He’d let Cass know what was going on because he needed someone he could trust on his side. “I have a lot on my mind. I know you do too. Today’s questioning felt like a fishing expedition. If they really had the goods on me, I wouldn’t be sitting here with you right now. It turned out those intercepts weren’t fully vetted, and there’s nothing concrete for them to bring against me. They weren’t able to point to any other evidence either, other than the fact that I’m the only team member who hasn’t been directly targeted by the cartel.”

Cass frowned. “I’m so sorry they’re putting you through this charade. They must be desperate if they have to point the finger at you.”

“It’s really nagging at me that someone would choose me as the person to finger as the traitor. Maybe it’s because of my military history, but it hurts even worse because of that.”

Cass nodded. “Zane, anyone who has ever dealt with you knows you operate with the highest level of integrity. You’re completely loyal, honest, and though sometimes it drives me crazy, you always play by the book. I have no doubt that your name will be cleared, and they will find out who the real mole is.” She looked up at him with her big brown eyes. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but we still don’t know one hundred percent that Mason is clean.”

“I don’t know, Cass. He seems about as unlikely a suspect as me. We have to dig deeper and assume there are darker forces at work here that don’t follow the rules.” Zane had found out the hard way that sometimes being a rule follower could get you in more trouble. But he also wanted to be able to sleep at night and know in his mind, in his heart, and in his soul that he’d done the right thing. That was the way he lived his life.

Cass put her laptop aside and turned to face him as she moved in a little closer. “I’ve been totally consumed with my own issues. I’m sorry I haven’t been more in tune with what you’ve been facing.”

“Don’t give it a second thought. We’re partners, right? That’s what we do. We look out for each other no matter what problem or danger we’re facing. I’m really glad you decided to come to the safe house. I sleep better at night knowing you’re here.”