Page 95 of Dangerous Pursuit

“That information is classified. It’s their decision to reintroduce themselves to their previous life if and when they choose. She knows she can contact anyone from her past immediately after the paperwork is filed.”

“That’s not good enough. I want a way to contact her.” This is unacceptable.

“Did you know we keep a close eye on the people in witness protection, especially within the first year?”

“What’s your point?”

“My point is, she’s made a new life there—new job, new school, new…friends. She would’ve come back if she wanted. Maybe you should respect her decision and work toward moving on like she has.”

That can’t be true. Did I take too long? It can’t end like this.

“Fuck you, and your advice. You owe me a location, asshole. I’m going to become your worst nightmare until I get it. If what you said is true about her newfriends, I’ll leave her alone, but I’m not backing down until I see for myself. Either take me to her or tell me where I can find her. It’s the least you can do since I spent the last nine months of my life tracking down your key witness.”

He sighs and looks toward the two-way mirror like he’s listening to someone. “All right, if that’s what it takes to get you off our ass, you can see for yourself. No contact, though, just observation. Do we have a deal?”

“Deal.”Thank fuck.

“Give us a week to make arrangements with the local handler. We’ll have him escort you to a surveillance point.”

I’m dialing the number I should have called days ago as I walk out of the building.

“Hey, Jackson, long time no talk,” Walker answers.

“Yeah, I figured it was time for an update. I finally found Mia’s dad and made a special delivery to the FBI on Friday. They told me today that Mia decided to stay where she is. They won’t give me a way to contact her and said it’s her choice whether to reconnect. It’s fucking bullshit.”

“Damn, that’s harsh, considering you’re the reason she’s free. I’m sorry. Especially since you wasted almost a year for nothing.”

“If it helped Mia, it wasn’t wasted. They told me she’s moved on and implied that she’s dating someone. They’re allowing me to see for myself but just to observe and prove she’s okay. At least it’s something. Who knows, maybe it’ll give me closure.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah. Will you do me a favor and let me know if you hear from her?”

“Sure, if you call me after seeing her and let me know how she looks.”

“I will. Talk to you then.”

I hang up and drive home, almost wishing I hadn’t found Roland last week. At least then I’d still be under the delusion of holding Mia in my arms again. How the hell am I supposed to just walk away after this?

Mia

Dredging myself out of bed, I head into the kitchen for coffee before attempting my morning run. I need all the help I can get for that.

“Good morning, mija. Did you sleep well last night?” Mom asks from the living room.

It’s nice seeing her relaxed on her days off, which has been more often since we’ve lived here—yet another reason our decision was a good one. We’re still working out the details of our exit from the program, so I guess we’ll see if that remains the case.

“Okay, I guess. Did you?” I ask in return.

“I always sleep better on Fridays, knowing I can rest the next day.” She hesitates a moment. “So, it’s been a week since we decided, and we haven’t talked about it since. How are you feeling? Are you still sure it’s what you want? We can always change our minds.”

“I’m sure. We’ve settled in here, and like I said, going back could be an emotional setback.” One I can’t put myself through again.

“You’re right, it could be, but what if there’s a chance it wouldn’t, and you’re missing the opportunity to be with him? Are you willing to take that risk?”

“I don’t know what to say. I’m not sure what the right thing is, but I can’t start over again. It took me so long to even think of him without crying. If you’d asked me that question a month ago, my answer may have been different, but I’ve felt like I can breathe again recently.”

“Does that have anything to do with another certain someone?” she asks with a smile.

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