Mason walked up to the front of the room and cleared his throat. “Thanks for everyone getting together so quickly.”

Zane looked over at Cass, and they made eye contact before she quickly looked away. The cold shoulder continued. “Do you have something good for us?” he asked.

Mason ran his hand through his short dark hair. “Unfortunately, no. It’s actually very bad news.”

The room was eerily quiet. No one had been expecting this. Zane was sure everyone had been hoping for a break in the case.

“What is it?” Cass asked.

Mason looked at her. “Some of the cash seized from the op is missing.”

“What?” Layla asked. “How is that possible? We did the inventory checks ourselves, both in Honduras and once we got back stateside.”

Mason sighed loudly. “That’s precisely the problem. There’s concern from the higher-ups that someone on this team is compromised.”

“You think we took the money?” Zane didn’t even try to stay calm. This was becoming completely ridiculous. “Every day it’s a new accusation against us, and frankly, Mason, it’s getting old. I’ve dealt with all the heat put on me, but it’s out of hand to call into question the other members of the team. If there’s evidence against any one of us, then by all means, bring it to the light of day, but all this speculation and innuendo is getting tiresome. Especially after everything each of us has done for the cause.” He paused, hoping someone would jump in and back him up.

“Zane’s right,” Cass said. “If you really thought we stole that money, you’d fire us here and now.”

Mason crossed his arms. “You all know I have your backs, but right now there’s only so much I can do. I’ve been given my orders.”

“And what are those?” Layla’s tone wasn’t much friendlier than Zane’s had been a moment ago.

“Each one of you is going to be questioned. Zane, they’re going to start with you.”

Zane gritted his teeth. “Great. They’ve already convicted me. What, first I’m a traitor and now I’m a thief too?”

Mason’s expression softened. “Man, I know this stinks. Just go in there, tell the truth, and we’ll figure this out.”

Zane wasn’t convinced, but he’d been in the game long enough to know that sitting around and complaining wasn’t going to solve anything. Better to get right to it. He stood up. “Where do I need to go?” No point in delaying the inevitable.

“I’ll escort you.” Mason turned to Cass and Layla. “Just sit tight.”

Great, now he also needed a babysitter to watch him while he walked around HQ. The cartel had done a big number on him. This was a master setup if he’d ever seen one.