“What were the circumstances?”
“It turns out that Ann Marie was viciously beaten and sexually assaulted by Sergeant Tybee a number of times. She was suffering from PTSD and experiencing severe psychological trauma. Even with all of that, she realized that she couldn’t live with herself if she allowed you to take the fall. Given what had happened to her and Sergeant Tybee’s pattern of abuse with other women, yourself included, the DA was willing to cut a generous deal. I wanted to let you know right away.”
Aiden put his arm around Izzy’s shoulders. “You owe Izzy an apology, Detective.”
“No, that’s not necessary,” Izzy responded.
“Actually, it is. We pushed you hard, but we didn’t want to be seen as showing favoritism to a former member of Arlington PD. But I am so sorry about what you had to go through. At least Tybee can’t hurt anyone else.”
“He’ll never see his day in court,” Izzy said. And that part bothered her.
Detective Stewart nodded. “That’s true, but there’s nothing we can do about it now. Can I have a moment alone with you before I go?”
“It’s okay. You can say anything in front of Aiden. He knows everything about this ordeal.”
The detective nodded. “All right. I was just going to encourage you to go back to counseling. I think you might need some help and time to handle the emotions that came with this investigation and Sergeant Tybee’s murder.”
She’d already had the same thought herself. “I appreciate that. It’s a good idea.”
“I’ll be on my way. Never hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”
After the detective left, Izzy turned to Aiden. “I’ve been thinking.”
“Uh-oh. A new career idea?” He smiled.
“No. But this whole experience has given me lots to think about, and I’ve decided to do it.”
“Law school?” His eyes brightened.
“Yes. I take the LSAT in a few months, and we’ll see how I do, but I’ve already been researching schools. I’d love to go to Georgetown.”
“Just like your friends.”
She smiled. “Yeah, I can’t wait to tell them.”
He pulled her into a tight hug. “Izzy, I’m convinced you’ll succeed in anything you set your mind to, and I know you’ll make a great attorney. I hope you’ll still want to hang out with a cop.”
“Of course. If I’m a prosecutor, you never know how our paths will cross.”
“I’m hoping they cross a lot more than that.” He leaned in to kiss her, and she felt safe and loved.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-EIGHT
Zane couldn’t believe the good news he had just received. Cass had been able to cut a deal that allowed her no jail time if she paid back all the money she took. It would take a long time for that to happen, but it was much better than facing hard time. If there was any way she would let him help her pay off the debt, he was going to do it. It hadn’t been easy, but he’d opened up to her about his family life and the resources at his disposal.
“How did you pull that off?” Zane asked her, regarding her deal.
“It came at a price.”
Uh-oh. “How high?”
“You know what you said about the Agency?”
“Yeah.”
“Mason talked to some people there, and thanks to Layla’s absolutely glowing recommendation, they’re willing to take me on as a private contractor. I have a yearlong probationary period, and if I make the tiniest of missteps, the deal is off. But I’m thankful to have a job, considering the debt I have to pay back.”
He took her hand. “You can do it, Cass. I’m here for whatever you need.”
“You’ve been far too good to me.”
He shook his head. “Don’t talk like that.”
“I’m just thankful you’re still willing to be my friend.”
He hesitated a moment. “Cass, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”
“Me too,” she said softly.
“And I wondered if you really meant what you said a while back about us.”
She looked down and then right into his eyes. “I’m crazy about you, Zane, but after this, there’s no way I’d push myself on you. I need your friendship.”
“I want your friendship, too, but now you’ll be working at a completely separate agency.”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s give this thing a go, Cass.”
Her dark eyes grew large. “You can’t be serious. Not after all I’ve done.”
He laughed. “Yeah, I’m totally serious.”
She threw her arms around his neck.
“And I’m going to help you with your brother to make sure he gets the counseling and support he needs.”
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
“No more secrets. Is that a deal?”
“No secrets.” She lifted her chin and pressed her lips to his.
They weren’t perfect, but they were meant to be.
“Home sweet home.” The past week had flown by, but now Layla was finally returning to her neglected condo with Hunter close by her side.
She was still grieving Scarlett’s death and betrayal, but the men they had apprehended had led the DEA to Diego’s location. The DEA had wanted to capture Diego, but he was killed in a fierce firefight. The cartel was in complete disarray with its leader dead and no heir apparent, which meant the entire team was now safe from any threats of retaliation.
Bryce had negotiated a deal, but one that included a lengthy prison sentence. It gave her no joy to know he was locked up, but given how serious his offenses were, she knew the punishment fit the crime. Bryce had also given up his CIA source who had provided the safe house intel, and he was being punished as well.
Hunter looked at her. “Everything has been scrubbed to make sure there is nothing in here. No surveillance, no devices, nothing. And the CIA even threw in a top-to-bottom cleaning service, thanks to Nick.”
She smiled. “So now you and Nick are friends, huh?” She was glad they’d been able to work together and put that past chapter behind them.
Hunter nodded. “Yeah, reluctantly, but he has really done right by you. And once I was convinced he wasn’t trying
