Page 75 of Absolution

Drew walks around me, pitting one on each side of me. “Can you slow down and explain to us what you saw.”

“Aaron was talking to Riggins.” My body quakes as rage rocks me. “I should’ve known, Riggins was so fucking pissed that day. He didn’t even want to be there!”

“What did they talk about?” Jackson leans against the door. I’m not an idiot, it’s so I can’t bolt down the hall and beat Aaron until he talks.

“Me!” I pound my chest. “My worth, dead versus alive.”

Drew comes a little closer, his voice lowers. “Was Aaron working with Riggins or the other way around?”

“I-I think Aaron was a passer-by, not working in conjunction with Riggins and his men. Aaron wasn’t present for every conversation.” I run my hands through my hair as I consider pulling it out by the fistfuls.

A knock at the door puts us all on edge, Jackson steps back and allows it to open. Mark and Quinn rush in, loaded down with files. Jackson helps to clear the table, laying them out in order.

“Riggins was never found. He’s been on the radar from the beginning, but there was no proof he was involved.” Mark’s words are short and menacing.

Quinn holds out another folder for me. “Aaron was in the city at the same time you were, but his dealings were with one man only. It wasn’t Riggins.”

“Agreed, he was only there the one time. I have no recollection of the other men. I can’t even tell you what they looked like.”

“So, let’s go with what we do know.” Jackson rubs his chin, wheels turning. “Aaron was in the same city, and he did see Creed. Riggins was working with others, possibly Americans, and his body was never recovered.”

“Riggins is the prime suspect; Aaron may know something, but is it worth trying to get it out of him?” Quinn adds.

Drew steps up. “I can try hypnosis.”

“We have no other choice. Do it.” Mark interjects. “We have people on the ground there, I’ll put the word out now that we know who we’re looking for, it should be easier to get some intel on him.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket, I pull it free, and a flood of memories hit me. I stumble back, knocked off balance by the details of my life flashing like a strobe light in my head.

Drew catches me, helping me to a chair. “What are you remembering?”

“Not a memory,” I choke on the pieces of my life coming at me like rising bile. “events over the past two years, facts I had misplaced.”

“Facts? Like what?” Quinn stands to my side, everyone staring at me, and all I want to do is shout at them, scream at the top of my lungs for nothing, and everything.

I lace my fingers when my hands begin to tremble. “I hate this. All of it. This is exactly why I didn’t want to remember.”

“Creed, is this about Riggins or something else?” Drew sits in front of me, making me face all of my demons. Even those I’m still not ready to see.

My eyes dart around the room, plotting my escape once this is done. I swallow hard, readying for a fight. “Who knew?”

“Knew what? About your injury or the mission?” Drew’s brows knit.

My jaw ticks as I grind the words from my mouth. “I want to know how many of you knew Riggins was unaccounted for?”

“Everyone.” Jackson steps forward, realization written on his face. My body quakes uncontrollably, and I jump from my seat, flipping it over.

“I can’t believe this!” My hands knot in my hair. “Who decided on this?”

“Slow down. We’re not understanding what’s happening.” Drew stands, moving his chair from my line of pacing.

I whirl around, glowering at Jackson. “You seem to be the only one wanting to tell me the truth. Just say it.”

“We all knew Riggins was unaccounted for, but you were in no shape to hear it. All of the doctors and command made the decision for the rest of us.”

“You all knew?”

“Yes, we all fucking knew. What did you want? To be told and possibly blow the only chance you had or any of us of finding the truth?” Jackson’s eyes darken, his nostrils flare. Jackson’s angry, I get it. But he thinks he’s angry, he ain’t seen shit!