Page 10 of Hidden Ascent

“With all due respect, agent, we have a job to do.”

“And so do I. When the police arrive, I’ll organize for a team from the feds to come in. We’ll need forensics in there, not paramedics. But if you want to waste your time hanging around, feel free. You can wait outside.”

“Can we at least look at that cut on your head? Did you lose consciousness when it happened?”

“Only for a second. I’m fine.”

When two cruisers pulled up at the curb, the paramedics returned to wait at the ambulance while Isla went to speak to the police.

She held out her badge as she approached until an unmarked car arrived, and a man she recognized got out.

“Baker? You’re okay?” Isla said.

“Should I not be?”

“It’s not safe. What are you doing here?”

“I should ask you the same thing. When I heard Fogarty’s address on that dispatch call, I came straight here. I thought tonight was your operation?”

One of the officers joined them and said, “You guys want to fill us in on what’s going on?”

Baker pulled out his badge. “Harris Baker. Department of Homeland Security.”

“This is a DHS matter?”

“Not quite. But we’re going to call in our friends. It’s one of ours in there.” He looked at Isla. “Is he okay?”

“He’s dead.”

Baker put his hands on his hips and blew out a slow breath. “Do you know who did it?”

“Officer, would you excuse us for a moment? And don’t go in the house. I want forensics in there before anyone else.”

She grabbed Baker’s arm to pull him aside, but he flinched. “Sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“No. I pulled a muscle this morning during my workout. It’s fine. So what’s going on?”

“It’s bad.”

“Fogarty’s dead. That is bad. Do you know if it was a hit? Or just a break-in gone wrong?”

“Iwason that operation tonight. They’re all dead.”

“Who? The Red Wolves? I thought we were taking everyone in for questioning. What happened?”

“Not them. My team. The Red Wolves knew we were coming.”

“Isla, what are you saying?”

“Didn’t you hear what I said?” She raised her voice. “Everyone is dead except me. I watched my whole team die.”

Baker put a hand on her arm to quiet her. “Okay. I hear you.” He looked across her shoulder at the police. More had turned up. “Keep your voice down.”

“Sorry. I’ve had a rough night.”

“Why come here? Why not go back to headquarters?”

“Because someone told the Red Wolves we were coming, and there was no way to know who. Not then. All I could think was that they wanted to get rid of all the loose ends. Including you and Fogarty.”

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