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I didn’t bother reciting the number.
“It’s benign enough,” Noah offered after a moment of silence.
“I know, but why now?”
He was quiet for long enough then that I sensed something was up. “What?” I pressed.
“This is just weird. I’m gonna have to talk to Dallas, but Jonathon’s name showed up in the investigation we’re handling right now. Because of it, I won’t be officially on the investigation going forward.”
“What?! Do you think him reaching out to her has something to do with this?”
“Maybe, maybe not. The timing is strange.”
“What’s the investigation about?”
I could feel his hesitation vibrating through the phone line. “Noah, please tell me. I won’t tell Quinn. I just want to make sure she’s okay and keep her safe.”
“His name popped up in a case relating to identity theft and money laundering. That’s it. It could be completely benign, and frankly, he could be a victim. This email may not even be from him if that’s the case. I’m sure you’ve already gone over all the safety issues related to online stuff, but it never hurts to chat about it again. I’ll talk to Dallas and ask if he’s comfortable talking with you and her. I think he will be because he’d want to interview you both. It might be him, or it might be Cole. He’s another agent and a good friend of mine.”
My heart was thumping unsteadily, and dread coated the insides of my stomach. I took a quick breath.
“Noah—” I began, my words stuttering to a stop because I didn’t know what I meant to say. I just wanted my worry to ease.
“Do you want me to come over?” he asked, his voice low.
A rush of emotion swelled inside, tears pricking hot in the back of my eyes. Not because I was sad, but rather because it was startling how easily he was attuned to me. I needed comfort, and I wanted him to be the one to give it to me. And I so,sovery much wanted to fall asleep wrapped in his strong embrace.
“I want you to, but it’s late, and then there will be things to explain to Quinn in the morning.”
“I know. I can’t wait until I can be there, but I know we need to take it at the pace that’s right for her.”
After we got off the phone, my thoughts chased each other in circles. I was worried about Quinn’s father contacting her and I was missing Noah.
ChapterTwenty-One
NOAH
Quinn’s eyes were round behind her glasses when she looked from me to her mother and back again. “Why?” she asked. Her gaze lingered on me, narrowing in suspicion.
“Because your father’s name appeared in an investigation. That doesn’t mean he’s done anything wrong, and in fact, his identity may have been stolen. I have permission to tell you that, so I am. I don’t want your mother to forward that email unless it’s okay with you. It was originally sent to you,” I pointed out.
Quinn pushed her glasses up on her nose, rolling her eyes. “Like I didn’t know that,” she said pointedly. “I’ll forward it to you. What’s your email?” She was all business now, sliding her phone out of her pocket and tapping on the screen.
I quickly recited my email address, and she tapped it in. “There.” Her eyes lifted to mine. “Make sure it made it.”
She looked at me expectantly, so I obediently pulled my phone out of my jacket pocket and checked my email. In a second, her email appeared. “It’s there. Thank you. Have you replied to him yet?”
Quinn shook her head quickly, the ponytail on top of her head swinging back and forth. “I thought I’d wait until you tell me it’s okay. After Mom said you wanted to ask me, it seemed best to wait.”
“You don’t have to wait,” I replied.
She shrugged. “I’d rather. If someone is being squirrelly and pretending they’re him, I’d rather know that. And if it is him, well, geez, he’s never going to win dad of the year.”
Figuring it was best if I didn’t agree with that, I simply said, “Well, whatever you choose to do, if you could keep your mom and me in the loop, that would be great.”
“Sure thing, FBI,” Quinn deadpanned as she spun away to open the refrigerator.
When I risked a glance at Sasha, her lips were tight at the corners, and I knew she was trying not to laugh.
