Page 1 of Off Limits Daddy

PROLOGUE

Veronica

The FBI was my life. I didn’t have hobbies, a social life, and especially not a relationship. I had nothing against men or even sex. I liked both. But I wasn’t one of those women who believed in a happily ever after filled with kids. After spending most of my tween and teenage years raising my four siblings, I’d had my fill. No, I wanted a career filled with excitement and adventure.

I loved being an FBI agent, and I was good at it. Well, except for one hiccup five years ago that still haunted me. It was the day I learned that Liam Quinlan was murdered not long after he'd come to me with a story about the identity theft of foster children. I was intrigued by the case but wasn’t able to get permission to pursue it as there was no proof. Days later, Liam was murdered, and his death weighed heavily on me, but I was a forward-thinking person. I learned from my mistakes and moved on. So now, five years later, what the hell were Liam’s brother and ex-girlfriend doing in a meeting room expecting to talk to me?

I stepped into the room, keeping my expression professional and impassive. I wasn’t just curious about this visit. I was suspicious as well.

“I’m Agent Marsden.” I extended my hand to them across the table.

“Oliver Quinlan, and this is Lindsay McKinnon.”

I shook hands with both of them. “Have a seat.” I sat across from them, setting a folder on the table. I kept it closed. It wasn’t an official file, as there wasn’t one. These were the notes I’d taken after talking to Liam and doing a bit of research into his accusations. “How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for answers about my brother, Liam Quinlan.”

I kept my expression blank, not wanting to give away the fact that I knew about Liam. I had to know first what they wanted. For all I knew, they were involved in what Liam had reported. “And you think the FBI has those answers?”

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

I leaned back, studying Oliver and Lindsay in turn. “What can you tell me about your brother?”

"Isn't that what we're supposed to be asking you?" Lindsay asked.

I didn’t respond.

“We have learned that Liam may have been working with the FBI,” Oliver said.

“I see. For what reason?”

“I don’t know for sure, but we suspect it was an identity theft scam that targeted foster children,” Oliver said.

“Did Liam tell you this?”

“No.” Oliver looked down.

I couldn’t tell for sure, but it appeared that Lindsay held Liam’s hand. What was going on there? Were Liam’s brother and ex-girlfriend now an item?

“He was killed before I knew anything about it,” Oliver explained.

I tilted my head, scrutinizing them. “It’s been some time. Why are you here now?”

“As I said, we want answers.” Oliver didn’t hide his annoyance.

“Answers to what?”

“What the hell?” Oliver let out an exasperated breath. “If you don’t know anything, you could have told me that on the phone.”

“What answers do you think we have, Mr. Quinlan?” I kept my voice calm, steady, practically disinterested.

“My brother was murdered, and at the time, he was apparently talking to the FBI. I want to know if that’s true. I want to know what was going on and why five years later someone thinks I, or Lindsay, have something of Liam’s.”

I couldn’t stop the arch of my brow as that last bit of news intrigued me. “Someone has been in touch with you? Who?”

Oliver leaned forward. “Is it true? Was Liam talking to you?”

"Have you found anything unusual in Liam's belongings since his death?" I asked.

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