Page 45 of Hidden Ascent

“Actually, yes. Sir, I was part of a taskforce within the DEA that recently attempted a mission. It failed.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” He straightened. “But I’m not sure how I can help. Have you spoken to your supervising agent?”

“Briefly.”

He nodded. “Agent Taylor, I can understand why a failed mission can be difficult to process, but I’m not equipped to discuss this matter. I haven’t been briefed and have no idea of the specifics.”

“I understand that, sir. But this is a significant issue.”

“If you have a problem with how the operation turned out, I think it would be best if you spoke further with your supervising agent. Or if you’ve found him to be insufficient, there is a chain of command.”

“I understand that, sir. But this matter is quite delicate.” She looked at Jay to see if he’d ascertained Whitlock’s involvement.

“Sir,” Jay said. “Perhaps it would be best if we spoke somewhere private.”

Whitlock looked at Isla. “He’s just your date?”

“Not exactly. Sir—” She leaned closer to him so she could drop her voice. “My team was ambushed. I’m the only one who wasn’t killed. When I went to see my supervising agent, Ian Fogarty, he had also been shot.”

Whitlock’s face hardened. “I was told his death was the result of a home invasion. A robbery gone wrong.”

“No, sir.”

“I think you’re right. I think it would be best if we continued this conversation somewhere more private.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Whitlock went to one of the men who was standing guard and spoke to him quietly. Then, he nodded to Isla and Jay to follow him into a large library.

The guard closed the double doors behind them.

“You can understand why I’d like Beldane to be present?” Whitlock said, referring to the guard.

“You’re afraid we’re a threat,” Isla said.

“I don’t know what you are. But I would like to know why you thought I was the best person to speak to about this matter. There are others easier to approach.”

“Before Fogarty died, he incriminated himself.”

“You’re saying he was a part of this?”

“Yes, and he said there were others. I already know of one within Homeland Security. You were my best chance at not speaking to the wrong person and getting myself killed.”

Whitlock squeezed his forehead. “I was briefed about what happened on that mission. But I was also told no one survived.”

“They weren’t meant to,” Jay said. “Isla’s been in hiding. We’re trying to discover how deep this goes.”

“You said you’re not with the DEA?”

“That’s right.”

“Then who are you?”

“A friend.”

“A friend…So let me get this straight. Agent Taylor, you’re the only one to survive the ambush, and you were present when Fogarty was murdered?”

“Yes.”

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