Sinner Realized Read online

  “When we go out on an assignment, we don’t use our real names. If we’re caught, or something goes wrong, we don’t carry ID. In fact, we leave all tags at home.”

  “Yeah, you didn't have dog tags on before.”

  She shrugged. “It’s hard to sneak around in the shadows if you’re clinking and clanking. No one wants to get shot out in the middle of nowhere. While my men could carry me, I can only drag most of them.”

  The use of ‘her men’ once more riled him up, shooting his blood pressure through the roof.

  He glanced over. “I guess you have pretty dangerous assignments.”

  “Yeah, you could say that. You don’t just sign up for this job. You’re picked for it.”

  “So, someone approached you?”

  While she didn't like talking about the details, Maura had to consider the man in front of her. He was risking his life to keep her safe and watch her back. That meant he was part of her team and they didn't keep secrets.

  “I went through basic and did really well. Not ‘better than the other women’ well. I outshot, out scored, and out worked quite a few men in the division. My commanding officer was working on a strategy one day, and I happened to arrive in his office. He asked my opinion, testing me. I apparently passed. That was six years ago. I’ve been working as Bravo Ghost One for the last five.”

  “Is it hard?”

  She laughed. “You know all those documentaries on Marines in basic training?”

  “Yeah, they look hardcore.”

  “They make training for this job look like kindergarten. I had to go through things that are considered cruel and unusual by most standards.”

  Luke didn't like the way she said that.

  “You know the shit they say about Guantanamo?” Maura asked, staring out the window of the Hummer. “The torture and the pain inflicted to break the prisoners?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I spent three months there in isolation. There was very little food, no human contact, and static playing nonstop for hours in between torture. They picked me, and then they tried to break me.”

  Oh, he definitely didn't like hearing about any of this. It made him sick to his stomach to picture her being abused.

  “Why the torture?” he asked, because that’s what it definitely was. There was no question that the government was using some pretty nasty techniques.

  “We guard and transport some pretty important people, and items. They may be secret to the people here, but there are others out there that would kill to get their hands on them. If we’re caught, they need to make sure we won’t betray our mission. You have to be special to do this job. You can’t break under pressure.”

  It made Luke want to toss his cookies. He couldn’t picture her being tortured. It made him angry and ill.

  “You have to be above the rules to do this job. There’s no room for anything but integrity, morality, gallantry, and justice-- Oorah.”

  He lifted his sunglasses. “That’s horrifying.”

  She laughed. “Nah, it’s a calling, Luke. There are those who are born to live in the light, and those who work in the shadows. I’m normal at home and on a base. When I’m in the field, it’s my job to keep my men safe.”

  Pain clenched her heart.

  “So, why are you a Fed?” she asked, changing the subject. Talking about what she’d endured made her think back to the moments when she didn't believe she’d make it.

  Luke thought about it. “I guess like you, I enjoy serving my country. What we do is tough too. Sometimes, after chasing a serial killer across three states, I wonder why I’m doing this, but then I remember.”

  “Why?”

  “Life is an adventure. If you live safe, you miss the ride.”

  She laughed, offering him a fist bump. “I hear you. I see you’re another card-carrying member of the adrenaline junkie club.”

  “Yeah, I like to surf with sharks in my down time.” He wondered if she’d ever go with him. Luke would love to show her inside his life. Maybe one day, he’d get to do just that. “Do you surf?” he asked.

  “Never learned how, but I once spent twelve hours adrift alone in the ocean. Does that count?”

  He nearly laughed. “Uh, yeah. Want me to teach you how?” Luke suddenly asked.

  Maura didn't speak at first. “What are you doing, Luke?”

  He grinned. “Just having a conversation. You don’t have to worry. I won’t kidnap you and make you surf with me.”

  She felt bad for being rude. It was just… he made her come undone, and that was scary.

  Glancing over at her, the sparkly studs in her ear caught his attention. It was time for a topic change. “What’s with the girly earrings?”

  Immediately, her fingers went to her ears. Then, she laughed, remembering that she had put them on when she was home. “I wear them off duty to remind myself that I’m a girl. It’s not easy with all the camo and guns. When you go on duty, you put on your gun and Kevlar. When I go on duty I strip down to nothing.”

  At those words, he grinned.

  “That’s not what I meant. I was referring to the fact the tags come off and the makeup is gone. When you do my job, you can’t be a girl. You have to be a ghost. I put my earrings on when I’m done to remind me I’m still Maura. Sometimes, I forget who I am underneath it all. These were from my brothers for my sweet sixteen.”

  He completely understood.

  “I like civilian Maura,” he admitted. “She’s pretty.”

  She turned her head to stare out the window. That was ironic, since if he knew what she was capable of and had done, he would probably run screaming.

  That was just one more reason they wouldn’t work.

  “Hey, where did you go?” he asked, touching her arm. “Did I upset you?” Luke asked, hoping he didn't. “I can tell you that you’re hideous, if that will cheer you up.”

  Maura was good at covering herself. “I was just checking out your ride. I have a Hummer, too, only mine is fitted with guns and armor plating.”

  He laughed at the military vehicle she was referring to. “Well, the US government won’t let us Feds drive on the streets with vehicles like that. Apparently, it freaks out the civilians and draws conclusions of an oncoming zombie apocalypse.”

  She found him charming. “Yeah, I see how it would.”

  “That being said, I like a big vehicle. It makes me feel safe when I know an impact won’t kill me.”

  Placing her hand on his arm, she stared into his eyes when Luke glanced over. “You don’t have to worry, Special Agent Mars. I’ll keep you safe.”

  Immediately, he wanted to disagree.

  Maura was dangerous.

  Especially to his heart…

  Chapter Five

  FBI Satellite Office

  Late Monday Afternoon

  A rriving at the office, Quinn and Callie took in their surroundings. They’d never been to the place Nate called ‘work’, and they were a little surprised. While FBI West was this giant imposing building on a private lot, Nate’s office blended in. The only things that gave away that it was a federal building was the seal on the outside door, and maybe the parking lot full of nondescript vehicles.

  “Welcome to my home away from home,” he offered, escorting them inside. Once in the door, they approached a security desk. There sat an older man watching some security cameras.

  “Hey there, Lester,” Nate called, waving at the man.

  “What are you doing in, boss man?” he asked, standing up. “More importantly, who is that lovely woman with you?” he inquired, winking at Callie.

  Nate grinned. “This is my sister,” he offered. Then, he gave him the bad news. “The gentleman behind her, who is presently scowling at you, is her husband.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, ain’t that how it always is? It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  Callie held out her hand in greeting.

  “Would you like me to give the civilians a tour?” Lester asked his boss
.

  “Well, actually, this is Doctor Callista Gaines, and she works out of FBI West. My sister is a shrink and profiler there. Her husband is a detective.”

  He slapped himself on the knee. “Well what do you know? Obviously, law enforcement runs in the family.”

  Quinn was amused by the older man hitting on his wife. Fortunately for him, he was under control. “Yeah, we’re a laugh a minute on the holidays,” he admitted. “All the guns and handcuffs.”

  Lester took his seat and handed them two badges. “Sorry folks, but if you’re in the building, Fed or not, you have to wear a visitor badge. It makes the people upstairs less nervous when they see strangers walking around with sidearms.”

  They both took one and clipped it on without a second thought.

  “You have a good day now,” he offered.

  In the elevator, a few agents greeted the boss. It was obvious by the looks on their faces that they were disappointed. When the boss was away, the agents could play.

  Now, they had to behave.

  On the floor, where his office was located, they approached a redhead packing up her things for the day. When she saw them, immediately her face lit up.

  “Director! I thought you were off for a couple of days,” she said, not even looking at the two visitors.

  Neither Callie nor Quinn missed the look she was giving him. Yeah, someone liked their boss, a lot.

  “Yeah, Carol, I’m just going to work on a few things with my guests. You have a good night,” he said, dismissing her without a second look.

  “I can stay, sir. Do you need me to do anything for you? Get you coffee, take some dictation, or order you dinner?”

  Quinn opened his mouth to say something and was elbowed by his wife before the comment could come out. Her husband and brother had a thing.

  They liked to bust each other’s ass on a regular basis.

  “No, you can head home. We’re good.” With that, he led them inside his office.

  Once the door was closed, Quinn couldn’t help himself. “Someone has a sexy secretary. I bet she’s good at taking dictation.”

  Callie laughed, knowing it was good while it lasted. Boys will be boys.

  “Yeah, she’s a big flirt. Half of my day is spent taking care of paperwork, and the rest is spent trying to keep her hands off my body. She’s a little too handsy for even me.”

  “You should ask her out,” Callie wanted happiness for her brother. After all, she’d found love, and now wanted the same for him. Once more, her hand went to her midsection, and she wondered when she’d get a chance to break the news to her husband.

  Nate laughed. He wasn’t going there. The first reason was because workplace romances were messy, and the second because he had no desire to sleep with a co-worker. “She’s not my type,” he admitted. “I really prefer blondes.”

  “Who doesn’t?” teased Quinn, only to get a look from his wife.

  “Really, Quinton? Do men also like no sex and riding the couch for the next eight months?” After saying it, she realized that she’d just spilled part of the secret. Yet, he didn't seem to pick it up.

  Nate loved watching the two of them in action. They were very funny when they started up.

  “I didn't mean that I like blondes. You know the old saying,” he offered, trying to dig out of his hole.

  “No, I don’t seem to be familiar with it. Care to elaborate on how much fun you’ve had with blonde women?”

  “Stop while you’re ahead,” Nate warned. “She’ll outmaneuver you every step from here on out. Then, Callie will box you in and neuter you.”

  Blowing her a kiss, Quinn didn't miss the curl to her lips. Yeah, his wife was amused. He was safe. There was no doubt that he only had eyes for his raven-haired doctor.

  “How about we get down to business? We have a ton of papers to begin going through,” Nate offered.

  When they took a seat, he passed out copies to each of them.

  Immediately, Callie began studying the psych profiles. Her attention was focused on the testing doctor’s evaluation at the end of each file.

  Like Maura had said, each man passed and with flying colors. All eight of them were more than stable. They were reliable and focused.

  “Okay, just from my initial impressions, Maura is onto something. The men on her team were more than qualified to be out in the field. They had issues, but none of them detrimental to the missions.”

  “Like what?” her husband asked.

  “They were ego-laden, thrill seekers who got off on saving the world as they played hero. While they weren’t suicidal or dangerous to each other, they were still a menace to themselves.”

  “So, they lived on adrenaline,” Nate stated.

  “Yeah, you know how we always ask Luke why he spends his vacation surfing with sharks?”

  Nate never understood that. They spent their days in danger, and he liked to relax with a book in his downtime. “He’s crazy, that’s why,” he stated.

  “I agree,” Quinn said.

  “Well, on the adrenaline junkie scale of one to ten, he’s a five. Maura and her team are fifteens. If anything, they’re a risk to themselves in the field--not at home. They each note that there were no boundaries when it came to getting the mission done.”

  “That’s very telling,” stated Nate.

  Pulling the file from her hand, Quinn stared down at his sister’s psych evaluation. As he scanned the information, he pointed at a number. “What’s that?”

  Callie glanced over. “Her IQ.”

  “Holy shit. Seriously?”

  She nodded. “You should be more concerned with the sentence beneath it.”

  He read it over.

  ‘Major Maura Gaines has high pain tolerance and a low level of social barriers. She is suited to run a team because of her ability to compartmentalize any outcome.’

  “What’s that mean?” he asked.

  Nate had read plenty of psych evaluations in his time. His people often had them yearly. “She doesn’t have a problem with killing.”

  He glanced over at his wife. “Really?”

  Callie simply nodded.

  Quinn asked. “I never saw my sister as anyone but the pigtailed girl who drove me insane growing up. This is shocking.”

  “We need to get to know all of them,” Nate stated. “It’s how we’ll figure out the killer’s moves.”

  Callie agreed.

  Quinn shook his head. “Anyone who carelessly risks their life is crazy.”

  Callie interjected, “No, they’re the perfect soldiers. They’re willing to die for their country, and have no qualms about living for the moment. Your sister is suited for her job.”

  That made Quinn sick. “I don’t like thinking my baby sister is out ready to die at any moment. In fact, once I tell our other siblings, she’s going to be on the hot seat.”

  “You can’t,” Callie stated.

  “Oh, yes I can. If it was Nate, would you tell?” he asked, pointing at the man.

  She had both of their attention. “No, I wouldn’t. His safety depends on being secretive. Would you tell the world if your sister was in Russia playing spy?”

  “No, but this is different.”

  “It’s not. We don’t know if she works abroad. You may need to accept this and suck it up. She told us her deepest, darkest, classified secret.”

  “I’m with my sister on this one,” admitted Nate. “How about we break each deceased team member down and go from there? Maybe we’ll find something.”

  Yeah, it was best not to be focused on his sister now. It would make Quinn irritable. He wasn’t sure what was worse. The fact she was traipsing around with Luke, or a killer with no conscience.

  It was a big pill to swallow.

  Callie pulled out her file. “Okay, from what I have, Private Marcus Westerly was the cautious one. He was always worried about the team’s safety. When Maura would lay out the plan, it was his job to lock down their security.”

  “I d
oubt that it was a coincidence that he was the first to be killed,” Nate said. “By taking out the security expert, whoever did this would be able to chip away at the team. If no one was double checking their plans, they’d all be open.”

  “Agreed,” Quinn said.

  Callie continued, “Marcus was in charge of exit routes and arranging transport for any situation. By the details in the psych reports and notes from the doctor, the team trusted him with their lives.”

  “You’d have to,” Quinn admitted. “They had to believe that he would have their backs.”

  “Well, since they were together for five years without anyone dying, he and your sister were good at their jobs,” Callie stated. “That’s what makes the drunk driving thing not fit. I think your sister was absolutely right. It doesn’t fit his personality to be so cautious with his team, and then to go out and do something that would risk his life. It isn't indicative of the man.”

  “I agree, now that I know the details,” Nate said. “It doesn’t fit for me.”

  Pulling out the autopsy report, he flipped through. “We don’t have any blood tests or tox screens. I don’t know if they were misplaced, yanked from the file, or just never done in the first place.”

  “Curious,” stated Callie. “Maybe your sister just left them out of the file by accident.”

  Quinn wasn’t buying that. Maura had gone through a lot of trouble to download this information, and he knew that his sister was a very focused person. If she didn't include them, there was a darn good reason. “They probably didn't exist,” he added.

  Then they had no choice but to push on.

  “Next, we have Gunnery Sergeant Bruce Mclead. What doesn’t make sense to me is that he was the weapons expert, yet he was found shot to death in his home.”

  “Why do you find that odd?” Nate asked. His sister was beginning to process all the small details. This was exactly why he liked her on the team. Callie would pick this apart until they had it all in pieces. Then, she’d put it back together again.