“It was my understanding from the post-op briefing I got from DEA that the mission was a success, but there were some casualties on the cartel side.”

Layla nodded. “All from self-defense, though. Completely legitimate use of force by our team.” Even though she was just getting into fieldwork, she had been drilled hard on protocol and knew that they had dotted all their I’s and crossed all their T’s on the mission. She’d been impressed that no one in the DEA had wanted to cut any corners.

“I’m not questioning protocol.”

“Then, what is it?”

Scarlett looked away. “One of the men killed was Roberto Mejía.”

Layla’s heart sank. “I assume he’s related to Diego?”

“Roberto was Diego’s little brother.”

The full implication of Scarlett’s revelation was coming into focus. “You’re telling me that someone on our team killed the leader of the cartel’s little brother?”

“Yeah, so now you potentially have Diego seeking payback.”

“Have you told the others?”

“Not yet. Getting down here to see you was my top priority.”

Layla was so glad that Scarlett was there. She’d been a guiding force in Layla’s career. What started out as a professional mentoring relationship had become a valued friendship. “Brett just came to see me.”

Scarlett’s eyes lit up. “I’m glad he checked on you. Sometimes he’s a bit dense with these things.”

“He wasn’t just inquiring about my well-being.”

Scarlett raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

“He told me that I’ve been put on administrative leave, pending an IG investigation.”

The shock on Scarlett’s face mirrored Layla’s own emotions.

“So you didn’t know anything about this?”

“Of course not. Why would you be investigated?”

That was the million-dollar question. “Brett claimed ignorance. Said it went up the chain and was out of his control, and that I’d be hearing from the IG’s office soon.”

Scarlett leaned closer to her. “Layla, this isn’t good. IG investigations can put a blot on your record forever.”

Layla sighed. “But what am I supposed to do about it?”

“Fight it. Hard.” Scarlett’s eyes sparked. “Do not roll over on this. Get legal counsel. Someone you trust and who has the requisite security clearances. I know you went to law school, but you shouldn’t defend yourself.”

Hearing how dire Scarlett made the situation sound only made Layla feel worse. “Okay.”

Scarlett squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry. You’ve been through a hugely traumatic event today, but I want to make sure that you’re covered so you can handle this investigation and get your record cleared. You are way too valuable to the Agency for them to mess around with something like this.”

“What are you saying?”