The rest, I’m set to uncover now.
22
Watching Theresa walk out of our office for the final time doesn’t feel as relieving as it should. She took my demand for her resignation like a real champ, like it wasn’t the first time she’s been forced to resign due to a conflict of interest. I thought she’d put up a protest and accuse me of falsifying documents to step over her on the invisible ladder every agent in the Bureau strives to climb. It wouldn’t be the first time she’s accused a member of her team of doing this, but she didn’t sling a single accusation my way. Not one.
I’m fucking shocked.
Perhaps she figures going willingly will lessen the severity of her punishment? In a way, she’s not far off the mark. She didn’t lose her position at the Bureau today; she is simply not the supervisor of this team anymore. From what I overheard when the head of our region arrived a little over an hour ago, a new interim leader will be decided by tomorrow morning. I really fucking hope she or he has their head more in the game than Theresa ever did, because if they even so much as attempt to pull a stunt like she did with Regan and me, I won’t just have them fired, I’ll have them arrested and charged.
I don’t care what Grayson says, what Theresa did wasn’t just wrong, it was illegal. When I have a little more time, I’ll look into her scheming, meddling ways with more diligence. But for now, my focus must remain on safeguarding Regan from the backlash of both Isaac and Theresa’s injustices. Theresa knows I’m watching, so she won’t so much as blink an eye in Regan’s direction. Jay is assisting authorities with their enquiries, and Brandon is seeking a more solid match between Isaac and Theresa. It will be only a matter of time before all the pieces slot together. Once we get a full view of the entire picture, then our focus can return to where it should have been all along: on Isaac.
Seeing it is a little after 10 PM, I stand from my chair to gather my coat. It’s not cold outside, but I’m a little chilly since it’s been over six hours since I’ve felt Regan’s skin under mine.
I dip my chin in farewell to my fellow agents still confused about what occurred this afternoon before heading for the door. I’m not a tattler. I handled Theresa’s stupidity; now the Bureau will manage the legal side of her error. As far as I am concerned, my lips will remain shut on this case until it goes to court. If my colleagues want to be updated on what happened, they can read the report once the Bureau uploads it. If that never happens, it’s not my problem. I’ve got enough shit to sort through without adding more.
I make it halfway across the stark, bland office I call HQ before a pair of steel blue eyes stops my steps midstride. I do a double take, certain I’m mistaken. As far as I was aware, he was on the other side of the country. He should not be walking into this office, much less when I’m here.
“Dad?”
He stops talking to a bunch of bureaucrats at his side still seeking a way to excuse their mishap to crank his neck my way. His lips curl up, revealing his wonky smile when he spots me frozen halfway across the room. Although he is hitting close to sixty, I don’t miss the numerous female agents eyeballing him when he spans the distance between us.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
The last half of my question is muffled from me wrapping him up in a firm, manly hug. I love my dad, and I’m man enough to admit it. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen him—farfartoo long.
“I was talking to your mother; she gave me an update.” His voice is as thick as I remember. Just as stern as well. “Came down to see if I could be of assistance. This mess runs deep. We don’t like the Bureau being smeared with dirt like this.”
My first thoughts go to Josie. Although she’s adamant she didn’t know Theresa’s game plan, she’s taken responsibility for her part in the kerfuffle. It will serve her well. Integrity is a big part of this agency.
I drop back two paces so I can lock my eyes with a pair as equally blue as mine when my dad slaps a black leather wallet into my chest. Although I don’t need to see what is inside to know who owns it, I flick it open all the same.
My heart hammers my ribs when I spot my badge and agent ID peering back at me. “Where did you get this?”
“Same place we got this.” He hands me my government-issued gun. “She wiped the servers of any evidence of her involvement, but we’ve got several agents seeking alternative proof.”
“She? Theresa attacked me?” I sound shocked. I don’t know why. I’ve always said she has balls of steel.
My dad nods. “Jay was training to join technical support. He’ll never have the muscles to lift a man of your size without help.”
I halfheartedly nod in agreement, but still, Theresa. . .fuck. My hearing is still ringing from how badly she clocked me. Clearly, she wants more from Isaac than just child support.
My dad’s eyes scan the room. Although he’d never say anything, I can tell he is shocked by the conditions we are working in.
“We’re waiting on an update on who’ll take Theresa’s place. Once they’re appointed, they can add their own flair to the place.” I laugh. It’s more a tired laugh than playful. “I’m just hoping they’re not stalling because they’re planning to shut our unit down. We’re here for a reason, Dad. I don’t want Theresa’s fuck up ruining that.”
“It won’t,” he assures, his tone confident. “The higher ups know who raised you. They trust your instincts. It’s why I’m here.”
I stare at him, unmoving and unspeaking.What the hell is he talking about?
Thankfully, he is accustomed to my rare stumped states.
With a laugh, he says, “They want you to lead this team. Bring this case to fruition.”
“I can’t—”
The arch of his brow cuts me off, then his stare tells me everything else I need to know. This is why he came here; he knew I’d turn down the promotion the instant they suggested me as Theresa’s replacement.
“If mom updated you, you know why I can’t accept.”
