The conversation had taken a turn he wasn’t ready for. He was still struggling to answer the major question that lingered in his head: Why had God left him?

CHAPTER
EIGHT

Zane picked up his cell when he saw it was Hunter calling. “What’s up?”

“There’s been another incident.”

Zane looked over at Cass, who sat on the sofa beside him. They had just finished lunch at her apartment and were planning their next move. He put the call on speaker as Hunter recounted a harrowing tale.

“That’s brazen, man,” Zane said.

“My thoughts too. This is a move right out of the revenge playbook,” Hunter said. “Bold, reckless, and with little regard for getting caught.”

“Well, cartel hit men don’t have a choice. If they’re given an order, they have to follow it or be killed on the spot. Where are you now?” Zane asked.

“We’re at my place. Layla’s upstairs in the guest room, resting per doctor’s orders. I’m trying to figure out the best way to help. I’m worried about her safety, but the CIA is stationing a security detail at her condo that will be ready by tonight. I’m not letting her leave here until that’s in place.”

Zane looked at Cass, who was frowning. “That’s good news. I’m glad she let Langley know. Given the threat level, I wouldn’t say no to any offer of security.”

“She isn’t exactly trusting them right now, and I can’t blame her, but she felt she had no choice in the matter.”

“I’m going to let the DEA know. This was our op. I want Mason to be fully in the loop on this.”

“All right. I’ll stay in touch.”

“Roger that.” Zane ended the call. “What’s up, Cass? I can see those wheels turning.”

She rubbed her bloodshot eyes. “Why not try to kill us all?”

“What, do you have some sort of death wish?”

Cass shook her head. “Of course not, but the guy at my place didn’t even make an attempt on my life. You haven’t been targeted at all. Why?”

He bristled. “You can’t possibly be insinuating that I’m somehow involved in this.”

She laughed. “I know better than that.”

“All right.” He didn’t really think it was a laughing matter, but she didn’t appear to be accusing him of anything.

Cass shifted on the couch to face him. “Think this through. Why focus on Diaz and Layla? Maybe if we figure that out, we’re closer to breaking this thing open.”