Chapter Eleven

As Creed stepped into the bustling office, his eyes immediately scanned the desks for Sanchez. But he was nowhere to be found. With a furrowed brow, Creed scanned the room and spotted Dave's door open, and the office was unoccupied.

"Where the hell is Sanchez and Dave?" He muttered under his breath, frustration seeping into his voice.

"They're in the conference room," another agent answered as he passed by on his way out.

Killian looked at Creed with concern. "I guess he's talking to him."

"Not without me, he isn't." Without wasting any time, Creed made his way toward the conference room. As he reached the door, he could hear heated voices coming from within. Dave's was unmistakable.

Creed pushed open the door and stormed into the room. He saw Dave standing at the head of the table, his fists clenched and his face red with anger. Alex and Eli sat at the table and across from them sat Sanchez, looking uneasy as they all glared at him.

Sanchez's eyes widened as he saw Creed enter the room.

"Creed," he said nervously.

"You son of a bitch," Creed snarled, striding toward Sanchez with fierce determination.

But before he could reach him, Killian grabbed his arm, trying to hold him back. Ignoring him, Creed shook off Killian's grip and lunged for Sanchez. He grabbed him by his shirt collar, hoisting him out of his chair with an iron grip. Drawing back his fist, he landed a solid punch on Sanchez's face.

"Agent McBride!" Dave bellowed, making Creed release his hold on Sanchez. "In my office. Now."

Creed shook out his hand to alleviate some of the pain from the impact as he glared at Dave before storming out of the conference room.

As soon as he stepped into Dave's office, Creed began pacing back and forth, uttering a stream of curses under his breath. When Dave finally walked in, he gave Creed a stern look.

"I lost control," Creed admitted with a shake of his head.

"Yeah, no shit. What were you thinking?" Dave demanded.

"I was thinking that he killed Mac and tried to kill the rest of us. It doesn't matter if he didn't pull the trigger himself; he's just as guilty," Creed argued.

"I agree, but it was bad enough that Eli had to be restrained when he saw him. I can't lose two of my best agents over this. Listen, I understand your rage, but you can't go hitting him," Dave scolded.

"The hell I can't. Damn it, Dave." Creed clenched his fists and hung his head in frustration.

"You need to go home and cool off," Dave ordered firmly.

Creed lifted his head and glared at him. "No."

"This is not up for debate, Creed. You need to calm down. We've caught the people responsible. Go home now," Dave commanded with authority.

Creed stared at him, heaved a sigh, and strode from the office. He grabbed his hat and coat then walked out. As he stood in front of the elevator, his temper boiled.

"Creed?"

He looked to see Killian beside him.

"I'm sorry, Killian."

"For what? I wanted to hit him myself. Where are you going?"

"Dave sent me home."

"Oh, okay. Well, I'll see you at the house later. I'll pack and head back to Helena tomorrow." He stuck his hand out to him, and Creed shook it. "I appreciate you letting me stay with you."

"You're welcome. I can't thank you enough for helping me with this. If you ever want to leave the Helena office, come to Clifton. I'm sure Dave would love to have you."

Killian grinned. "He already asked and I'm considering it. I like this town."

Creed smiled. "It's a nice place. It would be great having you."

"Take care, Creed. We'll talk soon." Killian nodded, then reentered the office.

When the elevator still hadn't arrived, Creed sighed and headed for the stairs. He'd work off some frustration. He pushed the door leading to the stairs open so hard that it slammed into the wall behind it, and then he ran down the stairs.

****

Abbie pushed open the glass door of the bustling diner, a warm and familiar scent of burgers and fries hitting her nose. She made her way to the crowded counter, smiling and waving at familiar faces as she passed. Skipping lunch due to the rush at work, Abbie decided to grab a quick dinner before heading home.

As she waited for Connie to pour her a cup of coffee, Abbie's thoughts drifted to Creed. A small smile graced her lips as she thought of him, grateful for his love and presence in her life.

Memories of her past relationship with Jeremy flitted through her mind, but they seemed dull and insignificant compared to her current deep and all-consuming love for Creed. She couldn't imagine life without him by her side.

The jingle of the bell caught her attention and she stiffened when she saw Jeremy walk in. Speak of the devil.

"Abbie, how are you?" he asked as he took a seat on the stool next to hers. "Mind if I join you?"

She shrugged nonchalantly, masking any feelings that may have stirred at his presence. "It's a free country."

They exchanged small talk, but Abbie's thoughts were elsewhere as she told Connie she'd take her usual order before turning back to Jeremy.

"How are you doing?" she asked politely.

He fidgeted with the napkin holder before shrugging halfheartedly. "I've been better."

"Oh, okay." Abbie smiled at Connie when she brought out her usual burger and fries a few minutes later. "Thank you, Connie."

"My pleasure."

As Abbie bit into her delicious meal, enjoying every savory bite, Jeremy suddenly dropped a bombshell on her.

"Abbie," he reached out to touch her arm, but she instinctively moved away.

"Jen and I broke up. She had an affair."

Abbie couldn't help but snort out a laugh. "What a shocker," she remarked sarcastically.

"I'm sorry," Jeremy muttered, looking genuinely remorseful.

Abbie turned to face him fully, her expression stern. "For what exactly, Jeremy? Cheating on me? Lying to me? Divorcing me?" She waved her hand dismissively. "It doesn't matter now anyway. It was a long time ago."

Jeremy only ordered a cup of coffee while Abbie continued to enjoy her dinner.

The bell jingled once again, and Abbie's heart skipped a beat when she saw Creed walk into the diner. He looked pleasantly surprised to see her there and quickly took the seat on the other side of her.

Without hesitation, he leaned in close and whispered in her ear, making her heart flutter with joy.

"Hi," he said, then kissed her cheek.

"Hi yourself." She smiled.

"Abbie?"

She sighed. "What is it, Jeremy?"

"Jeremy?" Creed said as he looked around her to stare at him.

"Oh, yes. Creed, this is Jeremy Wells, my ex-husband. Jeremy, this is Creed McBride… the man I'm in love with." She grinned when she heard Creed chuckle.

"In love with?"

"Yep."

"Uh, I thought we could talk."

"About what?"

Creed stood. "Yeah, about what?"

Abbie saw Jeremy swallow hard as he gazed up at Creed, then he cleared his throat.

"I don't see where that's any of your business."

"Look… Jeremy, I'm in the mood to kick the hell out of someone and you're pushing it."

"What's wrong?" Abbie asked.

"I'll tell you later, but trust me, I'm not in the mood for this clown." He looked at Jeremy. "It would probably be best if you got the hell out of here before I drag you off that fucking stool and we go outside."

Abbie looked at Jeremy. "I'd listen to him, if I were you."

Jeremy stared at Creed, stood, and walked out. Creed resumed his seat, and Abbie placed her hand on his arm.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, it's just been a hell of a day." He kissed her lips. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I enjoyed that. I told you she'd cheat on him."

Creed grinned. "And I suppose he wants you back?"

"It sounded like the conversation was heading that way, but we didn't get that far."

"Damn good thing."

Abbie cupped his cheek in her hand. "You never have to worry about that."

Connie greeted Creed with a warm smile. "Hi, Creed. Can I get you something?" she asked.

"Sure, Connie. I'll have my usual," he replied with a nod.

"I'll be right back in a few," she said as she headed toward the kitchen.

Abbie turned to Creed and asked about his day.

"Did you have a bad day?"

"Yes and no. No, because we caught Pedigo and the leak in the office. Yes, because I punched him," Creed admitted with a hint of satisfaction.

Abbie gasped in surprise. "Who? Pedigo?"

Creed smirked. "No, the leak."

"What?" Abbie exclaimed; her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Yeah, when I got back to the office after talking to Pedigo at the jail, I was so pissed about it being one of our agents that when I saw Sanchez, I lost my head and punched him," he explained nonchalantly.

Abbie's eyes widened in shock. "Sanchez is the agent?"

"Yes," Creed growled, clearly still angry about it.

"Did he say why?" Abbie asked curiously.

"I'm sure he gave some bullshit story about why, but it doesn't matter why. He did the unthinkable," Creed replied bitterly.

"I'm glad it's over now," Abbie said softly, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

"Me too. I hope they both rot in hell," Creed muttered darkly.

"They'll get what they deserve. Can you come by tonight?" Abbie asked hopefully.

"I would, but it's the last night for Killian," Creed explained.

"Oh, okay. Not even for a little while?" Abbie persisted with a playful smile.

"I can follow you home," Creed suggested with a grin.

"That sounds good to me," Abbie replied, feeling butterflies in her stomach at the thought of being with him.

As she drove home, she couldn't help but steal glances at the rearview mirror to make sure Creed was still following her. She laughed to herself because he didn't really need to follow her; he knew where she lived.

When they arrived at her house, she parked in the driveway and watched as Creed parked behind her. As he strode toward her, she couldn't help but admire his confident and commanding presence. He stopped in front of her, leaned down, and kissed her passionately. When she moaned, he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.

Abbie took his hand and led him inside the house. They both removed their coats before Creed made it clear that the cat wasn't welcome upstairs. Abbie chuckled. Hand in hand, they headed to the stairs together.

"After you," Creed said with a gallant gesture.

"How about you go first?" Abbie countered playfully.

"No, besides, a man always lets a woman go first," Creed insisted with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Or maybe you just want to stare at my ass," Abbie teased with a laugh.

Creed chuckled. "And maybe you just want to stare at mine."

"Well, you do have a fine ass, Creed McBride," Abbie admitted shamelessly.

"Go on," he urged with a smirk.

"Yes, sir," she replied playfully before walking up the stairs with Creed close behind. She paused halfway up and glanced back at him with a sly smile.

"Are you looking at my ass?"

"Well, hell yes, I am," he replied with a low chuckle.

At the top of the stairs, Abbie turned to face him and kissed him deeply. Without breaking the kiss, she took his hand and led him into the bedroom. As Creed kicked the door closed behind them, he grinned when the cat gave him a dirty look and growled.

****

Creed entered the office and made his way to Dave's office. He knocked firmly on the door before being waved in.

"Take a seat," Dave said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.

Creed sighed, bracing himself for a potential scolding. He sat down and waited for Dave to speak.

"Creed—"

"Dave, I apologize for losing my temper the other day. But I won't apologize for hitting Sanchez. If you want to reprimand me, go ahead."

"You're damn lucky I'm not." Dave let out a heavy breath. "Look, I know you're angry and you're not alone in this. As of now, Sanchez is in jail until he can be transported to prison. There won't be a trial because he'll plead guilty."

"I want that bastard put away."

"Oh, he's going away. But he made a deal—"

Creed jumped to his feet. "What kind of deal?"

"Life without parole. He could have easily gotten the death penalty. Don't worry, he's going to prison."

Pacing back and forth, Creed muttered under his breath. "I should have hit him more than once."

"I did not hear that. Do I need to give you another day off?"

Defeated, Creed sat back down with a heavy sigh. "No. I'm just so furious that one of our own betrayed us. He told Pedigo we would be there that night and he knew... he knew that Pedigo intended to kill us. I want to know why. Is Sanchez in the Clifton jail now?"

"Listen to me, you are not going there to talk to him. The last thing we need is for you to go in there recklessly trying to get information."

"How can you just sit there and not want to make him pay?"

"He will talk—"

"When? I want to be there."

"The sheriff is bringing him here later today. We'll speak with him and his attorney in the conference room. Since the jail doesn't have an interrogation room." Dave glanced at his watch. "Alex and Eli will be joining us as well."

"Good. I want to sit across from him and look him in the eye for what he did to us."

"You'll get your chance. Now get back to work. I'll let you know when they arrive if you're out of the office."

"If I am, don't start without me."

"We won't. I want him to look all of you in the face."

Creed stood up. "Alright. I'll see you later. I have a case in Hartland that needs my attention."

Dave nodded and Creed left the office, making his way to his desk and sitting down. He balled his fists and clenched his jaw, seething with anger. How could Sanchez betray them like this? He had worked alongside them without batting an eye.

Later, as he sat in his truck surveilling the stolen horses through binoculars, Creed's phone buzzed with a message from Dave telling him to come back into the office. Without hesitation, Creed started the truck and drove back to the office, consumed with anticipation for what he was about to hear.

A few minutes later, he barged into the office, removed his hat and coat before hanging them up, then made his way to the conference room. As he opened the door and walked inside, he couldn't help but smirk at the sight of Sanchez's face draining of color as soon as he saw him. It brought Creed great satisfaction to see that he had a black eye.

Creed greeted Sam with a firm handshake, then took a seat between Alex and Eli on the opposite side of the table from Sanchez. They all fixed their gaze on Sanchez, and Creed assumed that the man next to him was his attorney.

Dave entered the room and sat at the head of the table. He nodded at Sanchez's attorney.

"Gentlemen, I'm Carlton Baxter. Agent Sanchez's—"

"He's no fucking agent," Creed interrupted. "He's a traitor."

The attorney cleared his throat before speaking up. "I am Mr. Sanchez's legal representative, and he is willing to cooperate in exchange for a reduced sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole."

"That was not our agreement, Mr. Baxter," Dave stated firmly.

"We have discussed it, and this is what Mr. Sanchez has decided," the attorney replied.

"I don't give a rat's ass about what Sanchez decided," Eli interjected. "We agreed on life without parole."

"Don't you get it? Sanchez is just as responsible for Mac's death as if he had pulled the trigger himself," Alex chimed in.

"If you cannot uphold our agreement, then we will go to trial," Dave said, turning his attention to Sanchez. "Do you really want to take that risk? You could face the death penalty for being an accessory to one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder."

Creed watched as Sanchez and his attorney whispered to each other, clenching his fists tightly under the table to contain his anger toward Sanchez.

"Mr. Sanchez has agreed to life without parole," announced Baxter.

"You're not as stupid as you look," Alex muttered under his breath directed toward Sanchez.

"Now talk," Creed growled.

"Percy Cartwright approached me about you three and Mac. He is my mother-in-law's half-brother, so he knew I worked with you. He has been falsifying sales papers at his auction house for years, but he knew that MDOL suspected him," Sanchez explained, shrugging his shoulders. "He offered to pay me two hundred and fifty thousand dollars if I informed him of when you were planning to catch Pedigo and his men in the act of stealing livestock. I told him your CI informed you where Pedigo would be that night. I was desperate. I have a gambling problem, and I was on the verge of losing everything—my home, my car, and my family. I had to do something. I swear, I had no idea he would kill anyone."

Creed jumped up from his seat in anger. "What the hell did you think he was going to do? Ask us politely to leave? God, I could punch you right now and feel damn good about it. For three years, none of us knew exactly what happened that night, until I got my memory back. He was going to kill all of us! And it's all your fault," he shouted.

"Sit down, Agent McBride," Dave interjected calmly.

Creed huffed out a sigh, sat down, and glared at Sanchez. As he sat there listening to the attorney, he shook his head. He was happy this was finally over, and he could move on with his life now. With Abbie.

He hoped she wanted the same things he did. He wanted to marry her and spend the rest of his life with her. The only problem was he wasn't sure he wanted to have kids. That was one thing they needed to discuss, and he wasn't looking forward to it at all.