Page 57 of Blake

Reid went stock still, his body freezing in place as the shock hit him before realisation filtered through. “And you thought it was me?”

Blake couldn’t ignore the hurt in his friend’s voice. “You were one of three people who was suspected.”

“Were?” Reid asked tightly.

Blake pushed his fingers through his hair as Reid dropped the wrench and leaned back against the workbench. “Yeah. Will just cleared you. He and Jack gave me permission to share with you, but it’s not common knowledge, obviously.”

“I can’t believe you thought I would betray the team.”

His voice was tortured, and Blake felt like a total prick for doubting him, but he felt the same way about the other two still under suspicion. “I didn’t believe it. I find it difficult to believe the other two would either, but the evidence Will and Jack have is overwhelming.”

“Who are the others?”

Blake wasn’t sure if he should say but seeing the look on Reid’s face, made a judgement call. “Gunner and Mitch.”

“Fuck. I can’t see either of them being a traitor.”

“Me either, man. I didn’t think you were any more than I think they are. Hence my fucked up part in this.”

“Why you?”

“I had been cleared and with my background, I guess I was the perfect choice to investigate.”

“How does being over here help you find the traitor?”

“Well, I’m pretty sure that was who shot at me on the balcony and then in the car. They leave no evidence and seem to be firing warning shots as none were close enough to injure us.”

“So they followed us? Surely that’s easy to check. Just see who’s out of the country.”

“Yeah, except Gunner is at his aunt’s funeral in Jersey, which is confirmed as real, but his attendance is not, and Mitch has gone dark.”

“Jesus H Christ. What a fucked upped situation. I guess with Nessa being ill I was a prime candidate. We’re up to our necks in debt and mom won’t let me help her out more than giving her the odd hundred here or there.”

“I had no clue about your sister being sick.” He stopped and decided honesty was best. “But yes, it did make you a more likely candidate than the other two so far.”

“So what now?”

“Now we clear this case and then find the fucking traitor. I could do with some help on this if you’re willing?”

Reid nodded and moved closer until he was toe to toe with Blake. “Of course, brother.”

He stuck out his hand and Blake shook it. And just like that all was forgiven. It was one of the best things about Reid, he was reliable, logical, and a fucking grade A operator. Blake felt shame for ever doubting the man.

“I’m going to take Pax out tonight to give her some downtime. Could you go and look into her mum a bit more? I think she’s hiding something. That woman blows hot and fucking cold.”

Reid smirked as he nodded. “You are so gone for her.”

“Guilty as charged. She is the piece that was missing all this time and I didn’t even know it.”

“Pleased for you, man.” Reid was a good guy and Blake was as relieved as fuck he wasn’t the traitor.

“I really am sorry, man,” Blake said with sincerity.

“Forget it. You were doing your job and much as I hate it, I understand. The fucker to blame is the person betraying us and he won’t be forgiven quite so fucking easily.”

Blake had no doubt that when the mole was identified, his life would be over because he would have every last man at Eidolon out for his blood. He just hated it was a man he had considered a good friend—whoever it turned out to be.

Chapter Twenty-Five