“Seems like it could be legit, but I wanted to pick your brain. You know a lot of the Agency officers who work in the region. I’ve done some digging, and one name keeps coming up as a potentially promising lead.”

“Who is it?” Scarlett asked.

“The last thing I want to do is wrongly throw someone under the bus, because I’m living through that situation now, but I trust you, and I know you’ll be discreet about this.”

“Absolutely. My lips are sealed.”

She knew Scarlett wouldn’t act on anything she was saying. “The name is Keith Hammond.”

Scarlett’s eyes lit up. “Yes, I’m familiar with Keith. He’s been in Honduras off and on for the past couple of years. He’s known as a tough operator who isn’t afraid to make waves. I can’t say that he has anything to do with this, but he would be a good possible fit for the profile.”

Layla grabbed Scarlett’s hand. Maybe this would be a much-needed break. “That’s valuable insight. We’ll run it down, and I promise we won’t do anything that will compromise him without real evidence.”

Scarlett squeezed her hand. “I’ll do anything I can to help you, but I’m worried about your safety.”

“But you just commented on my great security detail.”

“They’re only here with you at your condo. When you leave, you’re out there on your own.”

“Not exactly. Hunter is my shadow right now.”

“That’s a good thing. Keep it up. I can’t say I’m a big fan of him, given how he treated you, but it seems like he still cares about you and is willing to go to the mat. You need people like that surrounding you.”

“Yeah. I can’t live under a rock forever, but the way I understand it, if Diego wants you killed, then you don’t make it out alive.”

Scarlett patted her shoulder. “Drug lords may have a lot of power, but you still have the resources of the US government behind you and a great head on your shoulders. You’re going to make it through this.”

Layla looked down. “I can’t say the same about John Diaz.”

Scarlett hung her head. “John was a great agent and a good man. Really a decent guy, and there aren’t many men like that anymore.”

“You know how these cartels work a lot better than I do. Why haven’t they touched Zane? He was on the op.”

“Maybe they don’t know he was there. That would be my best guess. Or they have a bigger plan for him down the road. Or . . . I hate to even say this.”

Layla shook her head. “No. Zane isn’t working with them.”