“Hard evidence? No. But there are rumors among some of my contacts in the field. My informants have heard rumblings about an insider working for the cartel. I pushed them to try to get more facts, and I couldn’t get a name, but all of them said it wasn’t a DEA person.”
Layla looked at Hunter. If this was true, then that could have big implications. “But wouldn’t it have to be someone, even if it was CIA, who had connections to the cartel?”
Darnell nodded. “Absolutely. But unfortunately, there are a lot of CIA officers in South America. It’s a long list, and I don’t have anything specific to go on.”
“This is very helpful,” Hunter said. “If you hear anything else from your sources, can you contact me right away?”
“Will do. I hope this thing can be wrapped up quickly.”
After Darnell left, Layla turned to Hunter. “That was a curve ball.”
“But one that you’re uniquely situated to handle. You need to see what you can dig up from your Agency contacts, but you need to be discreet.”
“For a million different reasons.” She sighed. “Darnell seemed to have solid intel, but I still think you have to push through vetting the DEA people in case he’s wrong.”
Hunter gave her an affirming nod. “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.”
“I’ll get right on the Agency angle.” She wondered if all roads would end up leading back to the CIA.
Izzy had been frantically trying to get ahold of her friends all morning, and she finally ended up at Viv’s door.
“Izzy, what’s wrong?” Viv asked. “You sounded distressed on the phone.”
Izzy let out a sigh of relief when Viv opened the door. “Thank you for seeing me. I’m so glad you’re not at work.”
“I’m working the late shift tonight. What’s going on?”
Izzy knew her red eyes showed she’d been crying. Ever since the visit yesterday from Arlington PD, things had become a whirlwind. But she’d told them that if they wanted to talk to her, she’d need an attorney present. Given that she used to be one of them, they seemed cooperative, but they had insisted that she be ready for the interview Thursday morning. Which meant she needed an attorney ASAP, because she had yet another secret hanging over her head.
Viv hadn’t been her first choice. Not that Izzy didn’t love and trust her, but Bailey was the only one of them who knew the history. Given Bailey was out of town today on assignment, Izzy had come to Viv because Layla had so much on her plate.
“We’re going to need to sit.” Izzy looked into her friend’s hazel eyes and decided that she had no other choice but to cross this bridge right now.
“Go into the living room. I’m going to bring in some water.”
Izzy took a few steadying breaths—something she’d been forcing herself to do since Jay had called yesterday. She sat down, and a minute later Viv walked into the room with a bottled water.
“Whatever it is, just tell me, and we’ll figure out a plan.”
Izzy smiled. “Thank you.” Viv was probably the quietest of the group of friends, but she had a huge heart. “This is a very difficult conversation to have.”
“Take it slow. I’m in no rush.”
Izzy closed her eyes for a second, asking God to help her. “Back when I was an officer for Arlington PD, I was assaulted by a sergeant.”
Viv’s eyes widened, but she didn’t say a word.
“I was able to fight him off and escape, but it was the scariest and most horrific time of my life. It happened late at night in his office. My clothes were ripped, my body was bruised. But more than that, I was severely traumatized by it.”
“I’m sure you were,” Viv said softly. “Izzy, I had no idea about any of this.”
“I’ve only ever told a few people about it, but it’s definitely shaped my life and continues to impact me personally and my relationships.”
Viv took her hand. “Whatever I can do, just name it.”
Izzy decided it was best to just spit it out. “The sergeant who assaulted me was murdered three days ago, and Arlington PD wants to talk to me.”
Viv’s mouth dropped open, and she didn’t immediately respond.
“Yeah, that’s how I felt too.” She wasn’t surprised by Viv’s reaction. Izzy had kept this secret so closed off that there was no way anyone would have had any suspicion.
“Do they think you could have something to do with this?” Viv’s voice cracked.
“I haven’t talked to them yet because I need to get a lawyer. You know Aiden’s dad, Jay, the one I worked with before? He’s the one who told me. He’s also the one who urged me to get help initially when I was struggling.” She took a breath. “But he’s not the reason I need a lawyer.”
“Then why?”
“I think I know why the police want to question me.”
“All right. Before you say anything else, I need you to request me to represent you.”
“What?” Izzy didn’t understand what was happening.
“It won’t be a long-term representation, but given the legal implications of what I think you’re going to say, I want this conversation to be protected by attorney-client privilege.”
Izzy wasn’t sure how this all worked, but she trusted Viv. “Okay. I’d like you to represent me.”
“I accept. Please continue.”
“About a month ago, I ran into the sergeant at a coffee shop in town. He invaded my personal space. Tried to touch me.” A chill went down her back as she recounted the story.
“Oh no,” Viv said.
“Yeah. It shook me. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of it. About two weeks ago, he showed up on my jog. There’s no way it was a coincidence. Then he started texting me.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Yeah. I sent some texts back that could be misconstrued, especially if taken out of context.”
Viv sighed. “Did you threaten him directly?”
There was no doubt. “Oh yeah. I was pretty clear on that point. I was livid and afraid, but I
