Page 94 of Searching for Valor

Yeah, and where the hell were they? Callahan and her partner were supposed to be right behind her.

Stall, stall, stall.

“Let me see my brother.”

Julian studied her for a long moment, and she worried he could see right through her lie.

And his next question made her realize maybe he could: “Where did you find the files? Did you speak to Monica?”

“No.”

“Then where did you get the drive? I didn’t give you much time.”

Fuck.

Think.

“Her son. She hid the drive in his teddy bear. I lied earlier when I said I didn’t have it. I’ve had it all along.”

“And you didn’t turn it over to your former boss?”

“No. I was worried about what would happen to Monica.”

Julian’s eyes narrowed, his gaze boring into Izzy as if trying to peel back her layers of deception. She fought to keep her expression neutral, her hands steady as she held the flash drive.

“Interesting,” Julian mused, taking a step closer. “You’re quite noble, aren’t you? Protecting Monica, risking your life for your brother.” His lips curled into a cruel smile. “Or perhaps you’re just a very good liar.”

Izzy’s heart hammered so hard she was sure he could hear it, but she held her ground. “I’m not lying. You want proof? Let me see Mateo, and I’ll give you the drive.”

Julian considered her for a moment, then turned and walked back in the direction he’d come from. “This way.”

She trailed slowly. The room he led her into used to be the resort’s lobby bar, with its long mahogany bar still stretching along one wall, now covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.

And there, tied to one of the grand marble pillars decorating the space, was Mateo. He was still in his blue fire-rescue uniform, though he was missing a boot. His lip was split open, and he had a bruise on his cheek, but he was alive.

“Teo!” She rushed forward, but Julian’s hand shot out, gripping her arm tightly.

“Not so fast.”

Mateo’s head jerked up at the sound of her voice, his eyes wide with a mixture of relief and fear. “Issa! What are you doing here?”

“Saving my big brother.” She winced as Julian’s grip tightened on her arm.

“The drive,” Julian said. “Now.”

Oh, shit, now what?

She was out of stall tactics.

She could give Julian the drive, but if he checked it, he’d know she lied. Or maybe he wouldn’t even bother to check itand just shoot her and Mateo, getting rid of all witnesses. That seemed more likely.

She had to think?—

The sound of a footstep crunching on glass had relief surging through her.

Thank God.

The FBI to the rescue.

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