Page 59 of Trust No One

The silence in the room crackled with tension. Finally, the director said, “There’s only one reason you’d refuse an agency safe house. You think someone’s dirty in the Agency. Who do you suspect?”

“We don’t suspect, sir. Weknow.”

“How?” he said immediately. “How can you know?”

“We have rock solid evidence.”

There was a long moment of silence. Finally, the director said, “There’s someone else you suspect but can’t prove is involved. Put it in my hands and I’ll take care of it.”

“With all due respect, sir, we put ourselves in your hands last night when we accepted your offer of a safe house. And Simon’s in the hospital today. He came very close to being killed.”

Dev heard the sudden intake of the man’s breath. “You suspectme?”

“We don’t have any other suspects at this time. But how can we trust anyone at the Agency? Someone was waiting for Simon when he left our Agency safe house.”

Silence. Dev imagined the Director was staring at Caroline. And he was pretty sure Caroline was staring right back.

Finally, the Director said, “Fine. I won’t interfere. I know I’m not involved, but how do you prove a negative? I’ll have someone relieve the agent at your door overnight.”

“Thank you, sir, but we’d prefer that Bethany stay.”

Another beat of silence. “So there’s no one else at the Agency that you trust?”

“My husband’s life depends on not trusting anyone,” Caroline said.

The room held its breath. Finally the Director said, “I understand. If you need anything from the agency, give me a call.” Dev heard the sound of paper sliding against leather. “This is my direct number. Call me anytime, day or night.”

“Thank you, sir,” Caroline said.

He walked toward the door but stopped before he opened it. “Your husband is a lucky man.”

“I prefer to think that I’m a lucky woman,” Caroline answered.

When the door clicked closed, Mel and Dev stepped out of the bathroom. Caroline lowered herself into one of the chairs beside Simon’s bed. Immediately reached for Simon’s hand, as if she needed to be connected to him.

Something Dev had never had. That kind of connection to a woman.

He slanted a look at Mel. She’d wanted that connection, but he’d tossed it away like it was nothing.

Mel squeezed Caroline’s other hand. “You are one ballsy woman,” she said. “God!”

Caroline shrugged. “Was I supposed to trust him? After Kingsley was waiting for Simon this morning? Hell, no.”

“Do you think the director’s involved?” Dev asked.

Caroline shrugged. “I doubt it, but I’m not betting Simon’s life on it.”

Mel squeezed Caroline’s hand, then let her go. “You want us to stand guard at the door tonight?” she asked. “So Bethany can get some sleep?”

“Thanks,” Caroline said with a weary smile. “I really appreciate that. But we have some non-Agency friends who’ve already volunteered. We’ll be fine.”

Mel hugged Caroline, and Dev kissed her cheek. “We’ll let you go. Keep us posted if anything… interesting happens,” he said. “With any luck, we’ll have an FBI safe house lined up for you by the time Simon’s released tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Dev. Mel.” Caroline’s chin wobbled as she looked at first Dev, then Mel. “Keeping Simon safe is the most important thing to me right now. And you’re making it easy to do that. I appreciate it, and I know Simon will, too.”

“Take care of yourself,” Mel said, touching her hand. “And don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything you need. We’ll talk to you later today.”

Caroline nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”

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