“That’s why I’m worried that they’re going to use this investigation to get the result they want. And the last thing I want to do right now is go back in the field. I feel like everything in my life right now is a field op. Just look at this.” She lifted her hands, gesturing around them. “I’m in a safe house with a full-time security detail. I can’t even go back to my own condo. We’ve been threatened in so many ways, and I don’t see an end in sight. The only way to stop the threat to my life is a takedown of the cartel once and for all. And that’s much easier said than done.”

“Yeah, it’s a tough order, but the good thing is that the entire DEA has a vested interest in bringing down the cartel. I can tell you from my conversations with Mason that it’s all hands on deck over there. This isn’t just about your team. I believe that when it’s all said and done, they’re going to be able to take down Diego. Once he’s gone, the threat against the team’s life is gone.”

“Now who’s the optimist? But you do have a point. I wish there was more I could do to help, but this isn’t my specialty area.”

“Well, thankfully it doesn’t have to be, because the whole DEA is on top of it. What about Scarlett? Could she help us with your internal investigation?”

“She has a lot of connections, but unfortunately her hands are tied on the IG stuff. That’s completely internal at the Agency, and the IG’s office is walled off from everything else. Scarlett thinks I’m far too naïve and that I could make a good case officer if I just got over myself. She’s much more hard-nosed than I’ll ever be, but she’s good for me. She balances me out.” Layla paused for a second. “Kinda like you do.” As the words came out of her mouth, she locked eyes with him. He still held her hand, and she gave it a squeeze. “I know we’ve been through more than most people, especially the craziness since we reconnected. But if I have to go through this, there’s no one I’d rather have at my side than you, Hunter.”

Silence hung between them for a moment.

“Layla, I feel the same way about you. I can’t wash away all the hurt from the past, everything that happened and my role in it, but I can make you new promises for the future if you’ll allow me.”