Agent Lockwood nodded. “And Fink. Using the information we got from all three, we were able to execute several raids.”
Ellie pressed her lips together to suppress a smile since she couldn’t decide whether she was in awe of the man or absolutely hated him. “So much for not taking over.”
“You’re on mandatory paid leave for discharging your weapon, aren’t you?” He was grinning from ear to ear.
Loathed. She loathed him. Much worse than hatred. “Funny. And yes, but only for two weeks. I’ll be back on duty May first.”
“Just in time for Valerie’s scheduled testimony. I already promised her you would be there.”
Ellie tilted her head, brow furrowed in confusion. “Will they be ready for a trial by then? That’s awfully quick.”
“She won’t be testifying during an actual case. In twenty-eighteen, a bill was introduced to exempt trafficking victims from being forced to testify in court. Especially in situations like these, where we have dozens of players who are all entitled to their day in court. Asking Valerie to testify in every case that pertains to her experience is just revictimizing the victim. So, the prosecution can now make their case on other crimes committed while trafficking. Valerie will still testify, but the court will be closed, and the only people present will be the judge, prosecutor, and someone from our team. They’ll walk her through relevant questions and record the proceedings, which can be used in later trials.”
“What about Fink?”
Agent Lockwood’s smile turned feral. “Fink isn’t entitled to those protections. Every time his presence is needed at a trial, he’ll be transported back to Charleston to testify. He’s under the impression that WITSEC is going to be like an extended vacation, but the next few years will be a different kind of justice.”
“He might wish he’d taken jail time instead.”
“We can hope.”
Ellie glanced at Gabe, whose eyes were closed once again, though she wasn’t sure that he wasn’t listening. “What about him? Does it matter that he was involved in Jillian’s kidnapping?”
“He was pulled from the streets and groomed, and saying no to helping kidnap Jillian put his own life at risk. Gabe is a victim too, even if he doesn’t realize it.” Agent Lockwood shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh. “If he hadn’t come and shot Powell, this could’ve gone so differently. He’ll testify on the same day Valerie does, and he’ll never have to step foot in Charleston again after that.”
“Good. He deserves a chance at a better life.”
“You’re just saying that because you shot him.” He elbowed her playfully, which surprised her enough that she elbowed him back. “Probably better than throwing him off a bridge.”
She rolled her eyes, but the anger had drained away. Yes, he was teasing her, and she’d heard the same thing in the break room at Charleston PD, but his tone lacked the malice she was used to from the other officers. “I didn’t throw that man, he jumped. He almost drowned me trying to get away from a river turtle.”
“In his defense, I’m not too keen on gators either. Not that I would scream like that and try to climb on your head to save myself, but you gotta feel for the man. He went to prison after that video went viral. There’s no coming back from that.”
Ellie tried to keep a straight face, but her composure broke and a laugh escaped. “It was pretty funny.” She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I still get a lot of flak for that day at the PD, like I did it for clout. I didn’t even think about it. He jumped, and he was going to get away. Going after him was what I was trained to do.”
“Some male officers are still intimidated by a strong woman.” He met her gaze straight on, everything about his expression and body language sincere. “That attitude is ridiculous and archaic. They’re intimidated by you, it’s as simple as that.”
Her smile slipped. “You say that like you know me.”
“I’ve done my research.” When she recoiled a little, he rushed to explain, his Texas accent coming out a bit more. “Once I realized what an asset you would be to the task force, I did my research about you. Since we’re going to be working together, I needed to know everything about you.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Everything? I doubt that.”
“I know enough.”
“Prove it.” She tried not to cringe as she threw out the challenge, but she couldn’t help herself. She didn’t have anything to hide, but she had to know what he’d learned about her personal life.
“You’re the only daughter of Helen and Daniel Kline. Three brothers, only one of them is as boisterous as you are.”
“I think that’s the nicest way anyone’s ever described me.”
“You’re down-to-earth and you think with your heart too much. Your willingness to put your life on the line to save the most vulnerable gets you in a lot of trouble, but I know one little girl named Harmony who will see you as nothing but a hero for the rest of her life.” He paused, chuckling. “How am I doing?”
She couldn’t help but smile at his flattery, but she shrugged one shoulder. “Not bad. You know some things about me, and I know nothing about you.”
He held up his hand, folding down a finger with each statement. “I’m an only child. Originally from Dallas, Texas, I’ve never lived one place for more than a few years, but Texas will always be home. Cats are okay, but dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. I went to college on a baseball scholarship.”
“Anything else I should know?”
“I’d rather be outdoors than in, and I don’t find strong, smart women intimidating at all.”
She huffed at the last statement, amused by his candor. “I guess it won’t be awful working with you. Being
