Page 3 of Security Breach

Fifteen minutes later, he turned into the long, winding driveway of the Rocking M. As he parked in front of the family home, his cell phone rang. Biting back a groan, David answered without glancing at the screen. “Sheriff Montgomery.”

“Sheriff, this is Special Agent Craig Jordan.”

His head dropped back against the head rest of the driver’s seat. Fantastic. His least favorite federal agent. Great way to end an endless day. “You’re up early.”

A snort. “Some of us don’t have cushy 9 to 5 jobs. I’m awake because I haven’t been to bed yet.”

Join the club, buddy. “What’s this about, Agent Jordan?”

“We need to meet.”

“About what?”

“Not something to discuss on the phone.”

He scowled. “My phone is encrypted.” Something he’d insisted on when he was elected as sheriff of his home county. Strained his budget, but unsecured phones could be compromised.

Jordan rattled off the address of the FBI field office in Nashville. “Meet me in two hours.”

“This can’t wait until the sun comes up?”

“Depends on how fast you want a response to your next request for assistance from the FBI.”

“Blackmail, Jordan? That’s a low blow.”

“Two hours,” the agent insisted and ended the call.

Growling, David sent his brother Owen a text, asking him to cover his shift in the morning. He had no idea what Jordan wanted, but the sooner he went, the faster he could return home and sleep.

Somehow, he had to convince the citizens of Morgan County that he needed more deputies to protect the growing population. Being short-staffed led to mistakes and endangered his deputies and the citizens of Morgan County.

After a quick stop at the gas station to fuel up and purchase the biggest cup of coffee the store sold, David drove to the FBI field office in Nashville. He maneuvered through early morning commuters, amazed at how many cars were on the road at this hour. Thank goodness his county was distant enough to escape the urban sprawl and exploding population of Metro Nashville.

He parked in the underground garage as he’d been instructed by Jordan. After taking a few seconds to stretch following the drive, David strode toward the elevator. In less than a minute, the car stopped at the lobby and the doors slid open.

When David stepped out, a tall man with a broad chest and an impatient expression on his face strode toward him.

“Come with me, Montgomery,” Agent Jordan said, his words clipped.

He fell into step beside him. “What, no small talk? I’m hurt.”

The other man slid a glance his direction. “Fine. What took you so long? Did you have to kiss the little woman goodbye?”

Irritation washed over him. The only woman he wanted to kiss was no longer in his life. “You wanted me here. I’m here. What’s so important that we couldn’t talk about it on the phone?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Jordan continued to move deeper into the bowels of the building. Deep in the inner core, he turned a corner and strode toward two men standing guard in front of a room. “Unlock the door.”

After one of the men did as ordered, Jordan looked at David and inclined his head toward the room. “Go on in. I’ll return in a few minutes to answer your questions. Agents Wallace and Kinski will stay on watch in the hall. You’re safe here.” With that last enigmatic statement, Jordan retraced his steps down the hall.

David frowned. What did he mean by that? Even if these two agents weren’t on the door, he was more than capable of protecting himself. Besides, who would be foolish enough to launch an attack at an FBI field office?

He twisted the knob and opened the door. Inside the room, a dim light illuminated the interior. Once his eyes adjusted, he noticed someone standing at the window, peering out at the cityscape visible through the glass.

A woman. Why hadn’t Jordan announced him? When he moved further into the room, one of the agents in the hallway closed David in and locked the door. What was going on?

He shifted his gaze to study the woman standing with her back to the door. Something about her was familiar, but the lighting made it difficult to pinpoint what.

“Did you find him, Agent Jordan?” the woman asked with a soft voice.

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