Page 117 of Only the Hunter

“Senator Julian Ward,” Quinn says. “He’s a senior senator. Sits on some prized committees. And he was close with Elena Vasquez, the former chief of staff.”

“That was Brie’s case, right?” Brie traced an extortionist business straight to her doorstep, and rather than face prosecution, Vasquez offed herself.

“That’s right,” Quinn says. “Brie’s all in on researching this lead. And it’s worth exploring. Ward’s been a vocal opponent of expanding FBI trafficking investigation resources, and interestingly, also a proponent of curbing illegal immigration. And he’s got documented shadiness.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s cut deals in the past with media outlets to keep his son’s extracurriculars out of the paper.”

“Extracurriculars. Meaning?”

“Drugs. Driving. All kept out of the paper and no charges filed, but rumors are rampant,” Quinn says.

“Qualifies as a Person of Interest.” I jot down notes for Evie. “Who else?”

“Well, some on our list are by virtue of position. No evidence. Rebecca Hanford,” Quinn says.

“Evie’s boss.”

“She authorized dropping the case.”

“So at the very least someone gave her an order and she complied,” I say.

“In her position, compliance is corruption,” Quinn says. “Then there’s Brian Vrell. He’s the DHS official that signed the transfer. Evie found his name,” Quinn says.

“Right, but he’s not a leader in the operation.”

“I agree,” Quinn says, sounding a little too chipper for what we’re discussing. “It’s possible he even has limited knowledge. Maybe took a bribe and doesn’t even know who from.”

“That’s worth a prison sentence,” I say. One thing I know from my time in the military is that you need to rely on your team.

“We’ve got a host of Alpine Refuge Network contacts that we’re fleshing out further. And then there’s a Dahlia Evans,” Quinn says.

“She’s one we want you to tackle,” Hudson says.

“Me? Why?” The name sounds oddly familiar but I can’t place it.

“She’s a retired CIA colleague of your fathers,” Quinn says. “When I was investigating Meridian, her name came up, and I saw the connection to you. She signed your recommendation for Military Intelligence Officer training.”

That’s why it’s familiar. Mom called in a favor for me.

“Why do you think she’s involved?”

“She might not be. She’s retired. But she’s done a lot with Meridian. Worked for them for a few years after she left the CIA. We thought you’d be our best chance at getting an insider’s view of Meridian—maybe you can get her to drop some power player names.”

Truth is, I’d like to reach out to more of my dad’s former colleagues. I’ve always viewed them as dead ends, given they won’t violate national security standards for a fallen officer’s curious son, but maybe if I build some relationships that could change.

“I’m on it,” I say. “Send me her deets.”

“It’s in the portal,” Quinn says.

Of course it is. Everything’s in the portal.

“Noah’s going to follow the DHS authorization chain,” Hudson says. “I’ve got Jake coming out to assist with security. And Syd is working the Rebecca Hanford angle.”

“On your suspect list, let’s add Special Agent Daniel Price.”

“What have you got?” Hudson asks.