“Do you mind if I take it? I’d feel safer with it.”

“I don’t know that you should be holding on to a firearm right now. Let’s get you calmed down first. We have the Agency detail right outside the door, and I’m in here with you. You’ll be fine. I promise.”

As long as Scarlett didn’t have the gun either, Layla was in good shape. She could block Scarlett’s path if need be. It also occurred to her that there could be something in the tea. Maybe she was being paranoid, but she couldn’t risk it.

Layla placed the tea on the coffee table. “I think I’m in shock.”

“What did Bryce say?”

“He was the one who set me up with the IG investigation. He also sold me out to the cartel by providing information on the safe house location. Can you imagine what that type of betrayal feels like? He was one of my friends.” She purposely said that to gauge Scarlett’s reaction. But there was nothing to show that Scarlett was flustered by it.

“I knew he was bad news, but good grief. He served you up to the cartel. I hope he’s en route to a black site right now where he’ll rot for years.”

Layla shook her head. “No. They’re doing this by the book. Lawyers and all.” She paused. “I just didn’t realize someone’s thirst for revenge could be so great.”

Scarlett took her hand, and it took all her willpower not to yank it away. “I’ve told you before, Layla, it’s a harsh world out there. People you think are on your side can stab you in the back.”

She squeezed Scarlett’s hand before dropping it. “You’d know something about that, wouldn’t you?”

Scarlett raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Layla jumped up and ran over to the table where the gun was. She picked it up and pointed it toward Scarlett. She wasn’t messing around.

“Layla, what are you doing?” Scarlett asked.

“You betrayed me, Scarlett. You betrayed the DEA team. I want to know why. I deserve answers. You owe me that, at least.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Put the gun down and let’s talk about this.” Scarlett took a step forward.

“Don’t move a single inch, or I will shoot.”

“No, you won’t. That’s not your style.”

“Oh, my style has changed greatly over the past twenty-four hours. Stinging betrayal has a way of putting things in a whole different light. So we’re going to do this again. How long have you been working for the cartel?”

Scarlett’s face reddened, and Layla knew, after looking into her eyes, that Hunter had been right. There was not going to be an innocent explanation.

“How did you find out?” Scarlett’s voice wavered.