Page 59 of Whistleblower

“How many people?”

His watering eyes meet mine. “As many as they can.”

“Hector,” I say, placing my palm on his cheek. “In hindsight, I’d do everything with Empress again, the exact same way.”

It feels like there’s silence for ages as I hold his cheek. The pulse of hope seems to flatline, but then, barely audible, he speaks.

“Huxley’s,” he whispers. “Huxley’s on 48th street. It’s an abandoned mechanic shop.” The tears begin to stream down his face and I mop them up with the back of my palm. “Chip,” he says with a shaky breath. I pop the final chip from the snack-sized bag in his mouth and he can barely chew. He begins to bumble hysterically. “I’m scared.”

“You’re going to be okay.” I use my most comforting voice. Jesus, he’s only nineteen. Still a kid. “You did a good thing, Hector. It’s all going to be okay. You will be protected.” I’ll make damn sure of it.

Suddenly the interrogation door opens and I see a brief flash of fear in Hector’s eyes, so I know who it is.

“We confirmed the location. Interview over,” Linc says at the door. I rise, feeling the ache in my thighs and calves from squatting for so long. There’s a jingling coming from Linc’s pocket as he walks over to us. Hector cowers, but Linc is unbothered. Making his way behind the chair, Linc unlocks Hector’s cuffs, his eyes on me the entire time. His expression is mixed with anger, fear, and relief. I’m not sure which of those is because of me. Maybe all of them.

“Do you understand what I’m capable of if you try to hurt her?” Linc asks coldly before he points to Hector’s bound feet.

Hector rubs his freed wrists, moaning in appreciation at the relief. “Calm down, you dick. Bambi might be my only friend in the world now.”

I roll my eyes and exhale deeply. Let’s not provoke the man who could kill you with his bare hands, hm? Regardless, Linc unties Hector’s feet and he quickly stands.

“You’ll stay here until transport tomorrow. You will be taken to a remote facility where you’ll await trial. Your arresting officer will read you your rights. We’ll make sure a certain amount of amnesty will be granted for your cooperation”—Linc glances at me—“and your discretion. Clear?”

Hector nods as he beats his fists against his thighs, trying to get the blood moving in his legs. “Is that all?”

“What do you want to eat? We’ll order something for you.” Linc asks like the words taste bad on his tongue.

“The fattest burger you can find. Extra cheese. Lots of fries. And I want a toothbrush and toothpaste.” He flashes Linc his teeth. “Please,” he adds sarcastically.

“Anything else?” Linc asks.

“I’ll let you know,” Hector says, pointing to the glass. “I’m assuming I’ll be watched?”

Linc nods before he holds his hand out to me. “Come on.” Relieved, I lace my fingers between his, feeling his warm bear paw wrap around my hand that feels child-sized in his.

“Bambi?” Hector calls out before I’m through the door. I turn around as Linc lets out an unsubtle exhale of exasperation. “My real name is Roman.”

“Thank you, Roman.” A warm smile crosses my face as I picture hope for this boy, a second chance for a better life, free from the tyrannical men whose evil plans are about to be foiled and who are about to face justice.

“What’s yours?”

“It’s Ed—Ah!”

Linc yanks me through the door, letting it slam behind me before I can say my name.

TWENTY-ONE

LINC

Callen asked me to join the raid at Huxley’s, but I told him to fuck off. If nothing else, Eden earned us both a night off. If the FBI can’t handle this on their own, what good are they?

It’s nearly four in the morning when Eden and I head to her apartment. Parking in her building was full so we had to leave my car four blocks away. I’d never tolerate her walking around alone at this time of night, but I’m with her now. I’ll keep her safe. The next person who threatens or harasses her doesn’t need to fear the FBI, they need to fear me. I’m much scarier than the law when it comes to something that’s precious to me.

The car ride was nearly silent. We’re still quiet as we walk, hand in hand, through the bitter cold of night. The only sound is our shoes crunching on the sidewalk. Finally, we both decide to break the silence at the same time.

“I’m sorry—”

“Eden, I—”