The Gallows at Midnight (Agents of Interpol 2)

“Why didn’t you tell us when they took her, Sammi? The team was young back then, but we could’ve gotten her back.”

“I’m sorry, Lily. It’s more complicated than you know. They’ll kill her or worse. I tried to stay loyal and help us even though I have to help them. Ja— “

The door flies open, Hastin storming into the room holding a piece of paper. He thrusts it into my hands as I stand to face him. “This fax just came into my office.”

Agent Williams,

I’m on my way. We need to talk.

I can explain about Agent Krezner. Don’t do anything harsh.

--S.A. C.M.

“Lily, what it is?” Vlad’s voice is tight, full of pain and something darker.

I reread the letter several times. S.A. is an FBI term. Special Agent. Feds official title. No one in the FBI should know Dresden and I are alive. Hyde and Monroe assured us the nature of our mission was told to a very small, need to know only group. Small as in, Hyde, Bates, Dresden, and me. That’s it.

It hits me like a freight train, and I gasp, my hand flying to cover my mouth.

C.M.— Caleb Masterson.

Fuck me. Blake’s best friend is FBI.

22

~Lily~

After shredding the fax, I gather everyone in the living room, informing them there was an important guest on the way. They’ve been asking non-stop about it for the last fifteen minutes. All I can do is smile. I like Caleb and at the moment, I’m inclined to like him even more. Blake had protection long before we ever showed up.

It’s obvious Blake has no idea about Caleb’s true profession. He would’ve shared that secret by now. He’s sitting on the sofa, fiddling with his wedding band. I skim my thumb over the engagement ring, smiling to myself. Shannon and Sorina have a secured internet connection so they can speak with Carmen about planning the wedding, but it’s limited to two hours a day for extra safety.

All heads snap toward the door as the clunk of boots echoes from the porch. The knock is heavy and firm.

I chuckle to myself. “Come in.”

Caleb is better looking than I remember, but probably because he’s dressed differently— all blonde hair, blue eyes, and tan; wearing a perfect navy blue suit, shiny dress shoes, and a black tie. Had he dressed like this before, I probably would’ve pegged him for a Fed.

“Caleb!” Blake darts off the couch, and they embrace each other in a hug. “Holy shit, man. How the hell? What the hell is going on?”

Caleb’s laugh is infectious— deep and knowing. “It’s good to see you again, bro. You remember Carson, right?”

A young boy steps from behind him. A few inches shorter, dressed well, in jeans and a dress shirt, blonde hair and blue eyes to match Caleb’s.

“Hey, kid. How you been?”

“You know me, Blake. Following in my brother’s shadow as always.”

Caleb’s eyes meet mine and his grin widens. “Excuse me for a sec, bro.”

I meet him in the middle of the room. He squeezes me around the waist as I throw my arms around his neck. I’ve never been so happy to see someone from Blake’s past. After a minute, he holds me at arm’s length, his hands resting lightly on my waist.

“You are one crazy, beautiful, sadistic, and amazing bitch, you know that?”

I feign embarrassment. “Aw, Caleb. That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

“It’s good to see you, Lily. We need to talk, though. In private.”

“I know. We got time. I’m not planning on killing Sammi. Just not letting her near a computer.”