Page 8 of Deadly Scandals

Grant

Ispent a restless night in jail. It was almost like being on deployment, completely cut off from the world. At least I slept on a cot in here, which beat being in a dirt hole with gunfire overhead.

I was waiting for someone to escort me to the interview room so I could talk to the detective, but that didn’t happen. The door swung open and the bored-looking guard muttered. “Carrion, you’re free.”

“What?”

He didn’t answer, just handed me the paper bag that held all my belongings and led me out to a waiting Ashley and a stern-looking Kyle.

“That was quick.”

“Yeah, well, you cost us a year on this investigation. I was so close to breaking this smuggling case, Grant. With Joaquín free, we’ve lost our leverage.” She rubbed her eyes and her mascara smeared. On closer examination, I could tell that her eyelids were puffy. I felt guilty that my actions jeopardized her hard work.

“I’m sorry. But I did this to find my son. You understand that.”

She sighed. “I do. Anyway, luckily for you, your brass didn’t want to make a scandal of a second SEAL being charged for murder. And the courtroom was closed, so your stunt wasn’t released to the media. I gave my statement that I was with you at the party and convinced the judge not to hold you on obstruction charges. You owe me.”

“Thank you, Ashley.” I gave her a hug, and she leaned into my arms.

I released her and turned to Kyle, who was up to date on the NCIS involvement.

“May I have a moment alone with Petty Officer Carrion?”

Ashley stepped away, and Kyle handed me my ass. “Start talking, Carrion. I’ve been covering for you, but I’ve had enough. What the fuck were you thinking?”

“I’m sorry, sir. Joaquín told Mia he would only lead her to our son if he was released. Mitch is following them. This was the only way I could ensure that we would find our son. I’m ready to accept my punishment.”

Kyle gave me a quizzical look. “But Joaquín was released a few hours ago. Mitch didn’t pick him up. Daniel met him, and he took off in Daniel’s truck.”

What the fuck?

I stormed over to Ashley.

“Where’s Joaquín?”

She didn’t respond as she increased her pace and walked ahead of me.

“Ashley—where is Joaquín?”

“He was released a few hours ago.”

“Mitch didn’t pick him up? You have guys trailing them, right?”

She pulled me and Kyle into a stairwell. “No. I’m sorry. There was…a mix-up. He was released two hours earlier than schedule.”

My ears pounded, and I clenched my fist. “Are you fucking kidding me? Where is he now?”

“I don’t know. We’re working on it. We have every—”

I grabbed her by the wrist. “You are completely incompetent. I asked you to do one thing for me, and you fucked it up! Where is Mia? Do you even know that?”

Kyle stepped in between us. “Cool it, Carrion. This isn’t her fault.”

Ashley scowled at me. “We believe she’s with him. We had a camera set up, focused on your door, and it captured a picture of them leaving. They got into a truck registered to Daniel, and he kissed her. He kissed her, Grant. It didn’t seem as if she was resis—”

My throat burned. That sick motherfucker. I couldn’t wait to put a bullet in his head.

“Don’t you fucking say it. He raped her, goddamn it! He fucking raped her, and due to your fuckup, he also kidnapped her. He’s a psychopath. She’s a fucking actress—she’s acting. If she looked like she went willingly, she was playing along to save herself. And our son.”