69

Lea’s P. O. V.
I ran a hand through my hair and sat up in the hospital bed, carefully touching the bandage on my head and careful not to make any sudden movements with my leg. The doctor said it was healing well, but he was worried about the stitching in the artery reopening from sudden and unnecessary movements.
It had been three weeks since Victoria took me from Carter’s, three weeks since that day in the cemetery, but it still seemed like yesterday. I shook my head to clear my mind and tried to focus on the man near my right foot as I reached a hand to my neck, realizing once again the pendant Carter had given me had been stored in the hospital’s safe until my release.
Just a few more questions, Ms. Miller.
I sighed and glared at the two federal agents standing at the foot of my bed as if I were some high profile criminal.
How many times do I have to tell you ass hats that my name is now Mason, Lea Mason. And besides, I pointed between the two men, that is what you both have said the last two days. I scrunched my face and mocked the younger agent, Just a few more questions, Ms. Miller.
I pulled the thin hospital sheet up and over my chest, crossed my arms, and tilted my head to the side. I was pissed to say the least. I had only been awake for three days, and each of those days I had awoken to find these two monkey suits sitting around, waiting to bombard me with questions I did not want to answer.
You know this would go a lot quicker if you would stop being counterproductive and just answer the questions truthfully.
I looked over the older agent as I ignored his remark. His dark brown hair was cropped close to his scalp and his face was scarred from what I could only guess was some sort of fire.
What are your names again ?
The older agent huffed and nodded to the younger man, He’s Maxwell and I’m Breckin.
HM.
Now, you stated yesterday that you remember being on your way to your shift at Black Cats owned by a man named Jack Granger.
Yes. I held the gaze of Breckin as I answered. If I was going to pull this off, I would have to be as convincing as possible.
You also stated that you had no knowledge that he worked for a man named Carter Stephens ?
My heart fluttered at the mention of Carter’s name and in that moment I was grateful that the nurse had removed the wires to the heart monitor earlier yesterday, otherwise, the agents would figure out what I was up to.
That is what I said. The lie had come easier than I thought possible.
What is the last thing you remember after getting dressed and heading into work ?
I pinched the bridge of my nose, I already told you, a car came through the intersection and ran the light. I swerved to miss it, I hit my head, and woke up here a couple of days ago.
And how did you get all the way from Jackson to here ?
I tried to steady my temper as I spoke, If I freaking remembered that, then I could tell you, couldn’t I ?
I sighed and thought about what the nurse had said. Your chart will say that you have temporary amnesia due to a head injury from the accident in Jackson. The agents have already been told that you were found wondering aimlessly several miles from there and that you were transferred here to be closer to family after it was found that you had no one in the area to look after you. They were also informed that the head injury, coupled with the traumatic events in your life is why your were in a coma for the last three weeks. Stick to that and you will be fine.
The nurse had walked out without further explanation, but I knew deep down that she was one of Carter’s. He seemed to have people every where, but yet he still hadn’t made any acknowledgement that I was alive, in fact, it almost made me be believe that he thought I was dead. That thought in itself caused my heart to ache almost as much as it had when I lost Cece.
I reached up and wiped the tears that were threatening to spill, doing my best to pretend that I was tired as the incredulity in the younger agent’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts.
So, you really expect us to believe that ? Knowing that we know you worked for Jack Granger, who works for Carter Stephens, who was in Jackson at the same time as William Marshall, who just so happened to have two bullets in his chest ? Agent Maxwell asked as he wrote furiously in his note pad.
I held the agent’s beady eyes, What you believe is up to you. You asked me what I remembered and I told you.
Agent Maxwell’s voice was deadly calm. What I believe is that your lying Ms. Mason. I think the amnesiac act is just that, an act. He took step closer but I refused to cower under his intense scrutiny, And I believe that you know a hell of a lot more than you are telling us.
I narrowed my eyes at the young agent, Well, you are more than welcome to believe what ever floats your boat and helps you sleep at night.
Both agents turned toward the door as a knock sounded. The older agent nodded and greeted the man at the door before speaking, Boss, we’re just about done here.
Ms. Mason has been cleared of any and all associations with the Stephens organization.
Emilio stood at the door in a dark suit and gray tie, his hands folded in front of him as he looked over the three of us. His face gave nothing away as his eyes met my questioning ones. Both agents looked back toward me before turning back to Emilio.
Agent Breckin started to speak, We still have a few more..
Emilio shook his head and held out a manila folder, silencing the two men, This case is officially closed. You two have your next assignment waiting and your plane leaves in two hours. I suggest you get to your hotel, gather your belongings, and be on your way.
But Boss, there are some things that just don’t add up here.
Emilio stepped up to the older man, his words slow and harsh, I don’t give a flying fuck. This case is closed.
Agent Breckin nodded and took the folder from Emilio’s hand, tilting his head at the younger agent. Emilio was quiet as he waited for both men to leave the room. He walked them to the door and watched as they headed down the hallway before closing it and locking the two of us in the drab blue-gray room.
Lea, Emilio’s face softened as he watched me shift uncomfortably in the bed.
You freaking shot me, I spat out, in the face I might add.
The bullet just grazed you Lea, stop being so over dramatic. Emilio pulled up a chair and propped his feet onto the bed, his Patton leather shoes making a soft thud as he unbuttoned his blazer and crossed his ankles. Besides, the bruising and jagged scar just adds to the credibility of your cover story.
I scoffed, Don’t you think someone can tell the difference between me hitting the side window of my car and being shot ?
Only if they know what they are looking for, Emilio countered as he leaned the chair back and closed his eyes.
Well your two prodigies there sure were suspicious. I’m not quite sure how much longer I would have been able to hold out.
I’m sorry about that, but I had to let it play out for a couple of days.
So, who do you actually work for ? I had been asking myself the question since he turned the gun on Miguel and I in the cemetery. Miguel, Carter, or the FBI ?
Emilio opened his eyes and shot me a deadly glare, Miguel ? Really Lea ? After I put a bullet between the man’s eyes, your still seriously going to ask me that ?
Hey, I shrugged my shoulders, it’s a legitimate question.
Damn annoying ass, Emilio started on his tirade once more.