“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.
