Ruined, p.6
Ruined, page 6
Whitney joked, “I feel like I’m late to the party.”
“Whitney,” Aaron murmured, and she ignored him.
“Hey, girl.” Andi took the flowers out of her hands.
“How are you feeling?” Whitney investigated.
“Better. Victor’s taking me home.”
“Do you need help with anything?” Whitney scanned the room.
Andi picked up her purse, and Victor took some of the flowers from the team off the table.
“Andi, call us when you make it home,” Jed requested, kissing her forehead.
“I promise.” Andi ignored her mother’s frown, hugged her brother goodbye, and walked out with Whitney and Victor.
Whitney pressed for the elevator to arrive.
“Are you going to ignore the tension with your mom again?”
“Yep.”
“Andi.”
“Not now, Whitney. You know she’s always been angry with me.”
Victor held his hand out to hold the doors from closing, and Andi and Whitney stepped to the back. “Always like how?”
“I could never do right in her eyes.”
“I think she worries about her little girl,” Whitney answered.
“Let’s drop it, please.”
Victor informed, “Well, on another note, Ted Hawthorn’s funeral is being televised.”
“Are you going?” Andi inquired.
“Probably not.”
“Yeah, I doubt they want me there since I arrested Marlin.” They left the elevator, walked through the waiting room, and out to his car at the entrance. Whitney helped her climb in the front seat and bent down with her head stuck in the window.
“I’ll meet you at your place.”
“You don’t have to babysit me.”
“As your best friend, I think we need to catch up.”
Andi released a sigh. “Fine. If you really want to be my best friend, grab my favorite foods.”
“Wine and Chinese food.” Whitney held up a thumb.
Andi chuckled as Victor started the car, and Whitney backed up, watching him pull off.
An hour later, Whitney pushed the door open with bags of food, and Andi helped her, taking some of the weight from her hands.
“How much did you order?” Andi peeked in the bag.
“Enough for dinner and breakfast tomorrow.”
“That’s a lot. Are we expecting someone?”
Whitney placed the bags on the counter and opened the fridge to grab bottles of water.
“I figured Victor was staying for dinner.”
Andi picked up two plates from the cabinet. “He had to get back to the office.”
“He’s cute.” Whitney winked.
“No.”
“What?” Whitney feigned innocence.
Andi pointed her finger at Whitney.
“My partner and nothing more.”
Whitney jested, “Girl, you are so boring.”
“I like my boring life.”
Andi released her hair from the bun and rolled up her sleeves, filling her plate as Whitney poured them a glass of wine.
Whitney sat alongside her on the couch. “How are you really? It’s scary what you’ve gone through.”
“Honestly, I feel better now that we’ve caught the people.”
“Girl, I can’t imagine the work you do on a daily basis.”
“Sometimes it’s rewarding, and sometimes it can cause me to rethink, but I love helping people.”
“Well, next time, don’t scare us.”
“Noted.”
Whitney picked through her food and cleared her throat.
Andi peeked at her through her hooded eyes. “Say it.”
“Have you talked to Hilary?”
“No. I said if I go to the funeral, it will cause chaos.”
“She’s upset now but needs you as a friend.”
“Press is camped outside of their family home.”
“Think about it and decide later.”
Whitney and Andi clinked glasses, drank their wine, and continued catching up on the past few days they’d missed.
Chapter Eight
The bars locked after Andi stepped in, and she thanked the guard for assisting. Gregor had a small smirk on his face and waited for her to take a seat. She removed her jacket and laid it on the back of the chair, then sat across from him.
“Agent Easton, good to see you looking well.”
“Surprised?”
“Why is that?”
“You sent your men to kill me.”
“If I wanted that to happen, you’d be dead.”
“So what was the point?”
He shrugged. “They didn’t follow directions correctly.”
“Killing a federal agent is a crime, even an attempt.”
“I do apologize.”
“Why did you call me here?”
“We’re alike, you know.”
“I’m nothing like you.”
“We both love our country.”
“I don’t kill people in the name of my country.”
A twitch came across his face. “How old are you?”
“Old enough to know right from wrong,” she replied.
He grinned. “There’s still time for you to look beyond the surface of what they show you.”
“I came down here for a lecture?”
He clasped his hands together. “All things are believable, Agent Easton. You think they put you in this position because you’re top of your class?”
Her head lifted at that.
“I’ve watched you for months, your entire time.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ll be the one who has to understand that the system is broken, and you’ll get caught in the middle.”
“Middle of what? Stop talking in riddles!”
“That badge can help or hinder.”
Andi touched her badge and looked back at him. She laughed. “You can’t manipulate me, Gregor.”
Gregor leaned forward. “Our meeting was destined.”
Andi rose out of her seat and grabbed her jacket. “You’ll be destined to life in prison.” She turned and started out of the room.
“Andi,” he called, and she froze. “Tell Jed I said hello.”
Andi whirled with a frown, stomped toward him, and gripped his collar. “How do you know my father’s name?”
She tightened her hands around his throat as he laughed, and guards entered the room to interrupt the situation.
“Agent Easton!” Director Morgan yelled.
Andi released her hands and stood back in shock.
“Like I said, you’ll become one of them in time.” Two guards helped him to stand and escorted him out of the room.
Andi parked, sat back in her chair, and stared at the reporters that clamored to get close-up shots of family and friends entering the rotunda. Even though Ted Hawthorn was well-liked by all sides, for the family to allow the public to say goodbye meant extra security would be needed.
Andi climbed out of the car and slipped her hands into her pockets, keeping her head down to avoid cameras. People lined up, waiting to get a look at the closed casket. The sun shined bright, and signs were held up giving prayer to the family as more limousines of political figures and celebrities arrived.
“Agent Easton, any comments on today’s activities?” Julie shoved the microphone in her face.
“Today is about the family, Julie.”
“We hear that Gregor Vlahos has long-held ambitions to infiltrate American politics.”
“Excuse me.” Andi tried to walk around her, but Julie blocked her.
“Are you afraid to tell the public the truth?”
“What truth is that?”
“The government is hiding that a school was almost blown up with children inside,” Julie announced.
Andi ignored her statement. “Again, I have a funeral to attend.”
Most of the family sat up front, and Andi thought it best to sit in the back to avoid drama. She saw Victor wave his hand for her to sit next to him in the second to last row.
“How long have you been here?” Andi whispered.
“About ten minutes,” Victor answered.
Former senators talked about Ted at the podium, then Levi and Hilary. Andi and Hilary caught eye contact, and she dropped her head in shame when Hilary rolled her eyes.
“Did you see that?” Victor muttered.
“Hopefully, the cameras didn’t catch on.”
“She’s pissed at the wrong person.”
“Just ignore.”
“Normally, I’d say talk it out, but it doesn’t look like she wants to talk with you.”
“Her father’s in jail, and her uncle is dead. No one else to blame but me.”
Victor gripped her hand and squeezed. “None of this is your fault.”
“Thanks.”
The service went on for another hour before everyone dispersed. Andi started to leave with Victor when someone snatched her by the back of her elbow and pushed her around.
“You have some nerve,” Hilary barked.
“Hilary, not here.” The stares made Andi uncomfortable.
Hilary raised her hand and slapped Andi across the face.
In response to the loud gasps, Levi reached for Hilary, and Victor removed his handcuffs.
“No, Victor, it’s okay.”
“She just hit an agent,” Victor commented.
“I don’t want you anywhere near my family,” Hilary gritted through her teeth.
“Hilary, please understand I did my job.”
“As my best friend, your loyalty is to my family,” Hilary snarled.
Andi saw people with their phones out videoing and thought it best to end the conversation. “I’m not about to fight with you here.”
“If you come near me again, I’ll have you arrested for harassment,” Hilary snapped.
Hilary’s mom comforted her as she wept in her arms, then strolled around Andi to their awaiting limo.
Victor murmured, “Don’t take it personally.”
“Easy for you to say.”
“Some of the guys and I are going for a drink.”
“I think I’ve had enough of crowds.”
“If you change your mind, we’re going to Billy’s.”
“Thanks, Victor.”
Andi marched back to her car with her head down to avoid attention. She hopped in and started to head home but found herself outside of Billy’s Bar and Grill. Andi let out a breath, turned her car off, and stepped out. She glanced around the area and felt a sense of peace when she reached the door of the bar. Silence became no more when she saw her team sitting together in a booth, laughing. Andi smiled at a few officers she’d known for a while, strolled over to the booth, and took a seat.
“Finally decided to come out with the little people,” Victor joked and took a swig of his beer.
“I know my presence was missed.”
“This guy wanted to go to your house and bang on your door to get you to come outside,” Elliot jested.
Andi waved him off. “I’m used to Victor being an asshole.”
The waitress dropped another round of beers on the table.
“How’s Hilary doing?” Carl questioned.
“Not good.”
“Never easy when a family member is taken away.” Carl picked up some pretzels and tossed them in his mouth.
“True, and I didn’t know I would become the punching bag.”
“Things got personal.”
“They did, but we’re here to celebrate your engagement.” Andi clapped Ryan on the back.
“He’s off the market. No more strip joints,” Carl teased, and the entire table burst into laughter.
“Maybe your fiancée will let you have a bachelor party at a strip club,” Victor exclaimed, and Andi couldn’t do anything but shake her head at the guys she worked alongside. Even though people might think she was stuck up or came from money, she was extremely down to earth.
Everybody looked around as a phone rang. Andi felt her pocket, removed her phone, and answered. Complete silence engulfed her for a few seconds.
“Hello?” Andi called out.
“Agent Easton.”
A voice she didn’t expect to hear again stopped her in her tracks. “Gregor?”
Her entire team paused at her words.
“I hope you didn’t forget about me.”
“How are you calling me?”
“Told you I have my ways.”
“Why are you calling me?”
“I wanted to send my condolences.”
“Condolences?”
“Oh, you hadn’t heard?”
“Heard what?” Andi whipped around in the direction of the door, and her team came up behind her.
“Such a young life struck so short.”
“Young life?”
“Sad, really.”
“I’m going to hang up.”
“Before you do, make sure you send my prayers to Dee Hawthorn.”
Andi’s heart dropped. “Hilary.”
“So sad to lose your husband, brother-in-law and child in a short span of time.”
Andi’s mouth dropped open, and the phone fell to the ground.
Victor stooped in front of her face and snapped his fingers. “Andi, what’s wrong?”
“Hilary.”
“What about Hilary?”
“She’s dead,” Andi mumbled.
Victor reached down and picked up the phone.
“Hello? Hello!” Victor yelled into the phone; no one answered back.
Chapter Nine
“Tragically, we’re reporting on the suicide of Hilary Hawthorn, the daughter of Dee and Marlin Hawthorn,” GNG news station reported.
Andi sat on her couch with the same coverage playing on repeat. A day after the funeral and receiving that phone call, she locked herself in the apartment, not answering calls or doors. She couldn’t believe her best friend was dead and had hated her. The many years played back in her head, from her and Hilary doing dress-up, going out together, and wanting to achieve their goals in life.
Dee told her that Hilary had overdosed on pills, and Levi was distraught. She’d tried to get Hilary to talk to him when she first started acting weird when her father got arrested.
The front door opened to Whitney and Victor.
“Andi.” Whitney sat next to her on the couch.
Andi turned her head to face Whitney.
“We’ve been worried about you.”
“Whitney,” Andi mumbled.
“Everybody’s been calling.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I’m sorry about your friend, Andi. If you need time, Director Morgan will understand.”
“Do you have a new case?”
Whitney and Victor looked at each other.
“Work can wait, Andi.”
“Whitney, I’m fine. I promise.”
“Hilary was my friend too. You need time to grieve.”
“I need to get back to work. Life moves on. I had to do my job, and I did it well.”
Victor and Whitney held a perplexed look.
“What are you talking about, Andi?”
“Gregor’s only the beginning. There’ll be more like him.”
“Wait, Gregor Vlahos?” Victor remarked.
Andi slipped her feet into her shoes, picked up the remote, and turned the TV off. “As an FBI agent, I had a duty to protect. Hilary didn’t understand my job is bigger than me. Gregor made me see we walk the line, and at any moment, they’re waiting for us to drop the ball.”
“I understand, but you need to spend time with your family.”
“I’m doing this for my family.” Andi picked up her gun and slipped it into her holster. “Any new cases come across your desk?” Andi locked her door behind Whitney and Victor as they sauntered to the elevator.
“Um, one case.”
Whitney frowned. “Are you sure about getting back into work so fast?”
“Whitney, I’m fine.”
Andi pressed the button over and over to the lobby.
“What’s the case?”
“A body washed up on Rock Creek.”
“I guess we’re going diving.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve received reports of multiple bodies uncovered at Rock Creek.”
“Reports are still coming in, Julie, but we have the FBI on scene.”
“Are you able to get any comment on how many or if anyone is alive?”
The camera panned around to Victor, Andi, and their team standing over the scene as body bags were loaded up. Andi soon realized the camera was pointed at them and covered her face.
“We have Terrorist Task Assessment out here, and so far, no statement.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re GNG news and will keep you updated on all things dealing with this agency. More questions have risen from Agent Andi Easton, leading under Director Morgan,” Julie spoke into the camera.
I hope you enjoyed Andi’s story so far, and get ready for more cases. Also, please check out “Agent Red-Fatal Revenge Teagan Stone Book 7” sneak peek with a host of intertwined characters. Also, if you love mystery, suspense and thriller, check out “Mirror of Lies Book 1” here https://books2read.com/u/mgjEPx or another thriller/crime fiction “Mirror of Lust Book 2” here https://books2read.com/u/mVRpz2
Check out the free short here, “The Firm” https://payhip.com/b/py7S
Grab Boxset “Agent Red 1-3” here https://payhip.com/b/1KcxY
Sneak Peek Agent Red: Fatal Revenge Book 7
When enemies decide to plot together and bring down a friendly ally, it takes more than the team to get things under control. Will it come at a cost bigger than her job? Her family can only hope she comes home night after night, but things turn upside down when she’s put in a terrible situation beyond her control.
Reading Order Teagan Stone Series
1. Agent Red-Fatal Memory Book 1
https://books2read.com/u/4j2PYX
2. Agent Red-Fatal Target Book
https://books2read.com/u/bWP8Jq
3. Agent Red-Fatal Crime Book
https://books2read.com/u/mZadZJ
