“There’s more,” Viv said. “Bailey found out that the tourists sitting at our normal table were among the casualties.”
Layla nodded. “That bomb was meant for me.”
Silence filled the room for a minute.
“But why would you have been targeted? You’re an analyst at State. Why try to take you out?” Izzy asked.
“I’m not sure,” Layla responded.
“I’ve got another question,” Bailey said. “How did you feel about seeing Hunter today?”
“What?” Viv asked loudly. “Hunter? When did you see him?”
Layla sighed. “He heard about me being hurt in the bombing and came to see me in the hospital.”
“Wow,” Viv muttered.
“Yeah, I ran into him on his way out,” Bailey said. “He looked like he was starstruck to me.”
“Who is Hunter?” Izzy was once again confused.
When Layla didn’t immediately answer, Bailey spoke. “Hunter was Layla’s boyfriend in law school. The relationship ended badly when Hunter cheated on her.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry.” Izzy still wasn’t convinced that many good men existed in the world. She’d borne her fair share of heartache in that department. She was still in counseling regarding the assault that happened to her at the hands of a police sergeant.
“Yeah, I don’t talk about it much, but Hunter really hurt me,” Layla said quietly. “We haven’t had much communication since we graduated from Georgetown.”
Izzy hoped she wasn’t overstepping, but she was concerned about her friend. “How was it today, then?”
There was so much sadness in Layla’s eyes. “At first I was shocked. I couldn’t really believe it was him. It was hard seeing him standing there. He said he had heard about the bombing and had to come see me.”
“Word travels fast,” Viv said.
“Especially if you’re a PI,” Bailey added.
This story just kept getting more interesting by the moment, but Izzy couldn’t help but be angry at this Hunter guy, because he’d obviously caused Layla so much pain. The fact that he’d come to see her today made Izzy think there was even more to it. That seemed to be the theme of the day.
After Izzy and Bailey went into the kitchen, Layla turned to Viv. “I hate lying to Izzy, but I think it’s best. I shouldn’t have even made the comment about me being a target. I was speaking too freely around her. I’ll need to be more guarded going forward.”
Viv nodded. “Yeah. Even if we’ve become super close with Izzy, that doesn’t change the stringent requirements you face.” She turned to face Layla on the couch. “You think this has to do with the DEA joint mission you told me about?”
“Given that this is the second incident involving the team, and some additional intel I got from Scarlett, yes.”
“Scarlett came to see me too. She said she was worried about you but didn’t want to get into all the details. There’s more to all of this, isn’t there?”
“Yes, but I’m telling you as much I can right now.” It was for the best to keep some information to herself.
Viv gave an understanding nod. “If Scarlett is worried, then I’m worried. She doesn’t scare easily. Her reputation at State is for being about as hard-nosed as one can be.”
“Yeah. I’m fortunate to have her as a mentor—and a friend. It’s good to have someone watch my back outside of the Agency.” Layla was learning quickly that having people on your side meant everything.
“How many people were on your team?” Viv asked.
“Four, including me.”
“Where does the IG investigation come into this?”
“I’m not sure. I know they were reviewing my actions associated with the WSI case and how I helped Bailey, but I was told pretty soon after that happened that I had followed protocol and that there were no further issues—especially when you consider the Agency’s involvement in all of it. That was supposed to be a done deal.”
“Maybe it isn’t? And those impacted are calling in some favors to exact revenge?”
“But then, why would I be the only one in the crosshairs? What about Bailey and Marco and the rest of the NCIS team, including Izzy?”
Viv grabbed her hand. “The bombing was too close of a call. If there is someone out there who wants to hurt you, and if this was in any way connected to that, then you’re in real danger. You need to figure out how you’re going to protect yourself.”
“I know.”
“You could come stay with me,” Viv offered.
“No way. I’m not bringing you into this any more than you already are. I have a state-of-the-art security system here, and I’m more than confident in my gun-handling skills.”
Viv was quiet for a moment. “Maybe you should reach out to Hunter.”
“You cannot be serious.”
“He’s a PI. Maybe he can help.”
Layla tried to stay calm. “Even if I was to consider your suggestion, there are a million reasons why I shouldn’t.”
“Layla, I know you don’t want to hear it, but I have to be in brutal-honesty mode right now. You’ve got multiple threats coming at you from all sides, and we can’t be sure what the exact cause is.”
“But then what? I reach out and what happens?”
“I don’t have the answers, but a PI would be just the person to help you investigate—especially in relation to the IG review.”
“You know it’s a lot more difficult than me just picking up the phone and calling Hunter. There is so much history there. If you’re right and I need someone, then I should find an investigator who can start with a blank slate. Be objective. Not bring all the baggage with him.”
Viv’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah, but you can’t do that, because no one else can know what you do for a living. Hunter is one of the few people who already does know. That’s a game changer.”
“I can’t go to him for help. There’s no trust there anymore. I’ll have to do this my way.” Layla hugged Viv tightly. “But thank you, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
On
