"Maria, just breathe. Deep breaths," I coached. "It's almost over."

"Braxton Hicks can go to hell!" Maria gasped, gripping my hand tightly. I rubbed her back as she crouched standing.

Maria sighed. "It's over. How the fuck am I going to give birth? I don't think I can do this."

"Don't say that. You're one of the strongest women I know. If there's one person who can flip off childbirth, it's you!" I encouraged, leading her to one of the couches in her living room area.

"Flip off childbirth," Maria repeated, letting out a small smile. "Only you would say that, Rosie. Thank you. And thank you for distracting the twins."

I looked over to where Josh and Julian were watching a public program about knives being sold. They were both frantically pointing as they spoke over each other.

I laughed before giving Maria a piece of chocolate that she eagerly took.

"It's the least I can do. I mean, I live in your house, eat your food, and have the support of the MPS and the Organization– the least I can do is make sure you have chocolate and you're comfortable." I teased her.

Maria rolled her eyes. "I took you under my wing long before that, Rosie. Once I saw your cute little face at Elysium, it was too late for me."

"And I'll forever be grateful. I'd be dead if it weren't for you looking out for me." I said seriously.

Maria Monroe was my savior in many ways. Who knows how everything would have turned out if we never met. But one thing was for sure– I owe my life to her.

Maria's eyes began to tear up.

"Fuck, stupid hormones. Give me a hug." Maria opened her arms and I embraced her. "I should be the one comforting you, not the other way around. I heard you have it rougher than me."'

I pulled back. "Damon told you about this morning?" I asked in disbelief. I wasn't offended that he shared. I was shocked he even said anything. Damon wasn't much of a talker unless we were alone.

"No, you just did. Xavier told me what happened last night." Maria asked with concern, grabbing my hand and placing it on her tummy.

I smiled as I felt the baby move, helping distract me.

"It wasn't pretty. No anxiety attacks, but definitely tears. But Damon comforted me until he had to leave. Still unnerved, but I feel a lot better."

"And have you talked to a specific doctor lately?" Maria prodded.

"Yes, Dr. Paxton called me this morning and wants to meet. I guess he didn't want to wait until our next weekly session." I shrugged.

Maria gave me a "duh" look.

"You really gotta stop underrating your emotions."

"And you need to stop underrating how tough you are." I quipped.

Maria shrugged. "Touché."

Erik came into the room, tapping on his tablet furiously. I didn't think I had ever seen him without it. It's practically a part of him.

"Hey, Erik." Maria greeted.

The man let out a grunt as he continued tapping and walking until he slammed into a wall, dropping his device.

Josh and Julian swiftly turned at the new noise, forgetting about the TV.

"Erik, my handsome prince!" Josh sang and bounced over, grabbing the device. "What do these buttons do?"

Erik cursed as he rubbed his forehead.

"Give it back!"

Clicking his tongue, Josh tossed the tablet to his twin. Julian began playing with it.

"He's looking over the security systems, panic rooms, and safe houses on the property. And based on the vein popping out of Erik's head, it's important business." Julian reported in a deeper voice.

"All right, Andersons, enough. Give back Erik his toy." Maria scolded. Julian put it behind his back to get it out of Erik's reach.

"Now."

Sulking, Julian handed it over. Erik took it with a glare.

"Thanks Maria." Erik spoke appreciatively, holding the tech close to his chest. I held back a giggle.

"Now that I got them to hand it over, you can tell me what's going on. You have that look on your face that means no good." Maria demanded.

"I always have that look when I'm working." Erik argued.

"Dude, there's a difference between you making sex eyes at your computer and when you want to throttle it. It was definitely the second one." Josh said and Julian nodded his head in agreement.

"Erik, is this about last night?" I asked nervously.

Erik silently debated how much information he should give us.

"Spill it. If you won't, then I have to move and force Xavier to tell me. Let's just save us time. It's dangerous being ignorant right now," Maria said, stepping closer to the man. "So, as your boss's wife, I order you to tell me your duties and give me a sitrep."

"Sitrep?" I asked in confusion.

"A situation report, military talk." Julian explained, fanning himself. "Seeing you use your authority is hot as hell, Maria."

Maria snorted before glaring daggers at Erik, who seemed resigned.

"Lorenzo called to say he was onto us. He warned us that he's watching and we'll suffer the consequences if we don't tell him where Rosaline is and hand her over. Boss wanted me to make sure we are all set digitally." Erik admitted.

I looked at Maria in shock, who held my hand.

"We already knew all of this, Rosie. Lorenzo is trying to scare us so he gets what he wants," Maria turned to Erik. "Guess we are staying indoors for a while?"

Erik nodded. "We don't want to risk exposure outside besides the courtyard."

"But the courtyard is so small!" Julian whined.

"What are you talking about? The courtyard is huge." I asked in confusion.

"But you can't do big donuts with the golf carts." Josh said and pointed at me, like I lost the argument.

"You can, but you have been forbidden from doing it. Thank you, Erik. Anything else?" Maria asked before wincing, probably from the baby moving.

"Xavier is inviting Special Agent Adlai over. He should be here soon. I got word that he's passing the gates. That's all I know, so excuse me while I finish my checklist." Erik said and ran off to continue his work.

"Why is the agent coming to the house?" Maria asked.

"Because your husband wants to use him for intel. I have to be there." I said as I started to leave.

"Wait, Rosie! Wait for the pregnant lady!" Maria waddled after me, Josh and Julian making sure she didn't fall.

"I can't. Damon won't let me get involved. Got to get there first!" I shouted and made it to the front door, swinging it open to a startled Adlai.

"Special Agent Adlai, it's good to see you again. Please, come in." I ushered him inside.

"It is a pleasure to see you as well, Ms. Sinclair. I'm here to speak with Mr. Monroe–"

"Yes, he should be here any minute. And please, call me Rosaline." I implored him.

"Damn it, Rosie, I can't believe you made me run like a penguin–" Maria cut herself off at the sight of Adlai, grabbing the twin's hands to stop them from pouncing. She gave her most innocent smile.

"Oh, guests! You must be the agent everyone has been talking about. Maria Monroe, nice to meet you."

Adlai shook hands with Maria.

"Special Agent David Adlai. Nice to meet you, too."

"You are wearing a red tie." Julian butted into the conversation, eying the tie.

"It may be wise to remove the tie. They don't like the color red. Brings bad memories and causes outrageous behavior." I whispered to Adlai.

He gave me a puzzled look, trying to see if I was serious. My expression convinced him and he slowly took off the tie and into his pocket.

"Awe, you are so generous. I like you! Even if you are the government and all that." Josh said, fluttering his eyelashes.

"Agent Adlai, this is Josh and Julian Anderson. They're close friends of ours." Maria said, not releasing her grip on the twin's hands.

She didn't trust they would behave in front of a federal agent. To be honest, I didn't either.

"Well, how about I lead you to the office? I'm sure that Xavier and Damon–"

"Are right here." Xavier cut me off as the men I mentioned appeared. "Were you settling Agent Adlai here?"

"Yep. I heard he was invited to have a meeting with all of us and wanted him to have a warm welcome." I explained.

Xavier's brow rose on the word "us", but didn't call me out. Damon, on the other hand, looked less than impressed with me.

"I'm glad you decided to come, Agent Adlai." Xavier smiled formally.

"Well, you sent a vehicle to pick me up, I didn't want to waste the driver's time. And I am very interested in what you wanted to talk to me about after last night." Adlai replied.

"Let's go to my office for more privacy." Xavier gave a quick peck to his wife, saying something to her quietly. I was about to follow when Damon grabbed my arm to stop me. His face was one of disapproval.

"What the hell are you up to, Flower?"

"Nothing! I heard the doorbell and answered it," I tried to say innocently. Damon raised an eyebrow. "It could have been Girl Scouts."

"A bunch of little girls were able to pass through our gate full of security? You need to learn to lie better."

"I am a great liar!" I argued, trying to look stern.

"No, you are great at stalling. Now, how did you know Adlai was going to be here?"

Seeing that he wasn't going to let up and worried that I would be missing the meeting, I spilled the beans.

"Erik told us what happened and said Adlai was coming by to talk to you. I wanted to join, so I ran to the door. I knew you wouldn't want me to go–"

"You're damn right–"

"And there's a part of you that still wants me to not be a part of this–"

"Ros–"

"But I keep getting dragged back in and I already told you that I want in. I deserve to be there. This is basically my case and I won't allow you to–"

"Rosaline."

I stopped and looked at him, wondering when my eyes started getting teary.

"Yeah?"

Damon wiped away some of my tears.

"I was going to say you're going to miss the meeting if you kept trying to argue with me."

I blinked, surprised by the response.

"I am?"

"Yes. And you're right, I don't want you there, only because I don't want you to be any deeper in this. But, you're right. We already established that you're a key part of this– multiple times actually. You don't have to argue about your place because you've earned it. Now, let's get our asses up there before Xavier says something stupid," Damon gave me a firm kiss before grabbing my hand.

"Once again, you are showing you are more than just a delicate flower."

"Since I'm showing my thorns?" I teased.

It was cheesy, but I love it.

~*~

"Thanks for meeting us on short notice, Agent Adlai. I hope we didn't disturb your work." Xavier apologized with a smile, handing Adlai some water.

"I needed a lunch break. Happy to have some interesting company," Adlai responded. "A good opportunity to gain a better perspective on the people Benson despises."

Xavier let out a smirk. "I'm sure you've already come up with your own conclusions. Especially after last night. I'm very impressed with how you were able to put the pieces together. I guess my tax money is being used for some good after all."

I smiled as Damon gave me some sugar for my tea before he spoke to Adlai as well. "You had to have done some research."

"Of course. I've looked into you all, but because of the field you guys are working in, it comes up short. Some of the people you have been around also don't have a lot of background info. And like I already told Rosaline, I know how to put the pieces together, but there are some that I am still missing." Adlai said casually as he drank his water.

"And what conclusions have you made so far?" I asked curiously, looking at Xavier to see if it was okay that I joined the conversation. I planned more to listen in, but I couldn't help myself.

At Xavier's smile, I knew I was in the clear.

"That you had your men follow me last night and witnessed my car incident. I don't think you would have done it." Adlai said with surety.

I blinked that Adlai was so blunt about it, no doubt in his voice about the people Xavier sent.

"How could you be so certain? Benson claims we are killers and criminals, it might have been us," Xavier smiled wider. "Makes us seem a bit psychotic."

"You care for your own. Why would you let Rosaline make the arrangements if you were just going to kill me? Why even meet at all? No one but Benson knew I was going to be there, what would you gain from that? That would just lead Benson to you. You guys need me for something, I just don't know what. An arrangement? Information on Rosaline's case? You're a security agency, I am sure you have plenty of sources." Adlai remarked.

Wow, this guy is quick.

I looked back and forth between Xavier and Adlai, who were sizing each other up.

Xavier was the first to break, shaking his head in amusement.

"Huh, much more intelligent than I thought. You want to skip right to the good stuff, which is fair. We do need your help Adlai, just like you need us," Xavier said.

He pressed the remote, security footage rolling on his screen. I watched as a blue sedan tried to swerve into another car, barely missing.

I gripped my mug, taking a big gulp of hot tea to ease my anxiety.

"We think Lorenzo Diablo was trying to silence you or prevent you from getting involved."

"And how would he know I'm involved?" Adlai asked before looking at me, realization dawning. "He knows about you and found out we were meeting. Must've had eyes at the club and saw us together."

"The only other person you told was Benson. I would keep a closer eye on your partner and be careful what you say around him."

"You think Agent Benson would sell me out? To the Diablos? That sounds crazy, even to me. There's no evidence of that and it doesn't seem likely–"

"It is likely. We both know of Benson's obsession," Damon cut in. "The lines are blurred for him and you would be in the crossfire. Use your gut instincts and tell me that Benson wouldn't do something like this."

Aldai seemed uncertain, so Damon continued.

"We think you're a target now, too. You know Lorenzo has the resources. What were you looking into at the office?" Damon asked.

"That is classified information–"

"I wouldn't bother with that bullshit. We can find out either way. Just save us the trouble." Xavier cut in, dropping his smile.

Adlai looked at Xavier and Damon in a new light, analyzing them both.

I tilted my head. Agent Adlai's deduction and analytical skills were remarkable, able to read a room without breaking a sweat.

I was beginning to get worried that Adlai would see more than the other men preferred. But I wouldn't have been surprised. Based on Xavier's and Damon's faces, they won't underestimate this man.

Adlai spoke slowly.

"Clothing fibers were found in the alleyway Rosaline ran from in Los Angeles. It had traces of blood and sewage. The sample was lost in forensics and hasn't been properly examined or identified. But I have a feeling you already knew that. Who the hell are you guys?"

Xavier shrugged, smiling innocently.

"We're just good at our jobs. Monroe Protective Services goes to great lengths to make sure our clients are safe. You just happen to be on the list–temporarily. We will have people watching you discreetly for your protection."

"That's ridiculous. I can call my own protection detail. I think you forget that I can protect myself just fine," Adlai countered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Why would I use your company?"

"Because I only trust my men to look after you. The people at the government aren't to be trusted right now."

"You realize how crazy you sound, correct?" Adlai snorted.

"But I don't see you running out the door." Xavier taunted.

Adlai turned to look at me playing with my sugar packet, probably wondering if I thought this was serious or not. I gave him an apologetic smile.

"It does seem crazy at first, but I learned to roll with it. These guys saved my life a few times– I wouldn't dismiss what they say." I added my input before I went back to my drink. Damon settled in the chair next to me, letting Xavier do the talking.

Adlai shook his head. "You make it sound like there's a government conspiracy."

"Like corruption never existed in the government before? Come on, David, you aren't blind to that. It's more of a surprise how big it's gotten." Xavier hinted.

I furrowed my brow. Xavier was leaving a lot of breadcrumbs for Adlai after saying he didn't want to expose his plans to anyone. Has his plans changed? Or did he want to control the intel his way?

I think the call with Lorenzo may have changed some things.

The room was silent for a moment as Adlai thought over Xavier's words.

"You think there's someone at the top interfering with this investigation." Adlai concluded. "Do you know who it is?"

"Not exactly," Xavier spoke. "But we think we know where to look for them, which is why we need your help. We want access to the campaign event for Senator Wiseman."

Adlai's brow rose. "

Your suspect will be attending this. Why won't you just tell me the name and I'll look into it?"

"See, I can't do that. One, because I don't want it getting out. Two, I don't know if I can trust you. But hey, you're smart. May take you a bit to figure out, but you'll get there eventually, especially with what we're doing next."

"Do I want to know? I have a feeling some of your methods aren't...entirely legal. Why should I trust you?" Adlai asked back.

"Because I want this person to be taken out before more lives get hurt. There are families that deserve answers and quite frankly, our government has pissed me off for quite some time. I think it needs to be shaken a bit, don't you?"

Adlai rubbed his jaw in frustration.

"By 'government', you mean Benson." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

"Partially. Lame-ass policies, taking advantage of the poor, et cetera. I could do a whole fucking TED talk." Xavier ranted. "What do you say, Adlai? Want to take down a few corrupt people? All you need to do is get us an invite to the Q&A event. We'll take care of the rest. We just want to do some recon and get more information." Xavier said. He sounded utterly sincere.

Adlai stood and the rest of us did as well. I bounced on my toes as I waited for his response. I crossed my fingers, hoping that Adlai was willing to take this step.

"I will think about it, but be glad you're talking to me. Another agent would just call you all bat-shit crazy. You're right, there's a lot of wrong in our system, but I don't know if you are the right people I should be talking to." Adlai finally said.

"I'm sure I can get you to change your tune in the next twenty-four hours. And you'll know it's us– just keep it a secret. And sorry to say, if you start prodding the wrong way, we will have to deny everything and lawyer up." Xavier gave the man a wink.

Adlai shook hands with Xavier.

"You're...an interesting man, Xavier Monroe. Just be warned– if Benson finds out about this interaction, we're both in trouble. I am afraid of the backlash it will cause with him and the FBI."

"But that's when all the fun begins, Agent Adlai. I've been cooped up in the house for too long– I gotta stretch my legs a bit before the baby comes. One of my men, Erik, is outside waiting to escort you back to the office."

Adlai nodded before looking at me. I gave him a brief nod, giving him a hopeful smile before he left the room.

Once the agent was gone, I turned to Xavier.

"That was incredible. But I have so many questions. What are you planning?" I asked.

"A magician never reveals their secrets," Xavier grinned and pointed to his head. "The mastermind is at work!"

"Dear Lord, we are all in trouble." Damon muttered, pulling me close.

"I heard that Asshole. Now, we will do our thing in exactly twenty-three hours and thirty minutes. Adlai still has too many doubts. Might as well hit him with our next move at the last minute." Xavier whistled idly, texting on his phone. "Now if you may excuse me, I have a wife to pamper."

"And someone has a therapy session, and I need time at the shooting range." Damon said as we all left the office.

I sighed, leaning against Damon for comfort.

What exactly are these two planning?