Page 2 of Deadly Scandals

Grant

Iwas led to a holding cell and refused to talk to the detective without an attorney. But instead of calling a lawyer or my wife, I made my one call to Ashley.

After an hour, Ashley showed up in a business suit. Her identification allowed her immediate access to me.

“Dammit, Grant! What were you thinking? A false confession? I was with you the night of the party. All night. You did not kill Tiffany.”

“No shit, Sherlock. But this is the only way I’ll find my son. Joaquín will be released as they investigate me. And he will take Mia to Julián.”

“What makes you think he’ll do that?”

“Because he told her he would. And as twisted as it is, he loves her.”

She shook her head. “I hope you’re right. This stunt will ruin your career.”

“No, it won’t. I’ll get a slap on the wrist. And honestly, I don’t give two shits about my career if I can’t find my son. I need you to make sure that when they release Joaquín, you have someone tail him. Mitch is on it, too. Promise me.”

She reached for my hand, and I didn’t pull it back. “I promise. We’ll have every man on it. He will be released tomorrow at eleven.” She paused. “I admire you and your loyalty to Mia. I thought you would leave her, but I was wrong. She doesn’t deserve you.”

“No, you’re wrong there. I don’t deserve her. And Mia’s as loyal to me as I am to her. That’s what true love is, Ashley. Willing to die for someone you love.”

Ashley released a heavy sigh and flashed a longing gaze at me. “I’m going to go to the DA and give a statement about how I was with you the night of the murder. But per your request, I’ll delay my statement until Joaquín is released. I hope you’re right about this plan. And I promise I’ll follow Joaquín and find your son.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” I squeezed her hand and felt a tinge of compassion for her. Being a female NCIS agent investigating secretive SEALs was by no means an easy task. She had thrown herself fully into this operation by transforming into Autumn the same way Mia had transformed into Ksenya. Mia’s motivation was clear—to free her brother.

I wondered what motivated Ashley.

Ashley left the conference room, and I was led back to my cell. NCIS and Mitch would be following Joaquín, who would hopefully honor his promise to Mia and lead her to our son. If this operation went according to plan, I would have Joaquín back behind bars and my family reunited within a few days. What could go wrong?