Free Incriminating Evidence by Rachel Dylan Page A

his head. “That was a world-class error, Jessica. And that’s why we need to talk.”
    “All right.” She had an idea of where this was going, and she already didn’t like it. But she was going to hear him out.
    “I’ve talked this over with Brodie, and he agrees. If you would prefer to have another FBI agent step in and replace me, then we will make that happen. As soon as tomorrow morning, in fact. Brodie has a couple of guys lined up.”
    She shook her head. “No way. Would you expect me to just give up on you right now over one misstep?”
    “I wouldn’t blame you one bit for wanting another agent on your security detail. I promise you it won’t hurt my feelings. I have to be objective about this. My lack of experience showed in that courtroom. I can’t deny that fact, and you shouldn’t, either. No matter how nice you want to be about everything that happened today.”
    Now she was getting worked up. “Don’t do this, Zach. You’re selling yourself short. We all make mistakes. And I am glad you acted today, because what if that had been a gun? If you hadn’t reacted the way you did, I would definitely be dead. So if it means that sometimes we’re wrong in an effort to keep ourselves safe, that’s something I can more than live with.”
    “Are you certain about this? Because I’m fully prepared to walk away.”
    “You better not. You made a commitment to me, and you are going to stick it out. This is no time to run away. And you can tell the FBI that you are the only agent I will accept working with me.”
    “I can’t believe you’ve placed so much trust in me.”
    “Honestly, I can’t, either, but it feels right. And I do trust you—with my life. Don’t ever forget that.” She reached out and touched his hand. Finding contentment in the connection between the two of them. And maybe even a longing for something more. “You’ve been there for me each step of the way. So I’m here for you right now. I know this is tough for you, but it’s all part of becoming a better agent.”
    He squeezed her hand. “I really appreciate you saying that.”
    “And who knows? What if I totally lose it during my opening statement tomorrow?”
    He smiled. “Then we’d be even, I guess. But I know that won’t happen. You’ve got this, Jessica. I can tell by the look in your eyes.”
    “Thanks. It’s almost like I get a do-over. I was so nervous today. I have a feeling I won’t be nearly as nervous tomorrow. So at the end of the day, maybe it all worked out for the best.”
    “I’m here for you. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way, and you need to know that.”
    “Thank you.” She fought back the tears that were threatening to fill her eyes. Zach was a good guy. She’d experienced so much pain in her life. But letting Zach in wasn’t bringing her hurt—just the opposite. He was trying his best to protect her and keep her safe. She wasn’t used to anyone standing up for her. It was a job she had done by herself all her life, but having him by her side now felt right. And she didn’t want to let him go.
    His phone rang, and she watched as he took it out of his jacket and answered. She listened to the one-sided conversation but couldn’t put together exactly what was going on. She waited for him to finish the call and then looked up at him as he frowned deeply.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “That was Brodie. He just got a call from the court.”
    “And?” She wondered what they’d have to say about all of this.
    “Judge Walker is unhappy about the entire situation. She has agreed to meet me in the morning. Brodie says she isn’t convinced that there wasn’t some sort of purposeful action on my part to delay things. That doesn’t make any sense to me, but I’ll have to convince her that I was just doing what I thought was best in the moment. All I can do is tell the truth. Brodie mentioned that by the end of the conversation she seemed more receptive.” He let out a breath. “She