I know how Voss found Watchdog. I know where Mira Walsh left the evidence. I want to talk but I’ll need protection. I have nowhere else to go.
Fleur watched her as Gina read it twice. Then she slipped out of bed, Fleur at her side as always.
She was at the kitchen table with her phone, laptop, and a cup of coffee when Lach appeared in the doorway in his t-shirt and sweats, squinting at her.
“You have your work face on,” he said.
“Go back to sleep, Soup,” she said fondly.
“Aye, that’ll happen.” He pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. Lach’s dog, Sam, padded in behind him and settled beside Fleur under the table with a sigh. Lach read the message over her shoulder.
“Your take?” he said finally.
“She’s cornered. Voss is cleaning house and she knows she’s next.” Gina wrapped both hands around her mug.
“She?”
“A man wouldn’t phrase seeking protection like that. What’s interesting is that she reached out to me, not Kyle.”
“Because you’re former Agency?”
“Because she’s hoping I sympathize with her position. She’s done some bad things, has regrets, and now she wants forgiveness and protection.”
Lach grinned. “You got all that from…” He looked at the screen again, “one, two, three, four lines?”
Gina grinned. “Still got it.” She took a sip of coffee.
Lach chuckled. “Yes you do, Sunshine.” He brushed his lips across her forehead and she marveled at how that little touch still sent shivers through her. “So, do you sympathize with her?”
“She’s our only lead at the moment, so of course I’ll make the connection.”
Lach raised an eyebrow. “That’s not what I asked, lass.”
Gina put her chin in her hand. “Once upon a time, I was given the chance to make everything right. So, I think other people deserve a chance, too.” The corner of her mouth turned up as she looked at Lach. “But it’s up to Maren to decide if whoever this is deserves forgiveness.”
He nodded, and kissed her again.
“I’ve already been in touch with Elissa to try and track down my secret admirer.” She lifted her chin at the screen. “NCIS. Someone higher up, too.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“Me neither. It makes sense Voss has a mole at NCIS. Considering his pull at Lackland, I’m sure we’ll find a few more before we’re done.”
Lach got up to pour himself a cup of coffee. “Then let’s hear what she has to say.” He came back and sat beside her again.
Gina sent a message back, saying she was willing to hear her out and that she had five minutes to call back.
It took only a second before her phone rang.
“My name is Lynn Carr. Senior Special Agent, NCIS.” She paused. “I’m the one who gave Voss the Watchdog connection.”
Gina studied her voice—steady but fraying at the edges. Lachlan looked at Gina. Her gaze mirrored everything she was thinking.
She’s practiced at composure. But she’s afraid, and there’s something else there, not just fear. Guilt maybe?
“Go on.”
“I’ve been monitoring Ray Castillo since his dismissal. Not only him. Voss had a standing arrangement with me—any investigation into LRH from anyone, I flagged it and reported back. Ray’s been fighting his dismissal since Mira Walsh died, and lately, he’s been making headway. I passed that info along.” Her voice tightened. “I didn’t know what Voss would do. That’s not an excuse,” she added quickly.
