Free Scarlett and the Feds by S.L. Baker Page A

parts of your state. That makes you look like a hero and is a lock to get you re-elected. Am I right? Maybe put some pressure on the wife to hold off on the divorce until after the election or maybe set her up and then blackmail her or paint her as the adulterer.”
    Senators Matthews looked like he was going to grab me by the throat and shake the living stuffing right out of me. I looked for Scarlett and she was first in line to get a piece of wedding cake.
    “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Miss Ellington.”
    “Yes you do.” I held my ground staring him right in the eye. I could see the two agents hanging on every word, just salivating waiting for him to incriminate himself. He was close.
    “You remember what you told me that night at the Summit Inn?”
    “Yes.” His eye ablaze, as he looked for an escape route.
    I saw him signal a goon and I knew my time was limited. I needed him to say it.
    “What did you tell me?”
    “Asking the wrong questions about the wrong people will get you killed.”
    “Is that a threat or a warning?”
    The goon arrived and grabbed my arm.
    “Let go of my arm,” I said trying to yank out of his grip.
    “Time to go, ma’am.”
    “Senator, answer my question. Is that a threat and has Joe Salvatore given you money or contracts? Tell your goon to let go or I will scream and cause a huge scene at your niece’s wedding and that’s what will be plastered all over the morning paper and 6:00 o’clock news. Don’t worry I will make sure to get lots of shots of your blonde bimbo.” I threw my free hand in the air to summon Ed. He was there in a flash and set the camera up.
    The senator motioned for the goon to let me go and to stand down and I did the same with Ed.
    “Answer my question and I’ll leave.”
    “Yes to both,” he said and turned and walked away.
    “Hope you both got that,” I said into my boobs at the agents.
    Ed shot me a WTF look, but didn’t ask.
    I did a quick stand up report about the wedding with a clip of the bride dancing with the Senator. Scarlett was the head of the Conga line and was very unhappy with me when I dragged her off the dance floor. She spent the entire ride back to the station arms folded, pouting.
    Ed unloaded the gear from the van and headed up to my office. I would rendezvous with the agents before I headed home to return their wire and get my instructions for the next target.
     

***
     
    Both agents were waiting for me in the alley at five thirty.
    “Miss Ellington, can you tell us again why this is your chosen meeting place?”
    “No.”
    “You know I can arrest you for withholding and obstruction of justice.”
    “If you both are the super agents you believe you are, then you already know the answer,” I snapped.
    Both agents exchanged glances. Scarlett had a notepad and was trying to spell it out for them.
    “It’s because I have two of Victor’s body guards watching me. I don’t want to have to explain this to any of them. Understand?” I said hoping this would pacify them for the moment.
    “Fine,” Agent Parker said with more attitude than Scarlett cared for and was close to smacking him up the side of the head. But I was pretty sure that would land me in cell and so did she.
    “Did you get what you needed?” I asked handing him the wire.
    “Barely, but it will help our case,” Agent Parker said. We’ll be in touch.”
    “I’m sure you will,” I said.
    When I exited the gates to the station, I caught the glimpse of the Black SUV keeping its distance. I smiled, wondering if Nicole knew that part of Hawke’s job was babysitting me all day. I could see those hands on her hips, and her just rolling those gorgeous blue eyes.
    I waved and the Escalade pulled up to the curb. Hawke came around and opened my door. I hopped in and he shut the door. My cell rang.
    “Hi babe,” I said.
    “How’s my dream girl?”
    “Ready to go car shopping,” I said.
    “About that, babe. I’m going to be delayed, but I