"According to my friend at the morgue, all three victims were shot multiple times at close range. It happened approximately three hours ago, around the time Donahue was dropped off at the FBI," John reported, showing the crime scene photos.

"There were no signs of a struggle and the victims were lying on their beds. There were no reports of gunshots, so the killer must have used a silencer."

"How could the killer have gotten close enough to three military-trained assassins without an issue?" I asked.

John pointed to the screen. "The bullet wounds look sporadic and unprofessional. The medical examiner found traces of nitrous oxide in their lungs and systems, as well as an injection site on their arm."

Xavier blew out a breath in frustration.

"Whoever did this definitely wanted them incapacitated. Was there any other evidence?"

John shook his head. "No fingerprints or fibers. They cleaned up after themselves, which is weird considering how sloppy the gunshots were. But here's the weirdest part. In the room, there were old plane tickets from Los Angeles to New York and weapons hidden underneath the beds. I'm sure if they examined the bullets, it would match the ones from the shooting. All the evidence is still there."

"Why would Lorenzo kill them and not clear the room? Couldn't it lead to his conviction?" I asked.

Xavier crossed his arms. "No, this is a way for Lorenzo to close the case, to make people stop looking so closely. John, do they have a suspect?"

"Yes," John changed the screen to show a profile. "Finn Drystan, forty-five years old. He worked as a dentist in San Diego and recently moved to New York. His wife was badly injured during the shooting, leaving her paralyzed. They moved so she could get treatments for a program in the city."

"So we have the picture of a husband seeking revenge for his wife after the names of the people responsible were revealed. As a dentist, he'd have access to nitrous oxide and wouldn't have professional experience as a hitman."

"Lorenzo makes him the perfect fall guy– motive and opportunity. It will be seen as vigilante justice, and the whole thing comes to a close." I concluded.

"The government will want to close this case as quickly as possible due to media scrutiny. We need to find out who the real killers are, find the trail that leads to Lorenzo, and clear Mr. Drystan." Xavier said.

"May have something boss," Erik charged in. "The website was updated three hours ago. The word 'complete' was just typed next to the names before disappearing. There was a transfer for $50,000 for each name on the list."

"The timing is too coincidental. Those names had to be the hitmen hired to kill Anthony, Harvey, and Myers," Xavier confirmed. "The shooters were becoming more witnesses rather than assets. Lorenzo had to get rid of them."

"But what about Donahue? He is already in custody." Erik asked.

"No, he'll be too terrified to testify against anyone. Besides, based on our interrogations he doesn't know much." I explained.

"Let me know if any new names pop up, Erik. Were you able to solve the codenames yet?" Xavier questioned.

"Almost. There's still a few kinks to work out, but we almost found the pattern of dialect," Erik reported. "Give us a couple hours and we can crack it. But that's not all the news I have. According to some of my people at DHS, Wiseman is coming early to do a surprise event at Skylight Modern."

"Early?" I repeated as Xavier pulled out his phone, making a call. "That can't be good. John, look into the shooters a bit more. There are people who owe me a few favors that can get access to the crime scene."

"On it."

"Erik, figure out what the security parameters are for the event. I want to know where Wiseman is at all times. Also, send me updates on our company. Xavier and I have been leaving Jasmine and John in charge lately. Check on the cases we have and see if any of them need my attention."

Erik gave me a thumbs up as he and John walked out together.

"Got it, thanks." Xavier said before hanging up. He looked at me and sighed. "I checked the venue. There's a private party happening on Friday, which is two days away."

"Now we need to wait for our source to get us in." We both sat in silence, staring at his phone. After a few minutes, I broke the silence.

"Why hasn't he called?"

"I bet it's a combination of resistance and wanting to figure things out for himself first. He'll be calling at any moment–"

The office phone rang. Xavier smirked at me and I rolled my eyes at him. He walked to his desk to answer the call. "Speaking of the devil. How are you, Agent Adlai?"

"Skip the pleasantries. I'm on a burner. Was this you?"

I raised a brow at the aggression in his voice.

That's all on Xavier.

"Depends on what you're talking about– the leak, or murdering three out of the four mass murderers."

"Both."

"We didn't kill anyone. But I can't confirm or deny that we may know something about the leak."

Adlai stayed silent for a moment. "Where did you get that intel and how long have you had it? The names of the shooters and a list leading to an alleged federal conspiracy?"

"A while. We would give you more information, but we're giving you plausible deniability."

"How sweet of you," Adlai said dryly. "And why would I need plausible deniability?"

"Because if you're going to help us take the Diablos down, we need to go outside the law for some of it. Are you in or not?"

"Why should I trust you?" Adlai said instead, the aggression in his tone gone.

"Again with the trust question...You shouldn't, but we're your best shot. An innocent man goes to jail, Rosaline will still be in danger, and you won't get to arrest anyone. Again, are you in or not, David Adlai?" Xavier asked firmly. "Meet us at MPS in thirty. You want more answers, come find us."

Xavier hung up the phone and grabbed his coat.

I cracked my neck and joined him.

It's time to get back to the office.

~*~

It felt strange being back.

The Monroe Protective Services building was on the edge of the city, but tall enough to give it a nice view. It had been months since we've been back, staying stationed on the property.

As we entered the building, we were greeted by our front receptionist, Amy.

"Welcome back, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Cohen. Ms. Amari is expecting you on the private level." Amy said with a smile.

"Thanks, Amy," Xavier said with a charming smile while I stayed stoic beside him, nodding in greeting. "If a man named David Adlai stops by, can you make sure he gets checked by security?"

"Of course, sir." Amy agreed, typing something down on her computer.

We made our way to the elevators and rode to the top level.

"It's good to be back here. I think the last time I was here was two months ago." Xavier commented.

I leaned against the wall, listening to the elevator music. "We've been so focused on our other side gig. But according to reports, everything has been running smoothly in our absence."

"Good. And what you said isn't entirely true. I've been keeping tabs– it's my company, my baby. Don't want us to all of a sudden be protecting dictators or helping abusive assholes track down family members. Also, I don't need my dad to kick my ass over it." Xavier shuddered at the thought. "Retired or not, dad isn't someone to mess with."

"You don't say." I said dryly.

Alexander Monroe was a good man, but he'd been through hell and back. Losing the love of his life, Xavier's mother, and then building this empire had left a dark stain on him. He was a second-father to me, but I knew that you would be a fool to cross him.

Xavier elbowed me playfully as the doors opened to our private office. "But you forget that our people are good. We only hire the best and they get the job done."

"I always do," Jasmine's voice called out. We found her sitting on the long table in the middle of the room. "But I must say that Rosaline and Maria are sad that we haven't been doing a lot of our lessons as of late."

"My wife is heavily pregnant. She wants to lie in bed watching The Mentalist and snap at me for existing." Xavier commented.

"Rosaline has had a lot on her plate." I said defensively.

Jasmine clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Everything's been running smoothly here. I would have updated you if there were a problem."

"Right, but you are also a master manipulator and liar, my friend. You wouldn't have wanted us to worry about anything." Xavier said with a smile, joining her at the table.

Jasmine smiled but didn't deny it.

A beep came from the phone on the table.

"Mr. Monroe, Special Agent Adlai is here and is insisting on seeing you. He has been checked over by security and is clear." Amy's voice came through the phone.

Xavier pressed a button.

"Send him up."

I sat in one of the chairs with a sigh. "Let's just get this shit over with."

"Of course, my little ray of sunshine." Xavier mocked. I scowled at the nickname.

Jasmine was catching Xavier up on recent reports when the elevator doors opened, revealing Adlai.

The man looked stressed, his jacket off and sleeves pushed up. His tie was a bit loose on his neck and his hair was disheveled. He wasn't handling the abrupt news that was sent to the public well.

I had a feeling the entire FBI was in a frenzy, scrambling to get answers.

Xavier adjusted the tie on his suit to greet him. Xavier decided to dress the part of a CEO by wearing one of his expensive suits. I decided to stay in my shirt and jeans.

I refuse to wear a monkey suit unless I have to.

"Stressful day, Agent Adlai?" Xavier greeted.

Adlai didn't take Xavier's shit. I couldn't say I blamed him.

"I'm positive you know the answer to that. The Bureau is scrambling to close this case now that the shooters were identified and found dead. We also have an anonymous source claiming that they know there are people involved in a criminal conspiracy and political corruption. So yes, I am fucking stressed and you guys are always in the center of it all." Adlai snapped.

Jasmine pushed a glass of scotch his way. Adlai eyed it with caution, causing the grifter to roll her eyes.

"Don't worry, I didn't do anything to the drink. You're too valuable." Jasmine gave him a wink before pouring a glass for herself. Deciding to trust her, Adlai drank the entire thing in one gulp.

We all stayed silent, waiting for Adlai to respond.

We knew that he came willingly, a step closer than anyone has ever gotten to knowing about our operations outside the company. Based on the gleam in Xavier's eye, I can tell he respected Adlai's intellect and wits. The agent was able to piece things faster than we predicted more than once, giving Xavier a challenge that he hadn't had in a while.

Like the man needed more brain stimulation.

Even though Lorenzo was an interesting opponent, having one that could possibly be a new ally excited Xavier.

Even I had respect for the man. I didn't bother to respond to many people, let alone respect them. But he was going behind his partner's back in order to get the truth and to help my Flower. Anyone looking out for her best interests was okay in my book.

Since Adlai didn't respond, Xavier spoke again.

"Do you believe it?"

Adlai looked at him in confusion. "What?"

"That Finn Drystan murdered those men? Or that this source the media is talking about is a hoax? Do you believe that we are behind all of this?"

Adlai watched all of us, seeing if we would reveal any deceit. I looked at him blankly, not bothering to offer anything. Adlai sighed as he rubbed his jaw.

"I think you're up to your neck in this mess– that you are a key player in a board with too many players to keep track of. But no, I don't think you or Mr. Drystan are responsible for the murders," Adlai admitted. "But I also know your hands aren't clean. You won't confirm or deny anything, I assume?"

Xavier shrugged. "'Plausible deniability'. But you may be onto something. How's Benson?"

Adlai's eyes narrowed at the mention of his partner he was assigned to watch over.

"Quiet, which is unusual for him. Maybe Benson isn't as crazy about his claims?"

Xavier scoffed. "In some ways, yes. Mostly, hell no."

Jasmine cut into the conversation.

"I've dealt with Agent Benson multiple times in my profession, with him trying to accuse my friends and clients on different charges that never stick. Agent Benson is irrational when it comes to Mr. Monroe and Mr. Cohen, willing to do everything he can to put them behind bars as revenge for something that happened over a decade ago. We need someone with a new perspective– to understand the situation we are in."

The agent gave Jasmine a nod of acknowledgement.

"I already noticed this, Ms. Amari. But his status with the Bureau is excusing his liability. He's seen as valuable after making multiple busts in the last few months."

I mentally cursed again that the misdirections we'd used to keep Benson off our track incidentally gave him an advantage.

"Then we need your help. You are the only outsider person in the government that I can consider working with. It sure as fuck isn't Benson." Xavier scoffed at the idea.

"Again, why do you think I'll help you?" The agent tapped his fingers across the table. and looked at us with an unreadable expression.

"Because you're an honest man...well, as honest as a man in the government can be. We want the same thing– to get the sick bastards that started all of this and take down a corrupt group of people in the system. Help us and we'll help you." Xavier proposed.

"You want to create a partnership between Monroe Protective Services and the FBI?"

Xavier took a sip of his scotch before answering, taking his time. I fought the urge to punch Xavier for his theatrics.

"We have a lot of resources and do a lot of good around the world. I'm sure you'll be able to pull out some reviews and stories from former clients. Maybe at the end of the day, after we take out the Diablos, the FBI can have another source for cases and info. Possibly a classified alliance that can share intel with one another through you as a liaison."

I could tell the agent was torn. Taking down the Diablos was a wet dream for the FBI and gaining this partnership would be beneficial to them.

But at what cost would it be to his ethics? Would he be willing to bend the law for us and himself?

"Please, you're our only chance to stop this."

Adlai's eyes whipped to me, probably surprised that I was even speaking.

"I want Rosaline to live a life with no fear. We need you." I spoke gruffly, trying to hide the weakness in my voice.

I don't know how long Agent Adlai stared at me before nodding.

"What do you need?"

I felt myself relax as he gave in. Xavier lifted up the bottle of scotch.

"Have a seat, Special Agent Adlai. We've got some planning to do."



I watched from the bedroom window as Xavier's men got ready to leave through the gates. Maria was saying goodbye to Xavier, fussing over him.

Today was the day they were going to confirm if Senator Wiseman was the leader of the Diablos by infiltrating a private gathering. Thanks to Adlai, Xavier and Damon could go under the guise of being part of the security detail. Jasmine and a few other people on John's team would be there as well.

I was to be nowhere near there, which was perfectly fine with me.

I didn't need any more action 'in the field'. I was way happier staying behind the scenes and observing from a distance. After the escape from Elysium, I accepted that I was not a fighter or a super-spy.

Not that I didn't accept it before. I'm not the next Black Widow.

I'd be staying here with the twins and Maria. Erik and John would also be operating on the property.

I fiddled with the small black box in my hands, nervous. While I was anxious about the guys's assignment, I was more worried about the gift I was about to give Damon.

"Flower, I'm heading out!" I heard Damon call and I rushed to meet him at the door, where he was picking up his gear. He wore a black suit to blend in at the event, which fit his form perfectly.

Don't ogle the muscles, Rosaline.

I lunged at him, causing him to drop his things with a loud thud. Damon let out an "oomph" as he lifted me up, supporting my weight in his arms and bringing us to eye level.

"I have something to give you," I said in a rush, letting out a small blush as I practically shoved the box in his face. "I wanted you to have it before you left."

"Can you open it for me? My arms are preoccupied." Damon asked as he tried to look around the box to see me. Remembering that he was holding me, I mentally smacked myself.

I saw the amusement in Damon's eyes as I tried to recover.

"Of course!" I opened it up, taking out the object delicately and holding it in his view.

It was a silver chain with one of my rose charms. It was long enough that he could hide it in his shirt but short enough that it wouldn't catch or hit anything. I had asked Erik to help me order it online and get it through security, while I put it together.

"This rose charm was originally my mom's, which you already knew. It's a good luck charm to me, a way to feel a sense of love and security. Even though I'm not going with you on your missions, this necklace can remind you that I'm always with you."

I couldn't read Damon's face as I gave my explanation. After being silent for a few moments, I winced.

"Was that too cheesy?" I shook my head. "Sorry–"

Damon cut me off with a passionate kiss, making my head spin. I wrapped my arms around his neck and took whatever he gave me. One of his hands grabbed some of my hair, pulling me closer so he could take control of the kiss.

We both knew that he had to leave, but that didn't stop him from pressing me against the wall and I locked my legs around him. I grabbed his tie to pull him impossibly closer, trying to merge us together.

Our tongues intertwined with one another as I fought the urge to demand we go into the bedroom.

Stop, Rosaline. Not the time.

We pulled back eventually, breathing heavily.

"Put it on me." Damon ordered gruffly.

Unable to speak, I wrapped the necklace around his neck and clasped the chains together. It lay perfectly at the base of his throat, the charm looking ridiculously small against his large chest.

I watched in awe, a sense of satisfaction filling me. I never considered myself possessive until this very moment.

"Thank you. I'll take good care of it." Damon whispered, making me look up at him as he gave me a gentle kiss.

"Be safe. Don't do anything stupid." I murmured, clinging to his shirt.

"My only priority is making sure all our men get back safe and I have you back in my arms." Damon vowed. I sighed, resting my forehead against his.

"All right. One more thing. I've been wanting to do this for a while but there never seemed to be a right time or I chickened out. But...life is unpredictable and you never know when you are living your last day. We both know from experience. I'm not saying this because you're about to go off on a scary mission, though it may be a small factor. I'm saying this because I am unable to control myself and you've given me the courage to do this. So, I'm just going to say it," I pulled back from my rant, framing his face in my hands and staring into his intelligent green eyes.

"I love you."

Damon's eyes widened before he let out the biggest grin I've ever seen on him. He looked ready to devour me when his phone rang, probably Xavier wondering where Damon was.

"That damn phone is always interrupting us. Fuck it," Damon growled when he pulled me impossibly closer. My breath hitched, my soft curves pressing against his hard ones.

"I started falling for you the moment you tried to hide from me at the club. I love you, Rosaline Sinclair, and don't you ever fucking forget it."

Damon met my lips as we fell into another kiss, my heart singing that our feelings are officially known to one another. I never wanted him to leave, but his phone rang again. Grudgingly, I pulled back.

"Go, I'll be waiting here when you get back." I said reassuringly.

Damon looked ready to argue as his phone kept ringing. I couldn't help the small smile that crept up my face. I felt deliriously happy. I got Damon to put me down and gave him one of his bags.

"They need you out there. You got this. Remember to be safe, keep an eye out, and that I love you very much."

"Damn it, Flower. You make it hard for a man to leave." Damon grumbled as he grabbed the rest of his gear.

I followed him out of the wing and towards the main entrance. Once we made it to the cars, Damon gave me one more kiss before whispering that he loved me. I melted into a pile of goo.

As Damon got into one of the cars, Maria came floating toward me.

"By the dumb look on your face, you did it?" Maria asked as she hooked my arm with hers, waving at the departing cars.

"Yeah. I almost dropped the box and threw up, but I did it!" I cheered, and Maria laughed.

"Let's celebrate with a drink– well, a stupid protein shake for me and cider for you...We are the worst party girls ever."

I shrugged but didn't lose the smile on my face as we walked back inside to be greeted by the twins and Jasmine.

"I thought you were going with them, Jasmine?" Maria called out.

Jasmine did look ready for the event, wearing a nice gown and updo.

"I got delayed. The device Erik and Xavier wanted me to use for the event malfunctioned. Erik's fixing it for me. It could take another hour or so. Hopefully, nothing interesting happens before I get there. But we do have cameras set in place at the location thanks to the agent." Jasmine said as she checked her makeup with her phone.

I held back my girly giggle as I saw Julian ogling her. Josh let out a fake gag at his brother's reaction, and Maria smacked him on the back of the head. Jasmine rolled her eyes at Josh but quickly batted her lashes at Julian.

"Well, come have a drink with us while you wait?" I offered, grabbing her hand and leading her to the main kitchen. Everyone followed us as I went for the glasses, keeping them away from Josh's grabby hands. The last time I let him carry the glasses, he broke one to use a shard as a knife. It took five minutes of pleading to convince him to drop it.

Sometimes I forget that the twins oversaw my protection and not the other way around.

We toasted each other and drank.

A toast to love and a good night.