Brent stared.

“This time”—Tony’s tone hardened as he pushed back the emotions he refused to reveal. His words slowed—“I didn’t hurt her this time”—he paused momentarily and gathered his thoughts—“This time she came to Iowa of her own free will. We were having a baby”—shaking his head he corrected himself—“No, we are having a baby. She accepted her engagement ring”—He held Brent’s gaze—“You are my friend as well as my personal attorney; tell me you believe me.”

Brent’s shoulders relaxed and he said, “We should eat.”

“No! Food doesn’t matter.”

Leaning forward, Brent steadied his tone. “Tony, listen to me—I know that’s not your forte, but shut-up and let me help you.”

The air left Tony’s lungs. “You’re still willing to help me?”

“I’ll be honest with you. We have been friends and maybe we still are, but right now I’m pissed as hell and friendship isn’t why I’m willing to do this for you.” He sat straighter while maintaining eye contact. “When this is all done, you can fire me, but going in, you should know, I’m not doing this for you—I’m doing this for Claire. If she trusted you again—after all this shit”—he pointed to the binder—“I will too.”

Tony’s neck gave way as his face fell forward. Rubbing his hand through his hair, he exhaled. “You’re not fired. What can you do?”

“I’ll make some calls. If the FBI isn’t pressing charges, I think I can get you released, at least momentarily. When we’re back in Iowa, we’re gonna talk about this...”

Only those you trust can betray you.

—Nathan Rahl

“Mr. Simmons, we believe it’s in the best interest of your client to keep him here for at least forty-eight hours.”

Brent tried to clarify an earlier statement, “You’re saying you believe Mr. Rawlings is in danger? Yet you won’t tell us what threats or evidence you have to support this claim.”

“I’m not at liberty to divulge that information.” Hearing the mechanisms of the door, everyone turned to see another agent enter. Agent Jackson introduced the newest member of their conversation, “This is Special Agent in Charge, Easton.”

SAC Easton stepped toward the table. Tony searched his expression; deep lines embedded in his forehead displaying years of concentration and stress. Though Tony looked for some sign of accommodation, Easton’s grimace, instead, warned of impending doom.

Clearing his throat, Easton began, “Agent Jackson, thank you for your diligence. Mr. Rawlings, it’s come to our attention that you’re to be released.” He straightened his stance, and added, “At this time we’re not prepared to formally charge you with any crimes.”

Tony exhaled. His gratitude quickly evaporated as irritation prevailed. Incredulously, he stood and glared at the federal officials. Before he could speak, SAC Easton continued, “Nevertheless, your safety is a concern and we want to again—”

Tony interrupted, “My safety? What about Claire? What about her safety?”

“Sir”—Easton shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot—“Your ex-wife is the informant who alerted us to this danger.”

Tony’s lungs deflated as he turned his gaze toward Brent. Sinking back into the chair, he whispered, “She’s alive. Thank God, she’s alive.” As quickly as the oxygen left, it returned, with a rush of blood to his cheeks making his face a bright shade of crimson in the poorly lit room. With each word, his volume increased and his stance straightened, “She’s alive. My fiancée, the mother of my child, is alive and you’ve had me here for hours playing some sick mind games!”

Brent silenced Tony with a touch of Tony’s sleeve. “Special Agent Easton, Agent Jackson, I believe you just said my client is free to go?”

“Yes, counselor; however, it is the recommendation of the—”

Brent continued, “Thank you, we’ll be spending the night here in Boston. You have my number. If we don’t hear from you by tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM, we plan to return to Iowa. If you need to speak with my client again, you may do so, through me.”

There was so much Tony wanted to say, so much he wanted to know, yet Brent’s slight pressure on his arm told him to leave the room—escape now before the FBI changed its mind. Momentarily, Tony’s body refused to move. What else did these men know? Trying with all his might, he swallowed his words and walked toward the door; nevertheless, before he reached the point of exodus, he turned back around. “Where is she? Is she in danger?”