Page 11 of Under Fire

His partners were silent for a moment, then Macayle asked. “Is it because that asshole of an FBI agent tried to get you more time in the slammer? If that’s it, Locke, you can’t judge every agent by his actions.”

“I know that, and I don’t.”

“Then what is it?” Shogun asked. “I would think after ten years that she’s an expert with vast knowledge of the Bureau. Especially after cracking an internal corruption case that sent four agents to prison.”

“I think there’s more, guys.”

“More like what?” Macayle asked.

“I think there is more to why she left the Bureau,” Locke responded.

“Please explain what you mean,” Shogun said. “Didn’t she tell you that it was because of DOGE? We all know what happened with that. Seasoned, skilled, and competent agents lost their jobs.”

“True, Shogun, and I have a feeling she’s bitter about it. Personally, I would think someone who weeded out corruption within the Bureau would be valuable to them and a person to keep on their payroll. Someone who’s that sharp would definitely be an advantage,” Locke said.

“And your point?” Shogun asked.

Locke smiled. His best friends knew him well. “I talked to Drew last night.” Andrew Logan, who also served time with them at Glenworth, was presently a detective with the Alexandria, Virginia Police Department.

“And?” Now it was Macayle asking.

“And he’s friends with a former FBI agent working out of the D.C. office who was also fired because of DOGE. He remembered Hollis. Thanks to Drew, we connected last night. The guy said she was a damn good agent. Sharp, intelligent, and a professional ─ by the book through and through.”

“All that sounds pretty damn good to me, so there has to be a point you intend to make,” Shogun replied.

“There is. He believes the only reason she was let go was that she had exposed the corruption when her superiors hadn’t had a clue. That made them look bad. He thinks DOGE was a convenient way of getting rid of her.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Macayle said.

“It doesn’t surprise me either,” Shogun chimed in.

“I agree,” Locke replied. “And if the three of us can, then Hollis must suspect such a thing as well. In fact, I picked up on something yesterday when she mentioned being released due to DOGE. If that’s true, I don’t have time to deal with someone who has a personal vendetta against a former employer, and her only reason for wanting to be on the case is to settle a score.”

“All speculation, Locke,” Macayle pointed out.

“I agree with you, Macayle. Besides, Locke, you’re not questioning her sharpness, intelligence, or professionalism. You’re worried about her motives.”

“And you guys think that I shouldn’t? Someone who’s on a campaign to get even is prone to have clouded judgment. For that reason, I see her as a liability rather than an asset.”

“Hmm, not necessarily,” Shogun said. “It wouldn’t bother me if she suspects the Bureau, especially if an assignment she worked on before is similar. She might be just the person you need to help with the case, Locke.”

“But what if she retained Bureau files, has access to FBI databases, or contacts former confidential informants? I can see the prosecution questioning our sources or accusing our team of misconduct. That could blow up our case,” Locke replied

“Aren’t you getting a little carried away, Locke? We deal with those types of sources all the time. Have you forgotten some of the people we presently have on our payroll?” Shogun asked.

“But not one of them is a former FBI agent who exposed corruption that sent agents to prison,” Locke implored.

“That might be true, but I still think she will be more of an asset than a liability,” Macayle said.

“I do, too. Besides, this case might not make it to trial. You’ll probably have it solved before then with an ex-FBI assisting in the investigation. That’s an added bonus. However, if you are concerned about her sources, as lead counsel just make sure she’s aware of what she can or can’t do that could jeopardize our case,” Shogun said.

“I agree with Shogun, Locke. But there is another concern that you might not have thought about.”

He lifted a brow. “And what concern is that, Macayle?”

“That Nick guy who followed her. The same one whose ass she kicked. If corrupt agents are involved, past or present, now they will assume she is, too…but on the opposite team. They might worry she knows too much and start watching her. So, it doesn’t matter whether you hire her or not. She might already be compromised just because she showed up at your place yesterday.”

Locke didn’t like the sound of that. And Macayle was right. It was something he hadn’t thought about, and the idea of her being in danger didn’t sit well with him. He blinked when an image of Sophie Gardner flashed in his mind. Hadn’t he learned his lesson about mixing emotions with a case he was working on?