Backlash

into this DEA operation after the fact. Scarlett worked at State in the INL Bureau—basically the international narcotics division. She had been assigned to Layla two years ago as her interagency mentor. Fifteen years Layla’s senior, Scarlett was a highly regarded government servant who had worked at DEA before State and had tons of field experience. The Agency had been urging Layla to get into the field more, and Scarlett was trying to guide her through that process.
“Why do you think that?”
“Cass’s house was ransacked last night, and she believes her attacker was linked to the cartel.”
Scarlett took her hand. “Layla, I know I’m the one who’s always pushing you to take risks and get out there, but this is a highly dangerous situation. I didn’t know what had happened to Cass, but after hearing that fact, I’m even more convinced that I have intel to explain why the cartel might be coming after the team.”
Layla’s pulse quickened. “What?”
“It was my understanding from the post-op briefing I got from DEA that the mission was a success, but there were some casualties on the cartel side.”
Layla nodded. “All from self-defense, though. Completely legitimate use of force by our team.” Even though she was just getting into fieldwork, she had been drilled hard on protocol and knew that they had dotted all their I’s and crossed all their T’s on the mission. She’d been impressed that no one in the DEA had wanted to cut any corners.
“I’m not questioning protocol.”
“Then, what is it?”
Scarlett looked away. “One of the men killed was Roberto Mejía.”
Layla’s heart sank. “I assume he’s related to Diego?”
“Roberto was Diego’s little brother.”
The full implication of Scarlett’s revelation was coming into focus. “You’re telling me that someone on our team killed the leader of the cartel’s little brother?”
“Yeah, so now you potentially have Diego seeking payback.”
“Have you told the others?”
“Not yet. Getting down here to see you was my top priority.”
Layla was so glad that Scarlett was there. She’d been a guiding force in Layla’s career. What started out as a professional mentoring relationship had become a valued friendship. “Brett just came to see me.”
Scarlett’s eyes lit up. “I’m glad he checked on you. Sometimes he’s a bit dense with these things.”
“He wasn’t just inquiring about my well-being.”
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”
“He told me that I’ve been put on administrative leave, pending an IG investigation.”
The shock on Scarlett’s face mirrored Layla’s own emotions.
“So you didn’t know anything about this?”
“Of course not. Why would you be investigated?”
That was the million-dollar question. “Brett claimed ignorance. Said it went up the chain and was out of his control, and that I’d be hearing from the IG’s office soon.”
Scarlett leaned closer to her. “Layla, this isn’t good. IG investigations can put a blot on your record forever.”
Layla sighed. “But what am I supposed to do about it?”
“Fight it. Hard.” Scarlett’s eyes sparked. “Do not roll over on this. Get legal counsel. Someone you trust and who has the requisite security clearances. I know you went to law school, but you shouldn’t defend yourself.”
Hearing how dire Scarlett made the situation sound only made Layla feel worse. “Okay.”
Scarlett squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry. You’ve been through a hugely traumatic event today, but I want to make sure that you’re covered so you can handle this investigation and get your record cleared. You are way too valuable to the Agency for them to mess around with something like this.”
“What are you saying?”
“They must think they have something on you. You’ll need to go back through your work and see if you cut any corners. Did anything that could cause red flags.”
Layla already knew the answer to that. She played by the rules. Always. It was one of her qualities that she thought would hamper her ability to be an operations officer. Integrity meant something to her. “I understand.”
“I’m sorry that I’ve made things worse for you, but I thought you needed to know about the cartel. You should watch your back. Rely on your training.”
Even though Layla had never intended to be more than an analyst, she’d gone through training at the Farm because the CIA insisted. Now maybe that training was going to be put to good use. “I’ll be on guard, believe me.”
“Good. Because your life may depend on it.”
Hunter arrived at the hospital and, after pushing through some red tape, found out where Layla was. When he got to her room, he heard a female voice talking in hushed tones. Taking a deep breath, he knocked before peeking his head inside.
Hunter didn’t recognize the tall, slender brunette with glasses by Layla’s side. But his eyes immediately went to Layla. Alive . . . she was alive. Yes, Elijah had told him that, but he had to confirm it with his own eyes.
Even though he could tell Layla was injured, she still looked gorgeous. Her long, wavy black hair flowed past her shoulders. When she made eye contact with him, neither of them said a word.
The woman walked over to him and stretched out her hand. “Scarlett Bell. You must be a friend of Layla’s.”
He took her hand. “Hunter McCoy.”
As he said his name, he saw a flash of recognition in Scarlett’s eyes. Unfortunately, she knew exactly who he was.
“I’ll be back later to check on you. I’m going to see Viv.” Scarlett leaned down and whispered something in Layla’s ear before making her way to the door.
Hunter turned his attention to Layla and walked over to her bedside. “I know I don’t have any right to be here, but when I heard you were injured in the attack, I had to come.”
She didn’t immediately respond, and an awkward silence filled the room. Would she tell him to hit the road? Or worse? He clenched his fists by his sides and hoped she would say something soon.
“How did you even know I was here?” she asked softly.
“Elijah works for Alexandria PD. He told me.” He knew Layla would remember Elijah, given how much time