Page 42 of Flynn

“Not until I’m convinced someone inside the Bureau isn’t dirty,” Flynn shot back. “I won’t let anyone get to Taylor.”

Brady sighed again, but surprisingly, he didn’t argue. Taylor was relieved when Flynn took one seat beside her, while Cassidy sat on her other side, so that she was sandwiched between them.

After Brady left, Cassidy leaned forward to look at Flynn. “I’m certain I wasn’t followed.”

“I believe you,” Flynn said. “I know Brady and Doug are good agents, but I’m not sure I trust whoever these guys are that want to interview Taylor.”

She glanced between the two of them. “I’m no expert, but it doesn’t seem logical that a dirty FBI agent would have the shooter show up here where it’s more obvious that they might be implicated.”

Flynn frowned, then nodded. “That’s a good point. But how were we found here if there isn’t an inside leak?”

She didn’t have an answer for that.

Cassidy did, though. “It could be that the same man who hired the gunman to get rid of Steve and Robin Miller knew the feds would be involved. And that they’d want to talk to the only witness to the murders. So he sent the gunman here to wait for us to show.”

Flynn grimaced, then nodded. “I can buy that theory. But I don’t plan to trust the feds until we know for sure one way or the other.”

Cassidy shrugged. “I understand your concern, but we need to consider the possibility that if the agents are clean, they have more resources to use when it comes to protecting Taylor. Specifically, a safe house.”

“We’re on the list for the MPD safe house,” Flynn said. Again, she felt like a spectator at a tennis match, her gaze bouncing from Flynn to Cassidy, then back to Flynn.

“I know, Rhy mentioned that.” Cassidy glanced over as the door to the conference room opened, revealing Brady and an older man with dark hair flecked with gray at the temples.

“Ms. Templeton? I’m Donovan, the special agent in charge. I understand you had an incident outside the building.”

“MPD Officer Flynn Ryerson.” Flynn rose to his feet. “I appreciate you coming to speak with us.”

“I’m MPD Officer Cassidy Sommer,” Cassidy added, also standing. “I can attest to the fact that we were not followed. The shooter was positioned north of the building. The weapon didn’t sound like a rifle to me. I believe he was using a handgun.”

“I have agents scouring the area,” Donovan said. “I don’t like knowing Ms. Templeton was targeted here. I want to assure you that my agents are clean. I don’t have any reason to suspect any of them of being involved.”

There was a long moment of silence as Flynn seemed to wrestle with a response. “I don’t want to believe anyone here is involved, but we haven’t spoken to anyone but Rhy and Brady. Your agents asked for this interview.”

“I agree that it looks suspicious,” Donovan said, looking surprisingly weary. “I find it hard to believe a dirty agent would be so bold, or stupid, to attempt to shoot a witness in front of the office building.”

Taylor had risen to her feet, too, but glanced around warily at Flynn, Cassidy, Brady, and the special agent in charge.

It seemed as if they might be at a stalemate.

“I’m happy to do the interview,” she finally said. “But I would like to know how we’ll get out of here when that’s finished. I want to stay with Flynn and Cassidy, and we need some assurances that we’ll be able to leave safely.”

Flynn didn’t look totally happy with her comment, but he didn’t argue. After a long moment, Donovan gave a curt nod. “I will provide an armed escort when it’s time for you to leave.”

Flynn scowled. “That only works if the vehicles are driven by you, Brady, and/or Doug. No one else.”

“That will be arranged,” Donovan said. Taylor was impressed he was being so cooperative. “Now I would like to allow Bureau agents Sally Fisk and Travis Goldberg to come in and speak with you.”

“I’m ready.” Taylor was anxious to get this part over with.

Brady hung back after Donovan left. “I’ll call Rhy,” he said in a low tone. “We’ll arrange for a rendezvous location to swap vehicles once we leave here.”

“Thanks, Brady,” Flynn said. “I hate to be a jerk, but Taylor has been under attack since the Millers were murdered.”

“I understand.” Brady stepped back as the two agents entered the conference room. Then after giving her a quick nod, he stepped out, leaving the five of them alone.

“Ms. Templeton? I’m Travis, and this is my partner, Sally.” Agent Travis Goldberg stepped forward to shake her hand. Agent Sally Fisk did the same. Flynn and Cassidy introduced themselves, too, making it clear they were staying for the duration of the interview.

When the introductions were complete, Sally and Travis took seats on the opposite side of the table. From there, the interview went exactly as she’d expected.

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