Page 71 of Found By You
Chapter 32
Azalea
I smoothed my hands over my borrowed jeans, trying to calm my nerves as we walked into the Refuge Falls Police Station.
Damon greeted us at the door. “They’re waiting in the conference room,” he said, nodding toward a hallway.
McCrae’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me gently. That small touch sent warmth through me, giving me strength I didn’t know I needed.
The conference room door opened to reveal three people seated at a long table with folders and laptops scattered across it. Pinned to one wall was a map of Wyoming with red dots all over it.
“Azalea Ryan.” A woman with a short bob and sharp eyes stood, extending her hand. “I’m Special Agent Caroline Winters. These are my colleagues, Agents Martinez and Thompson.”
I shook her hand, noting her firm grip. “Thank you for coming.”
“Please, sit.” Winters gestured, and I sat on the cold metal chair. “We’ve been briefed on your situation,” she said, openinga folder. “First, I’d like to update you on your brother’s condition.”
My heart jumped. “Greg? Is he okay?”
“Agent Thompson was with him this morning before driving here.” She nodded to the younger agent.
“He’s doing well, Ms. Ryan,” Thompson said. His voice was surprisingly gentle for such a big guy. “The doctors are happy. He’s been moved out of intensive care, and security’s in place.”
Relief flooded through me. “Thank you.”
Agent Martinez, a man with salt-and-pepper hair and tired eyes, tapped on his tablet. “Now, regarding the operation you found. What we’re dealing with is bigger than we thought.”
He turned the tablet toward me, showing a complex chart.
My journalist brain kicked in immediately, scanning for patterns and connections.
“Magneto Paper was just one front for a trafficking network in three states,” Martinez explained.
“The people caught in Arizona have given us good information,” Winters added. “They’ve confirmed who attacked you at the hospital.”
She slid a photograph across the table.
I recognized him instantly; those cold eyes, the scar along his jaw. My hand grabbed McCrae’s under the table, squeezing tight.
“Manuel Diaz,” she said. “He’s been on our radar for years. Very dangerous, very careful.”
“And he’s still out there,” I said.
“Yes,” Winters confirmed, looking right at me. “Which brings us to your protection.”
Damon shifted in his seat. “We’ve set up patrols in town, and my brother has been assigned to protect Azalea.”
Agent Winters frowned. “With all due respect, we recommend Ms. Ryan enter witness protection. Immediately.”
The floor seemed to drop from beneath me. Witness protection. New identity. New location. Far from Refuge Falls. Far from McCrae.
“No,” I said firmly. “I’m not running.”
Martinez leaned forward. “Ms. Ryan, this isn’t about being brave. Diaz is extremely dangerous and?—”
“I understand the risk,” I said, cutting him off. “But I’m a journalist. This story needs to be told. These people need to be exposed.” I glanced at McCrae, feeling stronger just looking at him. “And I have reasons to stay in Refuge Falls.”
No one responded to that. Tension settled in the room.
