Page 46 of Secret Triplets for Christmas

"Data? You mean like a ledger or something?"

"Maybe. Or perhaps it’s some other type of evidence that can be saved digitally. If that’s the case, it could be printed on paper as well. Have you ever come across anything like that among Liam's belongings?"

Lindsay shook her head, frowning. "No. I’ve never had any of his belongings.”

“If he was hiding it, perhaps he hid it in your belongings.”

She blew out a breath. “Maybe, but I’ve never found anything.”

“Maybe this meeting with Agent Marsden will shed some light on who Liam was talking to in the FBI five years ago and what he’d gotten his hands on."

“I hope so. I’m ready for all this to be done.”

It was stupid for me to feel her words like a stab in the heart. Like she was saying she was ready to be rid of me. Just because I felt the pull toward her like I’d never felt for any woman didn’t mean anything. She wasn’t mine. She didn’t want me. Truthfully, it was a good thing that she was ready for this to be over. The sooner this was done and I was back in California, the better for the both of us.

15

Lindsay

Istared into my cup of coffee because looking at Oliver made it hard for me to focus. We were here to talk about Liam and find out what was going on. The truth was, I was feeling so lost and confused that it made it difficult to focus. I was still reeling from last night and having had sex with Oliver. I was shocked I did it, and at the same time, it had felt so natural. Being with him had always been comforting. He was like a shelter from the storm, and all I wanted to do was lean into him, be wrapped up in him. And maybe I could have except for my secret. I should tell him, and yet, I couldn’t figure out how. Or more accurately, how could I justify not telling him about the girls? I knew it was selfish and wrong, but fear of what would happen is what kept my mouth shut. Fear of losing his care and respect. Fear that he’d take my girls.

“Are you alright?” Oliver’s words pulled me from my thoughts.

"Sorry, just thinking." I forced a smile and took a sip of my coffee.

"About last night?" His voice was tentative, as if he wasn’t sure he should bring it up.

If I was going to get through this, I had to ignore my yearning and my guilt. We had to deal with the situation and then move on, go back to our lives.

"Actually, about your laptop. You said you think Liam might've hidden something important in it."

He sucked in a breath and looked down as if he was disappointed in my response. “Liam wouldn’t have hidden anything on my laptop. I didn’t even have it when he died. I suspect our texter thinks maybe Liam sent me something that I’ve saved.”

“Do you think the FBI will tell us anything?”

“The fact that someone is willing to meet with us makes me think Johnny and Darcy were right. But who knows?”

I tried to be optimistic as we finished our coffees and headed to the bureau. We went through a series of security protocols and were led to a room where a woman in the FBI’s signature blue suit entered the room. She couldn’t have been much older than me, early thirties, maybe, with long auburn hair tied back in a ponytail. She wasn’t what I thought of when I imagined FBI agents.

“I’m Agent Marsden.” Her voice held a no-nonsense attitude as she extended her hand across the table to us.

“Oliver Quinlan, and this is Lindsay McKinnon.” Oliver shook her hand and then I did.

“Have a seat.” She sat across from us, setting a folder on the table. It was closed and didn't have any markings. “How can I help you?”

Oliver looked over at me and I nodded. “I’m looking for answers about my brother, Liam Quinlan.”

Agent Marsden's expression remained impassive. “And you think the FBI has those answers?”

I frowned. Why were we here if the FBI didn’t have answers?

“I don’t know. That’s why we’re here. The fact that you’re meeting with us tells me there are answers here,” Oliver said.

Agent Marsden leaned back in her chair, studying us each in turn. “What can you tell me about your brother?”

Oliver and I glanced at each other again.

"Isn't that what we're supposed to be asking you?" I couldn't help but feel a bit defensive.

---