Page 48 of Secret Triplets for Christmas

I looked at Agent Marsden, my eyes pleading with her to give Oliver something that would help him.

“What did you hope to gain by coming here?”

Oliver looked at her like she’d grown a second head. “We’ve told you twice. We want to know if Liam was working with you.”

“Why? What would it matter?”

“Jesus fuck.” Oliver turned away.

I knew part of the answer was personal. Knowing that Liam was helping the FBI would change how we saw him in those last days.

“It could be why he was murdered. His murder still isn’t solved,” I said.

“It is possible he was killed because he was involved with murderers?”

“Yes!” Oliver slapped his hands on the table. I flinched but Agent Marsden didn’t. “They killed him to keep him quiet.”

“And what will knowing that bring you? Are you seeking closure or something more?"

“Why won’t you answer our question?” Oliver ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. I felt the same. We were desperate for answers, but it seemed the truth was still frustratingly out of reach.

"All you have is a rumor. Is there someone Liam confided in? Someone he trusted?”

The question was like salt on Oliver’s wound. I knew it hurt him that Liam hadn’t talked to him.

“I don’t know.”

"Perhaps you're not aware of all his activities," Agent Marsden suggested smoothly. "Have either of you considered the possibility that Liam was actively participating in something illegal?"

“Not in this,” Oliver insisted. “Liam was trying to do the right thing."

"By talking to the FBI?" Agent Marsden leaned in, studying Oliver intently. "Do you have any proof to back up this claim? Something beyond a rumor?"

"Proof?" Oliver hesitated, glancing at me for a brief moment before returning his attention to Agent Marsden. “No.” He sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly, and as he did, I could see he was giving up on Agent Marsden. “Come on, Lindsay. Maybe we can talk to Donovan.”

I started to stand.

“Who is Donovan?” Agent Marsden asked.

“What does it matter?” Oliver said with disdain.

“Isn’t Detective Riker the one investigating your brother’s murder?”

Oliver’s eyes narrowed. “How would you know that? Unless you were involved with my brother.”

She sat back again. “I was the agent Liam was talking to.”

Finally, I thought.

“He said he knew of an identity theft ring that targeted foster children. He showed his own case as proof, but of course, while his identity had been stolen, there was no proof his foster father had taken it.”

“That’s it?” Oliver asked.

“We spoke several times. Liam would share with me what he was learning, but unfortunately, he didn't manage to uncover substantial evidence before his passing. We were in contact, but I couldn't officially involve the Bureau without concrete proof."

"Did Liam have any leads or suspicions about who might be responsible?" Oliver asked.

"Other than Mr. Creighton, he didn't mention anyone specific. He thought it might go deeper, but he never had the chance to find out."

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