Frank stood as well. “Yes, we have what we need for now.” He turned to her. “You’ll be contacted about coming in for that polygraph. And given the totality of the circumstances, we have decided that it is best for you to stay at a CIA safe house.”

She hadn’t been expecting that. “Will I still have the security detail?”

“We don’t think that’s necessary at an Agency safe house. Of course, we’ll keep close tabs on you, and if the situation changes, we’ll adjust quickly.”

She studied him, unable to hide her skepticism. “I just want to understand the terms of engagement here. Am I free to move about as I want?”

Monty nodded. “Yes. The safe house is something the DEA was pushing for as well, and as we said, I believe it makes sense, given everything that has happened. However, we reiterate our request that you stay in the greater DC area. You’ll be sent the details on the safe house and can move in tonight.”

Layla wanted to hold her tongue but couldn’t. “When you find out that I was right about this, I want a full exoneration statement placed in my file. Are we clear on that?”

Frank leaned against the table. “If you’re telling the truth, then that shouldn’t be an issue. If, however, the evidence shows otherwise, then the Agency intends to pursue all legal remedies at its disposal.”

She wanted to throttle him, but she fought to keep her cool. Sensing that she was about to blow, Hunter took her arm and guided her out of the room.

They didn’t say much until they had driven off Langley’s campus, but she was about to erupt. “Can you believe that?”

She turned toward him, but he kept his eyes on the road as he responded. “Someone wants you out of the Agency and is willing to go to great lengths to make that happen.”

“How does this tie in to the DEA angle? We need to think about timing. Could this case against me have been created and put in motion after we were outed during the DEA op?”

“I find it difficult to see how they could’ve pulled that off, unless whoever is responsible knew about your DEA activity before your team was actually attacked. For me, the even bigger question is why the Agency is handling it this way.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Think about it, Layla. If those investigators really thought you were cavorting with a well-known terrorist, don’t you think they would’ve locked you up somewhere?”