Page 43 of Reclaiming Chaos
Chapter 23
Ridge
“Come in, Agent Bennett. You’re just in time to eat breakfast with us. I’m sure Mr. Smith won’t mind, and I believe you’ve already met Carlee. No need to arrest her. I’ve dropped the charges,” Mr. Russell said without rising from his chair.
A blush crept onto Carlee’s cheeks. I didn’t need to read her mind to know the look in her eyes as our gazes met meant she wasn’t happy I was there. A flash of uncertainty crossed her baby blues before she masked the questioning look.
“No, thanks. I’ve already had breakfast in the park.”
Mr. Smith’s gaze shot up from the pancakes he’d been eating. I raised a brow and smiled down at the envelope resting on the table.
“Well, then. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing here? I’m sure we didn’t have an appointment.”
I pulled Carlee’s book out from beneath my coat and held it in the air. “I came to return your property. That was the point of all of this, wasn’t it?”
Carlee’s eyes flashed as she quickly rose from her seat. “You found it. I thought it was gone for good.”
She rounded the table and picked up the book, flipping through it. Her eyes crinkled as she lifted her gaze. “It’s missing pages.”
“Is it? I’m afraid that’s how I found it.”
She handed the book to Russell, and he held up his palm, not taking it. “Keep it. You’ll be adding more to it next week when we go into the office.”
“Right.” She whispered.
Russel turned his gaze on me and stood. “I appreciate you coming by to return the book.”
“I’ll see him out,” Carlee said, taking my arm and leading me through the hallway and out the front door. She glanced over her shoulder as she led me to the car. “What the hell are you doing here? Didn’t you read my note?”
“Yeah, I got it and read it. I can’t say I was surprised to find you gone.”
“No?”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “You aren’t the only know-it-all contact number in my phone. I wasn’t looking for you, though. I followed Mr. Smith. You care to tell me who he is?”
“Ridge. Let this go, please. Let me handle it.”
I stepped into her personal space and took her hand, resting it over my heart. I blocked her from anyone watching inside the house.
“Smith met with Amy in the park. She looked mad. There’s more going on here. You’re only seeing a part of the picture. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”
“I have to go and try to salvage what you just ruined,” she said, slipping her hand free. She stepped back, and I turned as she hurried around the car to Russell, who was waiting at the door. He held out his hand to her, and she took it. She was letting him lead her inside.
I slid into my car and dialed the number. “The package is in play.”
“Copy that.” Gwen’s voice was brisk and to the point before the call was disconnected.
I drove away from the house and was headed back to the park when my phone rang.
“Bennett.”
“Agent Bennett. This is Amy. I’m not sure if you remember me.”
“Of course, I do. You’re Carlee’s supervisor and a member of that secret underground group. What can I do for you?”
“Carlee texted me. She said you saw my exchange this morning. I’d like to explain.”
“I’m all ears.”
