She looked away, dreading the conversation that was about to ensue. “It’s not so simple.”

“What?”

“It’s not good.”

“Just tell me, and we’ll work through it. None of this is any good.”

She prepared herself for a negative reaction from Hunter. “Nick and I were romantically involved.”

Hunter’s jaw twitched, but he didn’t say a word. His face said it all.

“Yeah. I told you it was bad. Let’s get out of here and take a walk, and I’ll explain.” They got out of the car and started down the neighborhood sidewalk.

“It was an actual relationship?” Hunter asked.

“Yeah, but we had to keep it under wraps, given the optics. We weren’t in the same chain of command, but still, I didn’t want anyone to know. That was part of the appeal, I guess. And he was so interested in me and my career, I kinda got wrapped up in all of that. When things got a bit too intense for me, I bailed, and it didn’t go well.”

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier? He could be the one targeting you.”

“Because I knew you’d think less of me.”

He put his hand on her back. “Layla, that’s not possible. We’re human. So you dated this guy. It’s not the end of the world, but it could have a big impact on this investigation. Did others know?”

“Bryce figured it out. That was another reason I was so hesitant to ever get involved with him. I’d been down that road once with someone at Langley, and I wasn’t doing it again. Beyond Bryce, I don’t know if Nick told anyone. If I had to guess, I’d say no. He liked to play things close to the vest in all aspects of life. It made him feel more powerful. I was naïve. He was so smooth, and I fell quickly.”

“How long ago were you with Nick?”

“About a year. I ended it. In total, we lasted about four months.”

“Bryce thinks Nick could be out for revenge. Would Nick be aware of the IG investigation?”

“Before I saw the content of it, I would’ve said no, but if they’re saying I’m working with Al-Nidal, I’d have to think that someone has briefed him or will brief him very soon on that, given his seniority level.”

“I think you have to talk to him.”

She groaned. “I can’t get into Langley.”

“I assume you know of other ways to contact him?”

“Yes.” Although that wasn’t what she wanted to do. Dealing with Nick was never a simple task. His complex nature was one of the many things that had drawn her to him, but that felt like a lifetime ago now.