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The single file cabinet was one that had the capability of locking, yet it wasn’t. As I flipped through the third drawer, a series of strange sensations washed through me. It was like someone was watching me, even though it would need to be through binoculars from another tall building. Still, I looked over my shoulder more than once. I grabbed the thick file, shaking as I stared at it. Searching through it would come later.
After placing it on the desk, I moved to his safe that no one knew he kept in his office, the small enclosure located in a false bottom in his credenza. I’d found the code months before on his phone, memorizing it. The reason? I’d caught him in a lie regarding a case he’d been working on. I’d forgotten all about it. Later he’d explained it away, giving me enough confidence in his answer that I’d shoved the incident aside. But I knew it meant something.
Cassian studied me intently as I opened the safe, finding several jump drives inside. There was nothing glaring, but I knew that whatever was on the drives would implicate him. I stared at the closed door then moved to his computer, hoping they hadn’t shut down his access yet. As I waited, I continued to think about the memory that I still couldn’t place.
Then I jumped when Gregory’s access screen came on.
After inserting one of the drives, I powered through it, allowing my fingers to fly. It didn’t take long to realize I was right. Not only had he intentionally compromised several of his previous cases, he’d also made several notes indicating he was working with someone. As I continued to search, I pressed my hand across my mouth.
Not just someone. Several ‘someones.’ “Oh, my God,” I whispered, quickly inserting another drive then another. The pattern was clear, and the more time Gregory was involved with the well-planned scheme, the more his arrogance showed, his notes more descriptive.
As I inserted the last one, the knot in my stomach increased. At least there was proof that he’d deposited the goddamn money in my account. In doing so, it would appear he’d undercut the group of people he was working with.
He stole the money from them. Why? Greed. He was playing both sides. And he’d kept what appeared to be his version of a little black book. Jesus. When I heard Harry’s booming voice only a few feet away, I quickly ejected the drive, shoving it into the pocket of my skirt. Then I selected another one to ensure that I had the ammunition I needed.
As Harry threw open the door, the first thing he did was stare at Cassian.
“Cassian. Would you leave me alone with my boss? I’ll be right here.” I could tell the soldier wasn’t used to following anyone’s orders but Alexei’s. However, he did as I asked, although my guess was that he would remain just outside the door.
After Harry closed the door, he moved to one of the chairs in front of Gregory’s desk, sitting down. He studied me intently before speaking. “You and I have known each other for a long time.”
“Yes, sir. We have.”
“I’ve never questioned your personal life. I believe everyone has a right to enjoy their friends and family as they see fit. However, I am concerned about your relationship with Mr. Kozlov. As you might imagine, it does place our office in a precarious position.”
“I know that, and I’m prepared to offer my resignation.”
“I’m surprised you’re giving up that easily.”
“I’m not giving up anything, Harry. I’m choosing. For once in my life I’m deciding what I want for me. Not because my sister was murdered. Not because I had my own personal vendetta to bring the person responsible down. And certainly not because a man decided to push me, believing I was pliable. Gregory needed a trophy on his arm. That’s what I gave him. That’s never going to happen again. I love the law. I love righting wrongs, but I accept that this isn’t the location where I can do my best work.”
“Did I ever tell you that I knew your father?”
I wasn’t necessarily surprised. He’d been a highly respected detective with the New York police, receiving dozens of accolades. “No.”
“I think that’s one reason I hired you. I noticed the same tenacity your father had. He was a good man who worked tirelessly taking cases few other detectives of his caliber wanted to handle. Such a shame about your parents’ death.” When I didn’t say anything, he shook his head. “I’m sorry. The last thing you need is reliving another difficult time.”
“It’s okay, Harry. I think about him often.”
He nodded several times before eyeing the various drives on the desk’s surface. “I didn’t tell you why Gregory was fired because I didn’t want to cause you any further pain, but I have a feeling you already either know or suspect that he’d shifted his loyalty to the other side of the law. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to prove what both Frank and I have suspected for over a year.”
I pushed the drives across the desk. “I think you’ll find what you need, although the police will also need to see it. I trust you’ll know what to do.”
“Why do I feel like you’re supplied me with a ticking timebomb?”
“Consider is nothing more than a shakeup in the world of law enforcement. You’ll weather the storm. I’ll have that resignation letter to you tomorrow if that’s alright. Now, I need to try and help someone I care about.”
“I heard about Mr. Kozlov’s arrest. Are you prepared to tell me that there was no possibility that he killed Gregory?” He lifted his head as I stood.
I thought about what he was asking and for once, doing the right thing meant breaking the rules.
And the law.
“Yes, sir. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
He studied me as he’d done before, finally nodding. “Then this office will refuse to prosecute. Unfortunately, one of our attorneys is already at the courthouse. Given the nature of the crime and of course Mr. Kozlov’s reputation, we’re requesting no bail be allowed.”
“I anticipated that. However, I plan on being in the courtroom today.”
