime, we need to find a place to stay. We could check into a hotel, but I’d rather find a more secluded location.”
“I’ve already thought of that.” Becca dug a key from her pocket and slid it, as well as a piece of pap
er with directions for an address down the road, to Quinn.
“The cabin is located on the river not far from here, which is why I suggested this place to meet up. It’s very private. And because it belongs to Kait’s family, there’s no way Sulyard will connect it to Nina.”
“River?” Nina grimaced.
Quinn had expected a reaction from her when she realized she’d have to stay with him, not the cabin’s proximity to the river. He watched her carefully. Her pulse was thrumming at the base of her throat, and she clenched her hands. It was an odd response. Something was going on with her. It troubled him not knowing what it was—it could be important to keeping her safe.
“Sorry, Nina.” Becca patted Nina’s hands as she clearly understood the problem. “I know it’s not ideal, but it’s the best I could do on such short notice.” Becca moved her focus to Quinn. “With an alert out for your car, you’ll want to use other transportation. There’s a pickup and an SUV at the cabin. Kait says you’re free to use them. The keys are hanging in one of the kitchen cupboards.”
She pushed back her chair and stood. “I need to get back before Sulyard starts looking for me. Kait and I are working on gathering your files, Nina. Let’s plan to meet back here tonight around nine. I should have them for you then.”
“It’s not a good idea to call me again and risk leaving a trail,” Quinn said. “If your plans change, can you leave a message here for us?”
She nodded. “Okay, that’s it, I guess.” She turned to Quinn. “I’m sure I don’t have to give you pointers on how to fly under the radar.”
“I got it from here,” he said. And suddenly, he was very thankful that he was a master of covert operations.
Chapter Twenty-Three
THE CAR CRUNCHED over the gravel driveway lined with tall trees blotting out the sun. The deeper they traveled on the winding drive, the darker it grew and the more Nina’s palms perspired. She was being silly, she knew. It was just a river. Not the river where Garrett had died. She’d managed to keep it together the night they’d searched for the cache, but today, she didn’t have a cache to distract her.
They came to a large clearing, and Quinn parked near a three-car garage. She forced herself to get out. From her vantage point, it looked like the cabin was buried in the woods below. She could hear the river rushing along. A shiver worked over her body.
“What’s wrong?” Quinn came around the car.
“Nothing.” She forced a smile and made herself think of something other than Garrett. She’d likely be there for a few days, so she had to make the best of it. A gust of wind pummeled her body, and she wrapped her arms around her waist. “I hope Kait left a jacket here.”
“If not, I’ll pick one up when I go back to town for supplies.”
“What happened to laying low?”
“We’ll need supplies if we’re going to be successful at it.”
“They why come all the way out here just to turn around and go back?”
He nodded at the garage. “We need to trade cars. Besides, the cops are watching for two people, so it’s a good idea if you stay here.”
She didn’t like his suggestion, but his point was valid. She started for the stairs.
He came up behind her. “I assume you have your gun, just in case.”
She nodded. “Though, you have to know, if Sulyard comes looking for me here, I won’t shoot him.”
“Funny, very funny.” He rolled his eyes. “I simply need to know you’re protected before I leave you here alone.”
“I’m a big girl, Quinn. I’ve taken care of myself for years without your help. I can do it now, too.”
He grimaced, and she could swear she’d honestly hurt his feelings.
“I’m sorry if I sound ungrateful for your help. I’m not.” She waited for a response but got none. “We’re going to be stuck together out here, so let’s try to get along. Okay?”
Seeming as if he wanted to say something but reconsidered, he peered up at the sky. “I want to be back by dark, so let’s get you settled.”
“Before dark? That’s hours away. What kind of supplies do you think we need?”
“Leave that up to me.” He took the steps two at a time and disappeared around a bend in the stairs. By the time she reached him, he’d already opened the door to the traditional log cabin with a green metal roof.
They entered into a large A-framed living area. One wall held sliding glass doors leading to a deck overlooking the river. Shadows from tall pines played on the water, making it appear dark and ominous. Another shiver claimed her body.
“Let me get a fire going before I take off,” Quinn offered.
She turned her back to the windows and checked the hall closet for a jacket. She found a heavy Oregon Ducks sweatshirt and put it on, catching Kait’s fragrance on the fabric. She joined Quinn at the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The kindling was already ablaze, and flames were licking greedily at the logs.
Seeing his hand, she couldn’t help but wonder if working with fire bothered him. She suspected it was hard to strike a match after what he’d gone through.
“That should do it.” He stood, his expression displaying no wariness around the fire.
Her respect for him grew. He wasn’t letting a tragic situation keep him from living life to the fullest, the way she was doing with Garrett’s death. Quinn had suffered mightily, but he seemed to have overcome it. Maybe it was time she faced her past, too, and dealt with it once and for all. She glanced at the river flowing rapidly downstream. The same old fears reached up to grab her, and a shiver worked down her body.
“What’s going on, Nina?” Quinn stepped in front of her. “And don’t say you’re cold. You’ve been spooked since Becca told us about this place. Is it because you’re stuck here with me?”
“No.”
He tipped her chin up. “Then what is it?”
As much as she didn’t want to talk about this, she knew she had to. She’d often accused him of not being willing to share. She’d be a hypocrite if she walked away now. “I’m sure I mentioned my brother Garrett, who died when I was twelve,” she tried to sound matter-of-fact, but her voice crackled with emotion.
Quinn nodded.
“He died in a rafting accident. My dad took us against Mom’s wishes, and Garrett fell out of the raft in one of the rapids. Dad didn’t jump in after him. He just sat there while our guides tried to rescue Garret. I wanted to help, and was able to get a hold on his hand. He was so young. Struggling. I couldn’t hold on. It was so horrible. His fingers slipped from mine. I . . . all I could do was watch . . . see the water take Garrett under and . . .” Tears threatened and she couldn’t go on.
Quinn took her hand and held it against his heart. A flash of grief passed over his face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know how hard it is to lose someone close to you.” He understood. She knew it wasn’t because of the loss of a family member, but for the men on his team he’d lost over the years. Men he thought of as family. A family she’d asked him to turn his back on for her.
“So this is about the river, then,” he clarified. “It’s freaking you out. And at the gorge. You weren’t hungry. It was the falls.”
She nodded, but didn’t trust herself to speak without falling apart.
“Shoot, Nina. Why didn’t you say something? I could have gone up there alone. You didn’t need to come along.”
“Not only could you have gone on your own, but you would have insisted on leaving me behind.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t let that happen. I had to be there.”
His brow shot up.
“What?” she asked.
“You really don’t trust me, do you?” He let go of her hand and plunged his fingers into his hair. “I’m not the lowlife you think I am.”
“No . . . wait. That had nothing t
o do with trusting you. I do. At least with this kind of thing. But I had to retrieve the cache for my job. I told you that. To ensure proper protocol.”
“You’re sure that’s all it was?”
She nodded. “I’m not happy about your decision to stay with the team, but I know the kind of man you are. You’d walk through fire . . .”
He winced and flexed his injured hand.
“You did walk through fire for your men. Your country. You’re someone everyone can count on—on the job. My belief in that didn’t change. You always do the right thing.”
“You make me sound like a freakin’ saint, but I’m not. I proved that when we split up, didn’t I?” He sounded so angry at himself for how he’d handled their breakup.
It was the first time he’d let her see that it had affected him, too, and her heart warmed at the open regret in his voice.
Resolve suddenly claimed his expression, and he stood taller. “I should get going. If it’d be easier for you, you can come along, though I’d rather not risk Sulyard getting wind of my movements and seeing you.”
“I’ll stay.” She tipped her head at a computer on a desk in the corner. “I can search the internet for information on the remaining people on the Hacktivist list. That will keep my mind off the water.”
“You’re sure?”
She gave a firm nod.
Instead of marching off as she expected, he folded her into a hug. His arms were gentle, allowing her to back away if she wanted, but she didn’t want to. Not at all. She sighed and rested her head against his chest. He tightened his arms, a sudden desperate edge in the strength. She listened to the even rhythm of his heart speed up and felt at home.
“I’m sorry for hurting you so badly, sweetheart,” he whispered against her hair. “I’d rather go back into that fire than hurt you again. If I could change how I handled things, I would. Trust me. I would.”
His plea was sincere, and she believed him. He’d walked out on her because she’d forced him to choose between her and his men. If she hadn’t they’d likely still be together.
Web of Shadows Page 22
