The Rogue (Hideaway Springs #3)

27. Tessa

27

O n Friday morning, I wake to the sun. Which would normally be progress for me. But given that I was up until three in the morning anxiety ridden, I’m not any more rested than the night I got here.

The heavily guarded studio apartment I’m in is small, but I’m not complaining. It’s somewhat clean, stacked with fresh groceries and coffee. The window has bars, which is fitting, and I’m not even mad about it.

I’m grateful, in fact. Dangerous men are looking for me. And there’s no way they can get to me here.

That should give me peace. Help me sleep.

But it doesn’t. Because the truth is, until they catch these men, I can’t go back to mine .

My whole life has been a beaded necklace of sand and dirt. Levi and Jackson are the pearl I found in the center, holding me together.

I owe them my cooperation.

Irony aside, no one’s ever protected me from the world’s cruelty. But I can protect them.

By staying here .

I love them and I’ll fight to get back to them, but not until it’s safe.

There’s a light rap on my door, followed by the guard's voice.

“Ms. Banks? Agent Mercer is here.”

I inhale sharply. Anger coursing through me at the man who took my phone away the day I was brought in here.

“Let him in.”

Arms crossed, I keep my back to Frank as he walks in and face the window. “Let me guess, you’re workin’ the case.”

“Settle down. I brought fresh coffee and good news.”

Dropping my shoulders, I cross to him and take the larger one.

“I want to talk to a judge. This has gone on long enough. You won’t catch them all. It’s impossible.”

He sighs and points to the couch. “We don’t need to anymore—I mean we do. But not where it concerns you. There was an arrest two days ago.”

I glare at him since one arrest means nothing for my freedom.

“Vince Romano was found in an unmarked delivery truck in Hideaway Springs.”

A wave of nausea hits me. It makes it hard to swallow the lump in my throat.

“He’s in custody now. And he’s talkin’.”

“Talking?”

“That’s the good news. He and Eddie were facing severe punishment from the organization, so they took a load of cash and inventory but had one final stop to make before disappearing.”

“Me.”

“Eddie still wants you dead.”

“Why? ”

“He’s been heavily criticized for leaving you alive that day. And paid for it with a demotion—according to his partner. Got tired of being treated like a rookie and went rogue. That's what got him in trouble.”

I shiver and take a sip of coffee.

“We’re close, Tess. Real close. Once we get Eddie, you’re free to go.”

It doesn’t seem real. “What about the others?”

“You won’t be in danger anymore. You didn’t see anyone else. They’ll be our problem, not yours.”

“We’re supposed to believe some coward from that night that no one else will be looking to finish the job?”

“No offense, but you’re not their priority. They’re not taking a risk if you can’t identify any of them.”

I release a heavy breath. “In the meantime, I just sit here when there may or may not be someone looking for me? Eddie could be halfway across the country by now.”

“Tess, this guy’s no small-time criminal. And before he goes, he’s looking to prove it. If he finds you, you’re as good as gone.”

“I know what he’s capable of. I’ve got a bullet hole to prove it, Frank,” I shout. “I asked you for a judge. I said I'd cooperate, but you haven’t even given me a timeframe. A guarantee. Nothing. This is my life, my freedom. All you care about is getting your guy. Not how your incompetence is affecting me .”

And who you're keeping me from.

He lowers his hands, gesturing for me to calm down. “You are entitled to a hearing. I’ve set it up with Judge Larry for later this afternoon. My partner Agent Andrews and I will be there.”

I scoff. “So what, it’s me against two FBI agents? Is there even a point?”

“It’ll be someone outside the agency telling you that these things take time when done right.” His voice is so calm I want to stab his throat .

I fold my arms as he continues. “Then we bring you back here until he’s caught. He's got limited resources now that he's solo. If Eddie’s lurking around, we’ll find him. Soon.”

Back here .

I blink back tears. “I’m tired of hiding.”

“You’ve come this far, Tess. Just hang on. We're almost there.”

I shake my head. “I’ve lost him,” I whisper.

“Who?”

Sniffling, I drop onto the couch, ready to be left alone. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”

Frank glances at his watch and nods. “I’ll pick you up at two.”

“Why are we in a courtroom?” I whisper to Frank. “I thought this could be in his office…a little less…official.”

He stands up straight, adjusting his suit. “Judge Larry doesn’t hold hearings anywhere but a courtroom.” He points to an empty wooden table in front of the benches. “You sit there. Andrews and I sit here.”

I scan the space, unwarranted nerves hitting me because I already know how this dispute will end. “Right.”

The judge walks in, barely examining the stiff people in the room before landing on me. His bored expression falls to the papers in front of him as he takes a seat. He doesn’t even look up as he starts to speak.

“Agent…Andrews.”

Frank’s partner stands. “Your Honor. ”

“Tell me again why this witness has been held in protective custody for so long without testifying. What progress has been made in the case?”

“Correction, Your Honor, Ms. Bennett has been given the freedom to live her life with certain limitations."

The judge blinks, waiting for the answer to his question.

Andrews continues. "The individual responsible for the murder Ms. Bennett witnessed is part of a larger criminal network. We've successfully seized one suspect from that day, but one remains at large. Given the danger to Ms. Bennett, it’s been deemed necessary to put her in protective custody.”

My stomach sinks. I don’t exactly have a good argument prepared. And I sure as hell don’t think you don’t know how to do your job is going to pan out.

“My notes say her testimony is vital to the case, but you haven’t been able to secure the final suspect?”

“Correct. And exposing her now would put her in jeopardy.”

The judge nods, clearly in agreement.

Great. I’ve lost him before I had a chance to speak.

I push off my seat. “This is unbelievable. Your Honor, it’s been three years and I still have no—”

He barely looks at me. “Take a seat, ma’am.”

“No!” I move to stand in front of the room. Call it cabin fever, delusion, or just the fact that people are here to listen, and I have something to say. “I’m tired of being a sitting duck. I feel like fish bait.”

“Tessa, sit down,” Frank grits a warning.

My face heats and adrenaline spikes. “This shit just can’t be legal. You can’t keep me trapped like this. I have rights.”

Two guards approach me, but the judge raises his hand, stopping them. “Ms. Bennett, I understand your frustration, but do calm down, you’ll have your—”

“No, you don’t!” I shout. The main door swings open, and I imagine they’ve called for backup. But I don’t let it stop me. “You have no idea what it’s like to be treated like a criminal when all I did was witness something I wish I could forget!” The tension in the room rises, and the same two guards grab me from both sides.

“Let go of me,” I grit, jerking from their grip.

“Manhandling your only witness, gentlemen?” A new voice cuts into the room. A familiar voice.

All eyes snap to the back of the room. My heart sinks so deep it takes my breath away. Noah moves down the aisle, sharp suited, approaching the stand.

But my eyes lock with the other man that entered the room. Dark jeans, tan shirt, tight jaw and that familiar scowl. Levi tears his gaze from me and takes a seat in the back row.

I swallow hard, Noah’s voice muffled as I try to find my breath.

“Noah Reeves. Ms. Bennett’s attorney.”

I frown as Noah passes in front of me, facing Frank and his partner. “This is how you treat a woman who risked everything to give you the testimony you so desperately need?”

The room falls silent as Noah turns to the guards, his voice low. “Release her, now.”

My arms are freed, and I stumble slightly, feeling lightheaded and mentally drained. Noah helps me to my seat then turns to the judge.

“Your Honor, my client has endured three years of this so-called investigation, yet here we are with no resolution in sight.”

Frank stands. “Counsel, this is a federal case. Ms. Benett’s testimony is crucial, and her safety—”

Noah looks bored with his response. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say her safety is being used as an excuse to keep her trapped into giving you what you need. ”

“Objection. With all due respect.” Agent Andrew stands. “Ms. Bennet was shot. They won’t hesitate to do it again.”

My heart sinks. I can almost feel Levi’s heated gaze behind me.

“When you catch him—whether it be tomorrow or six years from now—you call my office, and I’ll personally bring her in to testify,” Noah assures. “Until then, she’ll be leaving with us.”

Wait. What?

“No!” I shout, pushing off my chair. “No. I’m not going with them.” I shake my head at the judge and snap back to the agents. “Frank, make them leave,” I beg.

The same guard is at my side, restraining me from pushing forward.

Noah doesn’t even blink. “Your Honor, my client is concerned for her family’s safety. While the Hideaway Springs P.D. is providing a generous level of protection, I believe it is reasonable to expect that, since she is agreeing to testify, the agency should assign a 24-hour guard as well.”

The judge perks a brow. “Her family?”

Noah points to the back of the room, and my chest clenches. “Her husband, Levi Reeves, my brother, ensures her safety. He and I will be your main point of contact. I can confirm their cooperation with the agency and—”

“Tessa?” Frank cuts in, a question in his tone.

“I’m sorry, do you have a question for my client?” Noah asks. He's the picture of calm as my heart rattles in my chest.

Frank glares at Noah. Gritting through his teeth. “Last I checked, she wasn’t married.”

The judge inspects a paper Noah handed him. “This certificate is recent.” He dips his glasses to look at me. “My congratulations.”

My gaze carries to the quiet cowboy in the back of the room .

Agent Andrews stands, buttoning his jacket. “While we may release her from custody under the protection of her spouse, we’d need to inspect the grounds and arrange a visit with the local police department.”

Noah nods with a smirk. “Sheriff Bradshaw is expecting your call.”

I shake my head at my brother-in-law . “Noah.”

“This hearing is adjourned.” Judge Larry strikes the gavel against the table.

Noah moves to collect his briefcase while the room erupts in chatter.

“No,” I shout. “I have the right to refuse. Frank, do something.”

The man I've trusted to protect me all these years steps forward abruptly, catching my arm. “If you don’t calm down, your mental state will be in question and your testimony will mean nothing to—"

“Take your hands off my wife.”

Frank drops my arm and walks off. I turn at his steely voice, pleading. “Levi, you can’t take me with you. It’s not safe. He’s still out there.”

Catching my hand, he turns to his brother. “Noah—”

“Yes. Get her in the car, I’ll finish up here.”

Levi pulls me through the crowd, and as much as I want to fight him—my stomach buzzes with how much I’ve missed him. The gruff exterior, his hard scowl, these hands, his voice. Everything.

I want to be wrapped up in it all.

When we’re out in the hall, I throw myself around him. He’s quick to catch me, but it’s cold and distant. His arms loosen all too quickly and I’m back on the ground as he leads me toward the exit.

I brace my feet on the hard tile floor. “Levi, stop.”

He spins back to me. His hands rake into my hair as he pulls himself close. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” I breathe. “But—”

“Whiskey, don’t make me throw you over my shoulder.”

There’s an idea .

I shake my head. “No. You’re not listening to me. It’s too risky—”

Noah sweeps past us. “All set. Let’s move.”

We’re in Noah’s SUV before I can process what’s happening. Levi gently settles me in the back seat and sits beside me. His arm around my shoulders. At this point, I’m not sure if it’s a romantic gesture or if he thinks I’m a flight risk.

I’ve been so worked up for days, I can’t even tell. My nights are either restless or sleepless. I’m tired, emotional, and on the verge of tears. “My things—” I murmur as my eyelids fall heavy. “Willy.”

“I’ll get you another one,” Levi murmurs.

The humming of the car evens out as we roll onto the highway. I let myself curl into his warmth. He reaches over and pulls the afghan from the back, draping it over me as he lays my head onto his lap.

I’m somewhat conscious before falling asleep. This cryptic exchange between the brothers is the last thing I hear.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” Noah answers.