Page 47 of Hidden Ascent

“Sir—” Isla tried.

“No, this has gotten out of hand. I don’t know what’s going on here. We’re going to get to the bottom of it, but not here.”

“I agree,” Baker said. “I’ll take Isla down to headquarters, and we can question her there. If I’m wrong about what I say, then we can clear it up down there, and you will be free to go.”

“While we appreciate the offer,” Jay said, “I’m afraid we will have to decline. Isla’s not going anywhere with you.”

Beldane stepped forward, aiming his weapon at Isla.

“I think it would be better for everyone if you cooperate, Agent Taylor,” Whitlock said. He looked at Jay, “I’ll make sure she’s safe, but this is not the right place or time to do this.”

“All right,” Isla said. “I’ll go.” She turned to Jay and mouthed, “Save yourself.”

“Excellent. I’m glad we’re all in agreement,” Baker said. “You can bring your friend too. Jay was it?”

“He’s got nothing to do with this. He’s just a friend who got me into the party.”

“He can tell us all about it down at headquarters.”

She knew she’d be dead before the end of the day, and if they brought Jay, he would be too. She wouldn’t die with his death on her head too.

Slipping her shoes off, she widened her eyes at Jay before sprinting for the door. Baker took off after her, followed by Beldane.

Chapter11

Jay had been temptedto follow Isla out the door, despite the look she gave him that said she wanted him to save himself. She ran because she wanted to give him time to escape, not because she thought she could get away. But his decision to remain with Whitlock had nothing to do with his own best interest. He’d made Peter a promise that he wouldn’t back out of helping her, and the best way he could save her now was to get the attorney general’s cooperation.

“You may as well go,” Whitlock said. “I can’t subdue you. And I have no interest in trying.”

“We were telling you the truth. If you let Baker take Isla, he’ll kill her. He really was the one who killed Fogarty.”

“I’ve known Harris for years.”

“And?”

Whitlock sighed. “What do you expect me to do?”

“You’re the attorney general. You can do whatever you want.”

“You think because I hold this office I have the power to act on every whim? In some ways, I’m probably more restricted than you. You don’t even have any proof. I’m going off the word of a woman who’s accused of murdering a federal agent, not to mention being a part of her team’s demise. I hate to tell you this, but Harris’s evidence is stronger than yours.”

“You could have asked Baker to remove his jacket and show you the bullet wound.”

“And what would that have accomplished? He could blame that on any number of things. He’s a field agent.”

“So you won’t do anything?”

“I hope you realize you’re putting me in a very difficult position.”

“People were murdered, and an innocent woman will probably not see the light of day tomorrow, and you want to ignore it because it’s uncomfortable?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“Then do something.”

“Says the man who is still here, not chasing after his friend.”

“Out there, I’m powerless. What am I going to do? Attack Baker in public? I’ll do what I can, but right now, I need you to stand up for what is right.”

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