“I get Apex wanting to have influence over the FBI,” Cassie said, “but why would someone like the Director need them on his side?”
“Lots of reasons. Political motivation. Connections. Advice on how to deal with the public. Greed.” He shook his head. “Ashcroft is good at his job. Very effective. But he’s only human. We all are. We have faults like anyone else.”
Viotto stared at his partner, looking like he was choosing his words carefully. “You seem to know a lot about Apex.”
Mannis smirked. “Not the first time I’ve heard of them.”
Cassie pointed to Viotto. “You warned him about them before he went digging. I think you know a lot more than you’re letting on.”
“I’ve been aware of Apex for about a decade.” When Viotto’s eyes grew wide, Mannis held up a hand. “I don’t think the company started out with any ill-intent. The people involved at the top of the organization were already experts in their fields. They gained traction quickly, found some good clientele, and it took off.”
“It happens all the time,” Cassie said, “but not all of them turn into…this.”
“You’re right. I don’t know when or why Apex crossed that line, but they did. I imagine the more they got away with, the more they took risks. It’s not like this is the first time something like this happened. As long as there are laws, there are those willing to break them. And those who get away with it. Apex is just the next generation of criminal.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?” Cassie asked.
Mannis chuckled. “Nothing.”
Viotto looked affronted. “How can you say that? What about Davenport’s confession?”
Mannis shook his head. “This is not the kind of situation you want to jump into without the full picture.”
“You said you’ve known about them for at least a decade. You don’t have a full picture yet?”
“That should tell you everything you need to know about them.” Mannis took a step toward Viotto, lowered his voice. “Don’t be stupid, Chris. These guys are a lot smarter than you and have a lot more resources. If they have the Director of the FBI in their pocket, you think you can take them down by yourself? Just by taking Davenport’s confession, we’re gonna be in hot water. The smartest thing we can do is gather evidence, do our job, and if they tell us to walk away, we walk away.”
“How can you say that?” Viotto looked more hurt than angry. “They’re willing to pull strings in Washington. They’re willing to get away with murder. I doubt Connor Grayson is the only person they’ve had killed.”
“You’re right.” Mannis put a hand on Viotto’s shoulder. “I’m not saying give up on it, but if we’re not smart about how we tackle this, about who we can trust, then we’re all screwed. They’ll either put you in the basement for the rest of your career, or you’ll wind up like Connor.”
The blood drained from Cassie’s face. “Am I in danger?”
Mannis’ smile didn’t offer the reassurance she was looking for. “Yes, and no. You’re definitely on their radar now.” He looked to Viotto. “And so are you. Your name is being added to some list on someone’s desk as we speak. You gotta keep your head down and be smart.”
“What about me?” Cassie asked.
“Your name would be on a different sort of list. I’m not sure if they believe in your abilities, but you blew this case wide open. If it weren’t for you, Anthony Lewis would be in prison right now. They’re gonna keep an eye on you. Maybe try to recruit you. Word of advice? Don’t believe anything they tell you.”
“Great.” Cassie had trouble swallowing. “As if I don’t have enough to deal with.”
“You and me both.” He looked at his watch, then held out his hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Quinn. I’m looking forward to adding my own note to your file.”
She returned the gesture. “I appreciate that, Agent Mannis. Thank you.”
Viotto turned to his partner. “I’ll drop her off at her car and meet you later.”
They both watched as Mannis got in his car, started the engine, and drove away.
“What’s going to happen to him?” Cassie asked. “Davenport, I mean.”
“Who knows? We can’t turn him over to the locals, but I have a feeling Ashford won’t let us hold on to him for long. This is where I enjoy the fact that Mannis is the senior agent.”
Cassie laughed. “I don’t envy you.”
“I don’t have it so bad.” Viotto still had a trickle of blood on his temple. “It’s a good job. You get to meet a lot of interesting people.”
Cassie blushed as she followed Viotto to his car. They kept it light on the ride back. Cassie told him about some of her favorite eateries in Savannah, in case the FBI ever sent them there on a case. He told her all about Portland, and by the time he’d parked, she was ready to book a flight right then and there.
There was a charge inside the car with all the things they’d left unsaid. Their eyes met, and they both burst into laughter. Viotto shook his head. “It’s crazy.”
“What is?”
“You.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“No.” He laughed again. “I mean, this is crazy.” He gestured between them. “I don’t trust people. Comes with the territory, obviously. But I trust you. It’s a nice feeling.”
“I agree.” Cassie was looking anywhere but at him. “Unfortunately, I think our time here is done.”
“It is.” He didn’t sound sad, and the grin on his face surprised her. “But I don’t think this is the last we’ll be seeing of each other.”
“No?” She couldn’t help but grin back. “Are you the psychic now?”
“Maybe. You might be rubbing off on me.”
She tipped her head back and laughed. “I don’t think that’s how it works.”
His smile disappeared, but his eyes remained bright. “I’m glad you asked me out on that date, Ms. Quinn.”
She rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t a
