Their Sin City Showgirl (The American Soldier Collection 7)

Conway wrapped his arms around her from behind. She lowered her head to the dresser and absorbed the feel of his arms holding her.

“You were so brave, baby. So brave,” he whispered.

“Who was the killer? Who could it be that you weren’t safe in federal protection?” Calder asked as he approached.

She remained silent. She feared telling them. “It has to be someone important. Why else would feds take a bribe?” Brook asked.

“Tell us. Tell us so we understand and can help you get through this,” Conway whispered as he squeezed her again. She turned in his arms and hugged him tight.

“I can’t tell you. He wants me dead. He has more power and connections than anyone. My commander and the friends he has in the government and the Nevada State Police department are working on the evidence and building a case.”

“But you’re the eyewitness to a murder and his confession to the others,” Brook said.

“That’s why they want her dead. Who the fuck is this guy?” Lincoln asked.

“We need to know. We can’t fully protect you if we don’t know what we’re up against. This is more than just you being a witness to a murder or testifying about a drug deal or something. This is way more serious, so tell us so we can help,” Conway demanded.

“Who is someone in the spotlight, a public figure who loves and supports soldiers, police, and all first responders? Who’s known all over the place as the guy who gets the job done even with all the red tape and bureaucracy? What position is someone like that in?” she asked.

“Sounds like a politician,” Lincoln stated with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

She swallowed hard.

“What would you say if I told you that it was a politician? A congressman.”

“Holy fuck,” Calder said.

Conway placed his fingers under her chin and stared down into her eyes. She felt the tears fill up but not fall.

“Baby, is the killer a congressman? Is it Congressman Dooley?” he asked, and she widened her eyes and shoved away from him.

“You know him? You knew this all along. You work for him?” she asked in a panic. She was stepping farther away, and trying to head toward the door.

“No. No, I don’t know him and we don’t work for him.”

She went to take off but Brook grabbed her.

> “Calm down, J.J. We’re not the bad guys. My God, you’re so paranoid and distrusting. We care about you. We want to help you.”

“You can’t help me. Let me go. Oh, God, you know him. You know what he’s capable of and how hard it’s going to be to prove anything.” She carried on until Lincoln placed his hands on her shoulders.

“He’s a killer. It doesn’t matter what his profession is or how much fucking money he has. He’ll get caught, he’ll be charged, and this will be behind you,” Calder stated confidently.

She shook her head.

“It’s not that simple. I witnessed him rape, beat, and kill Tara. He wanted me. He still wants me because now I stand to take everything away form him and destroy his life, his family, and his career. Everybody loves him. Even the feds were hitting walls as they tried to make the arrest and press charges. I was nearly shot outside of the precinct.”

“What?” Calder asked.

“It’s just a matter of time. Can’t you see that? He’s coming for me, and now that I told you, now that I’m here, he’ll kill you, too.”

Brook hugged her to him and held her head against his chest despite her attempts at pushing away.

“He won’t hurt you. He’ll never get his hands on you,” Brook whispered.

“We’re in this together. We can help, baby,” Calder stated.

“We have our own very special connections,” Lincoln said.