Page 14 of Witness Security Breach

Now she had a job she loved.

Charlie glanced at the tactical black SUV, itching to leave. Rather than tap her foot impatiently, she paced around the wide lobby.

The sound of sensible pumps click-clacking across the tile floor snagged her attention.

An elegant, athletic-looking brunette in her early sixties, with bright eyes and gray at the temples, entered the lobby. She wore a silk blouse with a long, fancy scarf tied around her neck and slacks. “Excuse me, I’m Sharon Sullivan. Can I help you?”

“Mrs. Sullivan, I’m Deputy Marshal Killinger. I need you to come with me. Right now.”

They’d already been attacked at the house. No way were they going to play sitting ducks twice in one day. Any talking would have to happen in the car and at the SSPC.

If Sharon later decided that erasing her past and forging a new life with Eugene wasn’t what she wanted, the marshals would allow her to leave. But that discussion wasn’t going to happen here at Sullivan Logistics out in the boonies.

“What is this about?” Sharon asked.

“Your husband. Eugene.”

Her eyes grew wide and her hand flew to her chest. “Has something happened to him? Is he all right?”

“Mrs. Sullivan, is it okay if I call you Sharon?” The conversation in the car was going to be awkward. Calling her Mrs. Sullivan in front of Eugene would only compound things.

She nodded. “Yes.”

“If you’ll come with me, Sharon, I’ll explain everything in the car.” Charlie extended a hand toward the door, but the older woman stayed planted, as if rooted in shock.

“Please, tell me, what’s going on?”

Charlie put a hand on her shoulder and gently coaxed her to start walking. “As soon as we’re in the car.”

The receptionist stood behind the desk. “Mrs. Sullivan, what should I tell everyone?”

“I’m not really sure,” Sharon said. She stopped and looked from the receptionist to Charlie.

“Tell them there was an emergency. She’ll check in with you later.” Charlie held the door open. “This way, please.”

Sharon walked across the threshold.

Charlie put a hand on her back, shepherded her the ten steps to the vehicle and ushered her into the third row.

“Honey, what’s happening?” Sharon asked, confusion stamped on her face.

Eugene reached for her and helped her sit. “I’m so sorry. I hate that you’re being blindsided like this. I never thought this day would come.”

Charlie climbed into the front seat, since Aiden’s wound was bandaged. Torres whipped the car around into a U-turn and headed out of the lot.

“Blindside me with what?” Sharon asked. “Why are marshals here?”

“Sweetheart.” Eugene kissed her hands. “I don’t know what to say, where to begin.”

“Sharon, your husband is in the federal witness protection program,” Charlie said, cutting to the quick of it. If left up to Eugene, he might hem and haw all the way to the SSPC.

“What is she talking about, honey?” Sharon turned to Eugene. “How could you be in witness protection?”

“It’s come to our attention that his life is in danger,” Charlie continued.

“In danger? Oh, God. This is all so much. I don’t understand. I thought witness protection made people disappear so they couldn’t be found.”

“That’s correct, ma’am,” Aiden said.