Page 66 of Special Agent Isabella

Chuckling, her daughter’s sweetness obviously erasing her earlier sadness, Stacy nodded. “That’s a deal. Tonight we’ll have a special girl party. Movie night, junk food, and popcorn.”

“Can Bella come too?”

“Of course.” Stacy tuned serious. “I’ll have my motorcade take me to the office. I want you to stay here with Bella. No leaving the house.”

“Okay.”

Bella saw the serious look Stacy directed her way and heard the order. She nodded and knew the frantic mother understood that she would be there, guarding her most precious possession.

Although she’d rather have been involved in the direct capture of the people who were responsible for so much havoc, the loss of life, and instigating such fear, she took her responsibilities to heart.

Once Collin and Stacy said their goodbyes, Tanner and Vinny also took their leave. Which left Bella with only Nan, Abbie, and the guards outside.

Strangely, no one paid any attention to the man in camouflage approaching. Maybe the wheelchair made him seem harmless.

ChapterFifty-Three

Tanner couldn’t believe how easily Vinny accessed the dark web. The vastness of the internet had always been a mystical place for him but even those in the FBI Cyber Division were surprised by the vet’s ability to use a specialized software called Tor.

Anonymity and private communications had been essential to his continued access and had been almost impossible for those in law enforcement to gain entry.

Eventually, after a lot of online shit-talk, the ex-army corporal began conversations with other interested participants and ferreted out information about their last resort of driving by the home of the governor and shooting up the place.

Tanner had to know what label Vinny used because he could tell it wasn’t his own name. “So… what name do they know you by?”

“They all know me as Cougar. I’ve been around all the sites using that same call-name, so they’re used to me.”

It soon came out that a small group known as the Extreme Faction were responsible for the havoc the night before. Due to Tanner’s insistence that Vinny get as much evidence as possible, he started joking around. Bringing up the fact about them missing Stacy on their first shooting attempt weeks before, teasing them good-naturedly about how they’d want to make good on their latest fuck-up.

With patience, and a lot of back and forth, they were eventually given the information they needed. Yes, they were the same ones who’d created all of the violence. The bombings, shootings, and even the driving attempt to grab the kid.

On Tanner’s instructions, Vinny continued to probe.You’d think after so many attempts, something would work for you guys, right?

Not just guys, asshole. Women care as much as the pricks with hangers. In fact, tonight we’ll make true our promises. Extreme Faction has it on good authority that tonight’s the night.

I want in.Vinny wrote what Tanner dictated.

Are you a man who thinks he’s God’s gift to the world?

Vinny checked with Tanner. “What should I say?”

“If you tell them you’re a male, it might turn them off. They might already think you’re a female with your designation. Cougar could easily be a woman’s choice. I’m thinking we need to bring in Bella. Say this.”

Vinny’s face lit up, and he grinned when he heard the words that Tanner wanted him to write back.

Nope. No fucking hanger… just one of the gals who cares about what’s right. So tell me where to meet you, and I’ll do whatever you say.

A happy face icon appeared. They waited for more, and the tension in the room became extreme. Finally, they got the message they wanted.

Tonight. 8pm. At the state building, in the parking lot out front. What do we call you?

Izzie. See you then.

ChapterFifty-Four

Bella couldn’t believe how quickly the morning passed with a kid who’s brain power kept her on her toes. When it was time for lunch, they had a picnic in the kitchen with Nan.

Bella opened the conversation as Abbie dug into her mac n cheese, her favorite lunch dish. “Things are pretty quiet around here for once, Nan. How’re you coping?”

---