She handed her phone to husband so he could check it out. When he was finished, he passed it off to Jagger, who was just about ready to head out to stake out the motel.
When he looked at it, he paused. “Wait. I know him.”
“What?” Quinn asked.
“He does look familiar,” Callie stated. “I've seen him somewhere before.”
“Where?” Quinn asked.
“Here,” Jagger answered, pulling out his own phone. “We’re not going to need that photo recognition,” he stated.
“Why?”
He pointed to the picture on his phone. He’d snapped it earlier before mailing out the book. It was the only full family picture he had before Melissa left her family.
In fact, he was standing right beside her. “We’ve found Wade Miller.”
Callie checked out the pictures, and he was right. This was indeed the missing family member.
“I have to call Elizabeth. She needs to know this, and fast.”
Jagger jogged to the door. “I have to get back there and watch them. If they’re getting ready to move, he might be showing up.”
“Watch your back,” Quinn called.
“Thanks, and you too. Stay here until I get us some intel. You can’t trust anyone in this town. We still haven’t found Margaret Miller.”
Quinn didn't like that at all. Immediately, it ramped up his irritation to the umpteenth degree.
“You heard him, Callista. Have a seat. We’re going to be here for the long haul.”
* * * C a r t e r - G a i n e s * * *
It was dark when they arrived at the mine. It wasn’t a far walk from where they left their vehicle, but it was enough of a hike that they knew the location would be safe. No one would be looking for them out here.
No one.
For now, they needed to regroup, sit down, and figure out what their next plan was going to be. If Nate was worked up about Avalon’s safety, they needed to take that seriously. Her being safe was no laughing matter.
Since he was getting close to the woman, he’d know if there was an issue. When they entered the mine, they not only found a fire, but they found Avalon sitting between Nate’s legs. His arms were wrapped around her, and there was no way they weren’t a couple.
The steamy lip lock gave it away.
Luke cleared his throat, and immediately Nate’s gun was up and pointed at them.
“Chill out. It’s only us, and we’re back with supplies.”
Avalon stayed against Nate’s body, but she could feel the tension in him. He wasn’t happy, and that worried her. She could tell that he was dwelling on what she’d told him.
Maybe honesty, in this situation, wasn’t the best policy.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he said, lowering his sidearm.
“It was an interesting afternoon.”
Maura told him everything, and Nate took it all in. Both Maura and Luke could see the concern on his face. Nate was carrying about a million pounds of stress, and he needed to let it go.
If he was this edgy now, it was only bound to get worse.
“We’ll be okay. They were just scouting out the location. We’ve put enough space between them and us, so we’ll have a quiet night.”
He was thankful for that.
In all honesty, he needed a break.
“We brought supplies,” Luke said, dipping into the bag to pull out a candy bar. “I saved you some chocolate, Avalon. Everyone loves a sugar boost now and again.”
She smiled sweetly at him. “Thank you, Luke.”
“So this is what it’s like to have a gentle woman. Who knew?” he teased.
Maura pointed at him. “I’ll show you gentle, Lucas.”
His kindness made Avalon want to reward him. “Oh, Luke?”
“Yeah?”
“The cuff links you’re looking for—the ones you want to wear to the wedding—are in a small box at the bottom of a container in your closet.”
He stared at her. “You’re handy to have around. What’s tonight’s lottery numbers?”
She laughed as he handed her the candy bar. Avalon broke it in half and shared her treasure with Nate.
Yeah, they were definitely a couple, and it had to be love.
“Lucas!” Maura exclaimed, digging through their bag.
“What?”
“You left the water purification tablets in the car. They must have fallen out when you were looking for your sugar fix!”
“Shit! I’ll head back.”
Nate moved from Avalon as he shoved the last of the candy bar into his mouth. “I need a walk. Where’s the vehicle stashed?”
Maura gave him instructions. “Are you sure you want to go?”
“Yeah, you two can bed down. You had to have one hell of a day. I need to stretch my legs and think.”
They all looked over at Avalon, wordlessly conveying a message.
Nate needed a minute to regroup himself.
“Okay, but be careful. You never know what kind of wild animals are out there.”
He crossed to Avalon and gave her a kiss. “Thank you for sharing your candy bar. When I get back, I’ll share my sleeping bag.”
She laughed. “I got the better deal.”
Everyone watched him grab a hoodie and head out. Once he was gone, Maura moved closer to her. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“I am, but Nathaniel’s not. He’s stressed out.”
“What happened?” she inquired.
Avalon shrugged, keeping her secret to herself. She told Nate, and look how worked up he was.
Yeah, the truth wasn’t always a good idea.
This was case in point.
* * * C a r t e r - G a i n e s * * *
One Hour Later
The jet got her to Quantico pretty damn fast. When she told her husbands what had happened, they were shocked. Now, Elizabeth was going to handle the situation her way.
She only hoped when it was all said and done, she could forgive a man who had been her friend for so many years. If anyone had told her that he’d betray her, and her team, she never would have believed it.
This was all too upsetting.
Inside the building, she easily waved to the agents and security that she’d worked with when this was her home. While huge and familiar, Elizabeth preferred FBI West far better.
It was more her.
Upstairs, she walked into the big shiny office that belonged to Gabriel Rothschild. He was the big dog, and he had the fancy digs. Outside his double wood doors sat his ever faithful secretary, Maggie Clark.
“Hey! Elizabeth, what are you doing here?”
“Oh, just popping in. Where’s Gabe?”
Maggie glanced down at her watch. “He’s finishing up at a meeting in about five minutes. Can I get you coffee?”
“Nah, I’m going to go in and make myself comfortable.”
“Uh, maybe you should sit out here. Gabe keeps pretty high level security clearance things in there.”
She didn't give a rat’s ass what was in his drawers. She was going to be inserting her boot in his ass in five minutes. Confidential bullshit was the least of his concerns.
“No, I’m going in, but thanks.”
Inside, she dropped down in his big comfy chair. While she knew that this position held the most stress, she didn't understand why a man, who had served his country for so long, had gone bad.
It befuddled her.
It confused her.
It pissed her off.
Elizabeth could hear Maggie moving around in the outer office before his arrival. Then she heard her voice through the thin walls.
“You have company,” Maggie said.
Elizabeth wanted to laugh. Oh, he had trouble. There was a big difference.
Once he opened the door, he was surprised. Not only was Elizabeth in his office, she was behind his desk. Her booted heel was on the corner of his desk, and she was watching him.
He saw the storms in her eyes.
&n
bsp; “What’s going on?” he asked, dropping his briefcase on the chair. “By the way…make yourself comfortable,” he added.
“We need a little pow wow, my friend.”
“About?”
“You betraying your country and the office of FBI director.”
He looked surprised. “What?”
“I’m ashamed of you. I’ve trusted you for years, and you’ve been my family. I’ve let you hold my kids, I’ve loved yours, and now I’m in the worst position ever. You’ve made me have to fly up here and boot your ass into custody. Treason is an ugly mark on one’s record, Gabriel.”
He lifted a brow. “Those are fighting words, Lyzee.”
“Elizabeth. You’ve lost the right. We’re getting a divorce. I like my family to be honest.”
He reached for his pocket, and she pulled her gun. It was so fast, that he jumped. “Shit! You’re pulling a gun on me? I’m your fucking boss.”
“Sit your ass down and slide your gun to me.”
“I don’t have one.”
She pointed down. “The ankle one. The worst thing about this is I know you, Gabriel. I love you, and I have to do this. You’ve made me come after a man I love.”
He pulled his smaller sidepiece and placed it on the desk. Then he took a seat. He was not only confused, but he was worried about her sanity.
“You better explain because if security is called, you’re going in for a psych evaluation.”
“You betrayed us.”
“What? You keep saying that, but I haven’t done any such thing.” In frustration, he ran his hands through his salt and pepper black hair. “You need to explain what’s going on, ELIZABETH.”
She didn't even flinch when he used her name.
It was better this way.
“This was a total dick move on your behalf, Gabe. You had to know I’d find out. You know how tenacious I am. You taught me to be like this. I was made by you, and now I have to destroy the last fifteen years.”
“Start at the beginning. I’m lost.”
Yeah, and apparently she’d gone loco too.
“The trail leads right to you and this office. Everything is pointing that you’re behind this.”
“Are we talking about Oracle? Just to be clear because when I have you locked up, I need to know, so I can explain it to Callen and Ethan.”
“Shut it, Gabe. You’re going to listen. Then you’re going to have one shot to rationalize it all.”
He closed his mouth.
“W. Greene is the one who’s after Oracle. He’s also a military contractor you’ve met with before.”
“Here’s a news flash, Elizabeth. I’ve met with about a thousand contractors in the fifteen years you’ve worked under me.”
“His background check was run, and then the files were wiped. The electronic signature is yours.”
He simply stared at her.
“That last house location was one big rat trap. We didn't move Oracle. I let it slip we were, and then two hours later the goons were there looking for her at the new location. How is that possible if you didn't tell him?”
“Elizabeth, I didn't do this.”
“Then he used his crystal ball?”
“I didn't destroy this operation or betray you. We’re family.”
“Were.”
The lines were clearly drawn.
“His files were empty, and the paper ones were logged out in your name.”
“I didn't do it.”
“Yes, you had to have done it. Who else? It all points to you, Gabe. When you look up the electronic password that accessed it, it’s yours.”
He looked surprised.
“Yeah, I checked with IT. I’ve covered all my bases, eliminated all the possibilities just like you taught me, and all that’s left is you. I’ve stripped away the layers, and you’re the one left standing here.”
He leaned forward, ignoring the gun in her hand. “Your accusations are very serious, Elizabeth. I told you that I didn't delete any information in files.”
“And the hard copies?”
“I’m not senile. I didn't order them. I didn't check up on Mr. Greene. I assumed that he was vetted by the staff. I don’t have that kind of time, and you know it. I run the shop here, plus I over see your office, and the satellites. I’m too busy to take a piss.”
“You had a meeting with Greene a few days ago, didn't you?” she asked, hoping he’d say no. She wanted this to be a mistake. She loved this man.
He was part of her circle.
If she lost him, she lost Livy and the rest of their family too.
“I did.”
“Do you think it’s a coincidence that he found Oracle’s hideout? That’s just too crazy, Gabe. You’re the one who taught me shit like that always stinks.”
“Elizabeth, you’re dangerously close to being fired. You’ve hopped a jet and taken an unauthorized flight, you’ve barged into my office and accused me of treason, and already tossed away our friendship. If I were you, I’d start fighting to keep your job.”
“You’ve boned my people for the last time. We’ve tolerated a lot with you giving us shitty assignment, and we’ve done them. We’ve made you look good. I’ll play Gabe’s lap dog for my people, but I won’t close my eyes and let treason go—not even for a man I love.”
He glared at her.
“You tried to tell me Ethan and Callen were the ones behind it. You insinuated the men I love couldn’t be trusted.”
“That’s not what I…”
“Shut up. I slipped the location and then they show. How, Gabe? Think about this from my perspective. How the hell did that go down?”
Her phone rang and she pulled it from her pocket. It was Callista Gaines, and she contemplated answering it.
“Oh, by all means, take your call. Maybe it’s more damning evidence,” he stated, running his hands over his face in frustration.
“Yes?” she answered.
“Elizabeth, we’ve figured something out.”
“Well, spill it. I’m holding my boss at gunpoint, so make it fast.”
“What?”
“Callie. NOW!”
“Okay. Jagger saw the photo you sent. He’s seen the man before. It’s not W. Greene. It’s actually Wade Miller. He’s the same person.”
“Really?”
Gabe watched her and the gun in her hand. It didn't even waver. He knew her well enough that he couldn’t disarm her. So, he was going to have to ride this out.
“He’s why Melissa Miller ran from here. She’s afraid of him, and I’m betting that’s why she wanted to have the abortion. She was likely molested or raped by him. That’s why her personality changed after the fact. It’s guilt. She was feeling lost and confused.”
“How sure is Jagger? I can’t take anything less than one hundred percent.”
“He’s positive, and we stand by that.”
“I want Jagger out there looking for him. If he’s in that town, I want him locked down. Something is coming. The minute I came here, he was alerted.”
Elizabeth had an inkling, and now she needed to make sure she was right. It was all falling into place.
She hung up the phone.
“Well?”
“Gabe, shut up. We have a big problem.”
“More than you holding me hostage in my office? That’s a pretty big situation, Elizabeth.”
“Avalon’s father is Wade Miller, who is also W. Greene. You’ve had the man who’s after your biggest weapon beside you for years.”
He looked sick. “Are you sure?”
She put her gun down and spun toward his computer. Immediately, he moved around the desk to stand behind her.
“This is all a mess, but I think I know why.”
He hoped she planned on sharing because as of right now, she was in danger of a one way trip to the cuckoo’s nest.
Elizabeth typed fast, entering all her passwords as she searched.
“Who has access to your password?”
She was betting someone did.
“Who has access to your office?”
“Me, the cleaning crew at night, and Maggie.”
“When I sent you a text with Avalon’s location and that we were moving her, who saw it?”
“I didn't have it with me at all times. I keep my personal things in my desk.”
She looked over at him. “That’s exactly my point. You were played.”
He didn't like that at all.
“Who has the power to call up files in your name?”
“Maggie.”
He looked over at a woman he’d called family. “She’s been with me for years. Longer than you have, Elizabeth. You can’t believe…”
She shook her head. “Yeah, and here’s the damning evidence.” She pulled up Maggie’s electronic file, and it was bare. All that was in there was her name.
‘Margaret M. Clark.’
“Want to bet the ‘M’ is for Miller?”
He didn't say anything as she began running a background search on Margaret’s mother. She had indeed remarried, and the last name was Clark.
“Oh, shit!”
“Maggie never married. She’s always been Clark. I’ve known her since I started here, and she’s not only Avalon’s relative, but she’s also W. Greene’s sister. She wiped everything for him. She’s been feeding him the details, and not even having to access them. When we talk, where is she?”
“At her desk.”
“I could hear her telling you I was here. I’m betting that if you had me on speaker or anyone else, she’d know. Her chair is right up against your wall.”
“Oh, I’m going to fucking kill her. She’s betrayed the FBI, and almost took me down!”
She followed him to the door. “She’s the only one, other than us, who knew, Gabe. You found your mole. She just wasn’t hacking. She was listening! That’s why we couldn’t pin it down.”
He flung open his door, only to find her gone.
“Our accomplice is in the wind,” she said.
Sinner Reborn Page 38
