Page 113 of Missing Justice
“For me to have an opportunity to solve an old murder, find a missing child, and stop the perpetrators from ever doing this to an innocent family again, brings me a great sense of accomplishment. And,”—she chuckled, knowing it was a good time to lighten things up a bit—“a little job security, since I have a dozen more cases to work on now involving the other illegal adoptions by the Hearts of Love Agency.”
As expected, the reporters chuckled.
“What Dwayne Glaw and Rosalind Gardener did is deplorable, and it will be my personal mission to make sure every family and child affected by her black market operation receives justice. When Felicity Jarvis was kidnapped, the FBI agents who worked the original case did an outstanding job laying the framework for me and my team”—she waved a hand behind her to include Beck and the others—“to solve the cold case after nearly eight years.”
The reporter who’d asked about James started to interject another question. Taylor shut her down. “And when I say myteam, that includes several people outside the Bureau.”
Behind her, Meredith hissed loud enough for her to hear, “What are you doing, Taylor?”
Giving credit where credit is due.“Unfortunately, several of the people who helped with this case cannot be here with us today to receive the recognition they deserve.” Nor would Grey allow it. “Their identities must be kept secret. But thereissomeone here today who played a pivotal role in solving the case, and I can honestly say, it has been an honor working with such an amazing professional. Matt?”
She swiveled and saw the look of surprise on his face. He may not have made it through the rigors of the Academy, but he belonged here, especially today, being acknowledged for his talents and skills.
Meredith hissed something else, but Taylor ignored her as she waved Matt forward.
For a second, he didn’t move, his blue eyes snapping. Then, begrudgingly, he stepped to the podium as more flashes went off, giving her a look that told her she was in for a spanking.
Taylor gave him a wink.Bring it on, Mad Dog.“Matt Stephens, an elite private investigator with Schock Investigations, uncovered the key to turning this whole case around. Like me, his life was once touched by tragedy, and that has made him the investigator he is today. He, too, has an impressive track record at solving cold cases and finding missing children. I sincerely wish he was on my cold case team here at the Bureau.”
Matt lifted a brow. A tiny smile tickled one corner of his mouth. “It was an honor to work with Agent Sinclair,” he said, staring at her rather than at the reporters. “One I hope can be repeated.”
He nodded at the reporters and stepped back into the lineup behind her. Taylor caught Charlie and Meg’s eyes in the audience, and saw they were both smiling. Meg gave Taylor a thumbs-up.
Reporters starting shouting questions and she raised her hands to quiet them. “Because the investigation into the other illegal adoptions is ongoing, I cannot discuss further details of this case, and given the senator has requested his privacy—and that of his son’s—be respected, please…leave Walt and his wife, Ann, alone to figure out their family situation. If you don’t, and you cross any lines, I’ll find a way to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
She said the last threat with a smile worthy of Cunningham. After a slight pause to make sure her words sunk in, she dismissed the crowd.
Cunningham and Meredith left first, followed by the reporters. Charlie and Meg came forward to hug Matt.
“Are you taking the promotion, Tay?” Beck asked her quietly.
Not quietly enough evidently, since Matt gave her a questioning look. She smiled at Beck and the rest of her team. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I want to stay exactly where I am, with you guys, doing what I do best. Besides, like I told the reporters, our workload just doubled. You guys need me.”
Beck laughed. “You just don’t want to be Cunningham’s bitch 24/7.”
“That could be part of it,” she agreed.
Matt grabbed her with his good hand and pulled her aside as Beck and the others waved and left. She held up a hand to stop the reprimand she knew was coming. “I know what you’re going to say, but you deserved to be up here with me and—”
He kissed her, shutting her up.
When he broke it off and they both came up for air, he said, “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known, Taylor Sinclair.”
Inside his pocket, his phone rang—he’d turned off the ringer, but Taylor had heard it buzzing manically during the press conference.
“Matt, I meant every word of what I said. You’re as good as any agent I’ve ever worked with. I really do wish you were on my cold case team.”
His phone continued to buzz. “That means a lot to me.”
“You better answer that,” she said, pointing to his pocket. “It’s probably the morning show calling to get an interview for tomorrow. Mad Dog Stephens, ace investigator, does it again!”
“Yeah, right.” He pulled her closer. “I have better things to do with my time tomorrow morning.”
The buzzing stopped, the call going to voicemail. “Oh, yeah? Like what?” she teased.
“Like making you breakfast.”
“I like the sound of that.”
