Chapter Ten

Creed lifted the binoculars to his eyes and scanned the sprawling property, but it seemed deserted. Frustration gnawed at him. He had been hoping to catch Pedigo and Cartwright in the act. It was bad enough that Pedigo had a penchant for stealing, but the fact that Cartwright, a well-respected businessman, was involved made no sense to Creed. The man had wealth and status; why stoop to such low levels?

Just then, his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. He fished it out and saw that Dave was calling.

"Dave?" he answered.

"Is Doyle with you?"

Creed glanced over at the agent sitting beside him in the truck.

"Yes," he confirmed.

"Good. After talking with Reece, I did some digging and it looks like Sanchez could be our guy."

Creed sat up straighter, feeling a surge of adrenaline. "What? Are you sure?"

"About ninety-five percent certain as of now. His mother-in-law is Cartwright's sister, which is the only connection I can find between him and anyone here. It took me a while because they're half-siblings. Same mother, different father, so the last names are different."

"Son of a bitch," Creed cursed.

"I also looked into his finances and there have been some suspicious deposits over the last few years. He was on the brink of losing his home, and suddenly he's not. Livestock agents may make decent money, but not enough for this kind of lifestyle. Something doesn't add up."

Creed clenched his jaw, relaying the information to Doyle who visibly tensed at the betrayal.

"What do you want to do, Dave?" Creed asked.

"For now, we need to be sure. You continue your surveillance out there while I handle things here. I won't assign Sanchez to any cases for a few days and we'll go from there. The good thing is, none of our colleagues know that your memory has returned except for a select few. He may have told Pedigo that you survived, but if he thinks you're still suffering from amnesia, it could work in our favor."

"True. Alright, I trust your judgement. You're the boss," Creed said with a wry grin.

"Damn straight, I am." Dave hung up.

Creed tossed his phone onto the dashboard and rubbed his temples, feeling a surge of emotions. "I can't believe it might be Sanchez."

"How long has he been in your department?"

"About five years, maybe more, I think. I always thought he had our backs. Damn it. I was sure Reece was wrong, but his informant never lets him down."

"Reece?"

"Agent Reece Maddox. He suspected Sanchez a long time ago. His gut never lets him down, but… Sanchez. Damn," Creed said.

"We never truly know what someone is going through, but for him to betray the entire department like this is just wrong on so many levels."

"I couldn't agree more. There are other ways to get help, legal ways. He's just as guilty as Pedigo for Mac's murder." Creed ran a hand over his face, struggling to wrap his mind around this revelation. "I suppose he thinks that as long as my memory doesn't return, he's safe." He turned to Killian. "I can't wait to tell him otherwise, but for now, we'll play along."

Just then, Creed's phone vibrated with a text from Abbie. With a resigned sigh, he read her message and shook his head with a small smile.

I'm sorry. You have every right to be angry with me. I was being selfish.

It's okay. We'll talk soon. Creed replied.

Thank you.

Don't worry about it, darlin'. We'll get together soon.

I hope so.

Once this case is solved, we'll have more time together. I'll talk to you later.

Killian raised an eyebrow at the exchange. "Is everything alright?"

Creed grinned despite the tension in the air. "Yeah, it's from a woman I'm seeing."

"Oh, hell, say no more." Killian chuckled knowingly.

Creed grinned. "We had a disagreement last Saturday evening. I'll give her a call later."

"I hope it all works out for you."

"I'm sure it will. It wasn't a major argument. We'll move past it."

"How long have you two been together?"

"Not very long. About a month, but she means a lot to me. She's the first woman who has captured my attention since my wife."

"Are you divorced?"

Creed shared what happened with his wife and child as Killian listened.

"Man, that's rough. You've had a tough few years, huh?"

"Yeah, it's been challenging."

"Someone just came out of the house," Killian noted while looking through binoculars.

Creed lifted his own binoculars and observed two men stepping onto the porch.

"That's Pedigo, isn't it?"

"It appears so. Let me take some photos of them together." Killian set down the binoculars, picked up the camera with the long lens on it, and snapped pictures. He clenched his jaw. "Yeah, that's definitely him."

"What should we do?"

"For now, nothing. We know he's there with Cartwright, so we need to keep an eye on them. Don't forget about Sanchez too."

"Right, got it. Well, let's call it a day for now. At least we have proof they're working together. We just need to grab Sanchez too."

They drove back to the office, discussed strategies, and finally headed home at the end of the day. Creed was eager to get home, unwind, and talk to Abbie.

"Would you mind if I go see Abbie?"

"No, of course not."

"I invited you to stay at the house, so it seems a little rude to leave you there alone for a while."

"I'll be fine. I plan to eat then head to bed. Unless you don't trust me?" Killian asked.

Creed grinned. "No worries there. I haven't seen her for almost a week."

"Go see her, Creed. It's fine."

"Great." Creed glanced at him. "I appreciate it."

"Hell, if I had a woman, I'd want to see her after a week too."

Creed smiled. With any luck, he'd be spending the night.

****

Abbie lounged on her plush sofa, halfheartedly attempting to lose herself in a movie. But her mind kept wandering back to her brief conversation with Creed. He promised that once the case was over, they could finally spend some time together.

She understood he was busy and didn't want to add to his stress by getting upset over their lack of communication. But it was hard not to feel frustrated. This was unlike any relationship she had been in before. Her husband Jeremy used to come home every evening, but their marriage was a different dynamic. And according to Lorna, Mac had been frequently away for work.

Sighing, Abbie reminded herself that this was all part of being in love, sacrifices and compromises. But she couldn't help but miss Creed so much it physically hurt.

As she reached for the remote, there was a knock at the door. She furrowed her brow in confusion, setting the remote down and standing up to answer it. Peering through the peephole, her heart skipped a beat when she saw Creed standing on her porch. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to tame it, then opened the door and ushered him inside.

"Abbie—" he began, but she cut him off by launching herself into his arms and capturing his lips with hers.

She sighed contently as his strong arms wrapped around her and lifted her. Their kiss deepened and became more passionate as she wound her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

Eventually they broke apart, but still connected by small kisses and embraces.

"I've missed you so much," Creed whispered.

"I'm sorry," she murmured against his lips.

"Don't be." His tone was firm but gentle. "We'll probably argue from time to time, but just think about how much fun we'll have making up afterward." He grinned.

Abbie took his hand and led him up the stairs to her bedroom, eager to finally have him all to herself. Words could wait; right now, she just needed Creed's love and touch more than anything else.

As they reached the bedroom, he kicked the door shut behind them. She led him to her bed. The room was dimly lit by a single lamp on the nightstand.

He pulled her flush against him, his hard chest pressing against her breasts. His breath was hot against her ear as he whispered, "You look so fucking good."

She shivered with anticipation at his words, arching her back slightly to press her stomach against him. "I want you so much." She reached for the hem of her T-shirt, but he caught her hand and held it tight.

"No," he said softly, his voice husky with desire. "Let me." With steady hands, he removed her shirt and dropped it to the floor, then he took off his own.

She watched him, her breath coming faster, as his muscled chest was revealed. A trail of goosebumps appeared on her skin as he reached behind her to unclasp her bra, and then pushed it off her shoulders.

It fell to the floor with a whisper of silk, and he moved in close again, his chest hair tickling her sensitive skin. She gasped as he trailed kisses down her neck and collarbone, nipping gently at her skin.

"You are the sexiest fucking woman," he murmured against her skin. She moaned softly, her head spinning with pleasure.

He dipped his head to take one of her hardened nipples into his mouth, sucking gently as he rolled the tiny nub between his teeth. She arched her back, crying out softly as her fingers tangled in his hair.

"Oh, God, that feels so good." She groaned when he practically ripped her pants off her, then quickly shed his own clothes, and rolled on a condom.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze meeting hers.

"You ready for me, baby?" he asked, his voice low and rough.

She nodded, unable to speak, as he pushed her gently onto her back and positioned himself between her legs. He looked down at her, his eyes dark and intense.

"I want you so fucking much," he whispered and inched into her.

Abbie wrapped her legs around his waist, reveling in the feel of him inside her. She moved her hips in rhythm with his and it wasn't long before both of them were moaning at the pleasure of being together.

"Creed," she whispered his name against his ear and he moved harder against her.

"You feel so good, baby," he murmured and slipped a hand under her to pull her tighter against him.

Abbie gasped as he took her harder and faster, then screamed when she came. She could feel him throbbing inside her as he joined her and groaned her name against her lips.

****

Creed raised his head and stared into her eyes and knew he was in love with her. It didn't bother him, though. He wanted her in his life. He softly kissed her lips and rolled to his back, trying to catch his breath as she did the same.

He jerked when she touched his chest, then he looked at her to see her staring at him.

"Maybe you should stay away for another week," she said with a smile.

He laughed. "If that's what happens, I will." He rolled to his side to face her, and touched her hair. "I have missed you, baby."

"I've missed you too. I'm sorry—"

"Abbie, you've apologized enough. Let it go. We're fine. I know it has to be hard on you, but I have to solve this case. We're so close."

"I hope you get them."

"We will. I was able to identify the man. His name is William Pedigo, and we found him, but there is a leak in the department."

Abbie sat up. "Seriously?"

"Yes. We're pretty sure who it is. We just have to put it all together. There's a warrant out for Pedigo. He's who killed Mac and shot the rest of us, but we want all of them."

"You'll get them."

"I won't rest until I do. Not only for me, but Alex, Eli, and Mac."

"I'll be here after you do."

He smiled. "I hope so, darlin'. I want you in my life. I love you, Abbie."

"You do?"

"Yes."

"Oh, Creed, I love you too."

"I know." He smirked.

She slapped at him. "What do you mean, you know? I never said."

"I can feel it in your touch and see it in the way you look at me."

She fell back onto her back and sighed. "That's so unfair. I thought I hid it well."

He laughed. "Does it matter?"

"Well, yes. What if you didn't love me back?"

"Then I would have stopped seeing you so you wouldn't get hurt, but I knew I was falling for you too."

"I guess that would have been better than leading me on."

"Of course, it would, but that's not something you need to worry about."

She smiled and snuggled against him, then kissed his chest.

"Want to take a shower?"

"Sure."

"You're not leaving tonight."

"No problem. Killian is at the house so he'll take care of Ranger."

"Who?"

"Agent Killian Doyle. He's here from Helena to help with the case. He arrested Pedigo before and wants to put him back behind bars."

"Oh, okay. Killian Doyle. He's not Irish at all." She laughed.

Creed chuckled, sat up, stood, and walked to the bathroom. At the door, he glanced back over his shoulder.

"Are you going to join me?"

"Yep," she said, then got up and followed him into the bathroom.

****

Creed sat at his desk the following week, trying to concentrate but couldn't help sneaking glances at Sanchez sitting at his own desk. Every time Creed looked in his direction, Sanchez would quickly avert his gaze. Finally, Creed couldn't take it anymore and stood up abruptly, making his way to Dave's office.

Dave waved him inside and Creed took a seat. Dave raised an eyebrow at him.

"It's Sanchez," Creed said with a tight jaw.

Dave let out a sigh. "I know it is, Creed. But we have to catch Pedigo and Cartwright first before we can take down Sanchez." He clenched his jaw in frustration. "I can't even begin to tell you how angry I am about this."

"Believe me, I understand," Creed replied.

"I'm sure you do." Dave's phone rang and he picked it up, immediately sitting up straighter in his chair and grinning. After he hung up, he turned to look at Creed.

"What is it?" Creed asked.

"They have Pedigo at the Clifton County jail."

"What? How?"

"Apparently, he was pulled over for speeding and when the deputy checked his license, the warrant showed up. He's in custody now."

"Where's Killian?"

"He went to grab lunch but should be finished by now. I'll call him and tell him to head there. You go as well."

Creed stood up. "Yes, sir. Wait a minute though, what about Sanchez?"

"You focus on getting Pedigo to talk, I'll handle Sanchez," Dave replied firmly.

"Got it." Creed left the office, briefly glancing at Sanchez before grabbing his coat and hat and leaving for the Sheriff's department. As he arrived and stepped out of his truck, he saw Killian pulling into the parking lot as well.

"Let me talk to him first, Creed," Killian suggested with a smirk.

"Why?"

"I want to surprise him with you," Killian explained, clearly enjoying the situation.

Creed chuckled. "Sounds good. Let's go inside."

They entered the sheriff's department and Creed walked up to the front counter. He inwardly groaned when he saw Betty Lou Harper, knowing that she was a sweet woman but also notorious for being one of the nosiest people in town.

"Hi, Betty Lou," he greeted her.

"Creed McBride! What brings you here?" She glanced at Killian, clearly curious about who he was.

"Is Sam around?" he asked without answering her question.

"Yes." She called out toward the hallway. "Sam!"

Creed looked back at Killian, trying not to laugh at his expression.

"Creed?"

"Hey, Sam." Creed shook hands with the Clifton County sheriff. "This is agent Killian Doyle from the MDOL in Helena. We're working on a case together and he needs to speak with Pedigo."

Sam shook hands with Killian and motioned for him to follow him down the hallway. "I'll stay close by so I can hear what's going on, but I don't want Pedigo to see me just yet," Creed said with a grin.

Sam chuckled. "If you don't mind, I'd like to stick around as well."

"Of course," Creed replied.

"Agent Doyle, follow me."

At the end of the hallway, Creed leaned against the wall, his arms folded as he listened intently to the conversation. He heard Pedigo's familiar voice and rolled his eyes.

"Well, if it isn't Agent Killian Doyle," Pedigo sneered. "What brings you here?"

"I have some questions for you regarding Percy Cartwright."

"I don't know who that is."

"Don't play dumb. I have photographic evidence of your association with him."

"So, what if I know him?"

"He pays you to steal livestock, correct?"

"You can't prove that."

"But we can prove that you murdered an agent three years ago."

Pedigo laughed confidently, and Creed clenched his jaw in anger.

"We have a lot more than that. Three counts of attempted murder and plenty of other charges that could lead to the death penalty."

Pedigo scoffed. "You've got nothing, Doyle."

"That's Agent Doyle to someone like you," Killian retorted. "And trust me, we have more than enough to take you down for good."

Before things could escalate any further, Killian signaled Creed to come to him. Creed walked down the hallway to see Pedigo standing close to the bars, and Creed moved to stand beside Killian, relishing in Pedigo's shock as they made eye contact.

"Do you remember me?" Creed asked with a smug expression.

It took a moment, but Pedigo stared back at him and flashed a grin.

"No, I can't say that I do."

Creed couldn't resist the urge to reach through the jail-cell bars and grab Pedigo, but Killian and Sam held him back. He nodded, took a step back, and looked at Pedigo. "That's alright. I remember you and everything else from that night. And now, it seems like your time is up." He turned to Killian. "Let's get out of here."

But just as they were about to leave, Pedigo spoke up again.

"Wait. Let's make a deal."

"What kind of deal?" Creed asked skeptically.

"I'll give you all the names of everyone involved in this operation."

"Including Cartwright?"

"Everyone," Pedigo confirmed and told them most of the names, but not the one they needed.

Creed shook his head, not satisfied with this offer. "Not good enough. We want the name of the inside man at our department."

Pedigo's eyes widened in shock. "How did you know—"

"Tell us now or we walk out of here," Creed interrupted sternly.

Pedigo hesitated before finally revealing the name. "Mario Sanchez."

Creed and Killian exchanged a knowing look and nodded in agreement. "Let's go."

But Pedigo called out to them one last time. "Wait. Do we have a deal?"

Creed didn't even bother to respond as he walked out with Killian behind him. As they made their way back to the office, Creed couldn't help but feel a weight lifted off his shoulders for the first time in three years. Justice would finally be served.