“She’s been in Renegade six years. No trouble from her or her sister.”
“Got it.”
A lot of criminals who agreed to testify and enter WITSEC used the opportunity as a new beginning. Dropping their old ways and taking the straight-and-narrow path, never getting in trouble again. But some didn’t. Instead, they continued on with their crimes or came up with new ones. It was difficult to tell who would do what.
For an innocent witness, entering WITSEC was often a lot harder. They’d done the right thing and then had their entire lives upended as a result. The Williams sisters had given up everything for the sake of justice, and now it was up to the Marshals to make sure they were protected.
“Anything else I should know?”
Butler tapped his fingers on the desk. “You’re joining a solid team. I know you’re here for WITSEC and court security, butwith me and Albright out, you’ll probably have to pitch in on the fugitive task force.” He clenched his jaw and took a deep breath. “Good luck.”
Liam suspected there was more the man wanted to say but held back as he left the office.
He logged out of the system to take a walk around the courthouse and get his bearings before he started his security assignment tomorrow.
He spent the next hour visiting every office of the courthouse, introducing himself to those he would come into contact with on a regular basis, like Judge Stephen Mullinax and his staff. The layout of the courthouse was different than Virginia. Everyone he met seemed the same though. Friendly and welcoming.
He’d known the names and faces in Virginia but hadn’t really known all the people, because he’d spent most of his time in the Marshals’ headquarters or pounding pavement. Renegade would be the complete opposite, and not only because it was twice as big as Richmond, with a population pushing 500,000.
This building would be his home away from home.
After he’d checked all the boxes on his first day on the job, he could go home and talk to Sophia about the telephone call he’d received earlier. This issue with the school needed to be nipped in the bud.
He took the private elevator up to the second floor and made his way to his office. He’d grab his bag and head out. But first, he needed to thank Aubrey for her welcome gift. If she was still here.
He found her in the break room, rinsing out the coffeepot and preparing it for tomorrow. She wore a white pencil skirt and heels to match the fitted dark-green blazer. Her red hair was pulled back into some fancy knot.
“Ms. Richardson.” He shoved his hand in his pants pocket.
She turned and smiled. “We’re going to be seeing a lot of each other. Please call me Aubrey.”
He nodded. “Aubrey, I wanted to thank you for the gift basket. I appreciate it.”
She smiled brightly. “I figured you’d need the coffee cup and the energy drinks to stay awake during court duty.”
“Yes, that can have its boring moments.” He grinned at the joke. Nothing in their job was boring. They had to be vigilant at all times. “What about the painkillers?”
Her smile faltered. “It was a joke about having to deal with Ethan Butler.”
“He that bad?” Liam crossed his arms over his chest.
“He’s just grumpy sometimes. Mostly when he’s trying to locate a fugitive.” The chagrin in her expression melted away. “Do you have some free time this evening? I could take you to meet his witnesses, since you’re taking them over while he’s on leave. I’m familiar with all of Renegade’s witnesses, and it might be easier on them if someone they know is there when you’re introduced.”
Liam furrowed his brow. “You know who the witnesses are? That’s unusual.”
Aubrey smiled tightly. “That’s how Supervisor Howard wants things done. I do the menial things so the marshals can do the important things.”
“Okay…” Interesting take on the job.
“I just do what I’m told.” She shrugged. “So, did Butler fill you in?”
“Yeah, he gave me a rundown of their case.” He hadn’t expected to meet them today, but if she was willing to make the introductions, then he’d be happy to do it now. It shouldn’t take too long. “Let’s go.”
She handed him a stack of papers she’d picked up off the table. “We’re going to need these.”
He looked at the papers and noticed a missing poster for a lost cat. “Mr. Whiskers?”
“Yeah, it’s a plausible way to interact with the witnesses and not give away who we are or why we’re there. It’s what they’re expecting. My precious Mr. Whiskers has escaped, and I’m devastated by it.” She sniffed. “We’ll go door to door handing out flyers in the neighborhood. That way, no one is the wiser.”
