Zane nodded. “None taken. We had some DEA muscle with us, but the four of us did all the strategic planning, and we were at the safe house with our guys, watching and monitoring every step of the way.”

Hunter leaned forward. “I’ll need a list of everyone involved, no matter how tangentially, so I can run deep background on all of them.”

Zane started typing on his cell. “Won’t be an issue. You’ll have it in your inbox within the hour.”

“The actual op went off without a hitch,” Cass said. “We were patting ourselves on the back, but I guess we celebrated too early.”

“So you got the cash and the drugs?” Hunter asked.

“Yes. Everything completely secured,” Cass answered.

“Casualties?” Hunter asked.

“None on our side, but the cartel suffered some,” Zane said. “But everything was by the book. We didn’t take any chances, and our plan was executed to a T.”

Layla spoke up. “One of the casualties was Roberto Mejía, the younger brother of Diego.”

Hunter let out a low whistle. “If Diego thinks one of you is responsible for his little brother’s death, then the threat matrix just went up infinitely.” He paused. “There is a possibility that it’s not a mole and that you got caught on the cartel’s surveillance cameras.”

“No, that’s not possible. We cut all the feeds,” Cass said.

“Maybe you thought you did but there was another system or a backup,” Hunter said. “And now the top cartel brass know who you are and are seeking revenge. That would explain the serious nature of the attacks.”

Layla had additional worries. “And they’re looking for something. Maybe for any of their cash or drugs.”

“Why would they think we’re dirty?” Zane asked.

“I don’t know.” It was one of the questions Layla had been debating. She was trying to block out the fact that Hunter was sitting in her living room and instead think about the details in front of her.

“I assume the Agency sanctioned your involvement in this work?” Hunter asked.

“Of course. I would never go rogue. I don’t break my word, and they have my unfettered loyalty.” She didn’t even try to hide her frustration.

Hunter let her accusation go. “The way I see it, you’re most likely either dealing with someone on the inside who gave you all up because they cut a deal with the cartel, or you were caught on a surveillance system you didn’t know about, and they’ve tracked you down.”