“No way. I’m not bringing you into this any more than you already are. I have a state-of-the-art security system here, and I’m more than confident in my gun-handling skills.”

Viv was quiet for a moment. “Maybe you should reach out to Hunter.”

“You cannot be serious.”

“He’s a PI. Maybe he can help.”

Layla tried to stay calm. “Even if I was to consider your suggestion, there are a million reasons why I shouldn’t.”

“Layla, I know you don’t want to hear it, but I have to be in brutal-honesty mode right now. You’ve got multiple threats coming at you from all sides, and we can’t be sure what the exact cause is.”

“But then what? I reach out and what happens?”

“I don’t have the answers, but a PI would be just the person to help you investigate—especially in relation to the IG review.”

“You know it’s a lot more difficult than me just picking up the phone and calling Hunter. There is so much history there. If you’re right and I need someone, then I should find an investigator who can start with a blank slate. Be objective. Not bring all the baggage with him.”

Viv’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah, but you can’t do that, because no one else can know what you do for a living. Hunter is one of the few people who already does know. That’s a game changer.”

“I can’t go to him for help. There’s no trust there anymore. I’ll have to do this my way.” Layla hugged Viv tightly. “But thank you, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

On Sunday, DEA Agent Zane Carter walked out of an Alexandria sub shop and headed to his SUV. When someone grabbed his arm, he turned, ready for battle with his other fist reared back.

But he relaxed when he saw the woman in front of him. “Cass, you ought to be glad I didn’t flatten you.”

“I need to talk to you,” Cass said with a shaky voice.

“What’s wrong?”

“Let’s get into your car.”

“All right.” He unlocked his vehicle with the key fob, and Cass jumped into the passenger seat. He’d worked with Cass for about four years, and he’d never seen her act like this. She was always so level-headed. Cool as a cucumber, regardless of the mission or danger they faced in the field.

For a split second, the unthinkable occurred to him. What if Cass was strung out on something? It wouldn’t be the first time something like that had happened to even celebrated agents. But he quickly pushed that thought out of his mind and turned his attention back to her.

“Talk to me, Cass.”

“Drive.”

He did as she instructed.

“The cartel is out to kill our team.”