Chapter Forty Five

Chapter Forty Five
Elizabeth’s POV
“Are you sure about this, Liz?” Tom asked as I finished running the plush towel over my head.
“It’s the fastest way, Tom. I can’t lose him. I don’t know how long they’ll bother keeping him alive.” I reminded him, combing my fingers through my damp hair.
I lit up a cigarette, taking a long drag on my way to Tom’s computer room. The entire encounter between him and Dan was captured on tape, along with Dan’s command to kill Janice. That should be plenty of proof for the Feds. Tom eyed the cigarette, but knew better than to say anything. At this point, it was the only thing keeping me sane. It helped me feel a little closer to my man. I wondered if he saw the video yet. God, I hope not. Tom placed his open laptop on the desk in front of me, a video calling screen pulled up.
“Detective Meredith Jones, head detective of Dan’s case, has agreed to the video call. She’s ready to connect when you are.”
“Put her through.” I commanded, coldly. Tom nodded and the screen changed as it started to ring. After two seconds, the call connected. I was greeted by a woman near her fifties wearing a black suit jacket over a white blouse.
“Detective Jones.”
“Ah, mysterious hacker. I have to say, I was impressed to find your email in my secured inbox today. I was told that you had something important to tell me?” She seemed wary, but I couldn’t blame her.
“My name is Elizabeth Beyer, Detective. I was reported missing to the FBI several weeks ago by my father.” She seemed surprised by my confession, her silver brows raised.
“I have a feeling there’s more to your call than just reporting your whereabouts, Elizabeth.”
“You are correct. I contacted you to strike a deal. I have vital information as to the location of a local assassination group, as well as several pieces of convicting evidence that could make your career. Are you familiar with this symbol?” I held up the Manilla folder that Zen hid under the mat in the basement. Her eyes widened in recognition. “My sources tell me that you have been looking to catch the Dealer Daniel Soto for quite some time. Over twenty years, in fact. I can make that happen, but I want something in return.” Detective Jones straightened her jacket, furrowing her brows at me.
“I want you to know, Ms. Beyer, that conspiring with terrorists is not something that the FBI likes to do. It would be best if you released the information to us without any such games.” I gave her a slightly cynical smile, leaning forward.
“I can assure you, Detective, I am not a terrorist. I’ve not harmed a soul. However, there is someone very important to me who has. That’s where my deal comes in. I will take you to where Soto is and hand over a recording of his direct confession, so long as you follow my three requests. Request One: Grant Zen Warren a pardon for all involvement in the organization. Request Two: Give us new protected identities just in case any of Soto’s men seek retaliation. And Three: Allow me to head into the hideout first. I would like to ensure Zen’s safety before any busts take place. Just to sweeten the deal, we will even testify against Soto after he’s apprehended. We can make sure that he stays locked away for life.” She leaned back in her office chair, folding her hands over her mouth in contemplation.
“I just have one question. Why? Why go through so much effort to protect a criminal? You have committed so many felonies just to contact me. You seem like a bright girl. Why risk your own freedom for this Zen Warren?” I couldn’t help but smile at her question.
“I love him, Detective.”
Over the next half hour, I filled her in on everything that had happened between Zen and I over the last couple months. I told her about him abandoning his hit for me and even how he turned himself back over to Danny for the sake of saving my life. Once I was done, she cocked her head to the side, staring at the screen with great interest.
“Very well, Elizabeth Beyer. We have a deal.” I breathed out a sigh of relief, tears coming to my eyes involuntarily.
“Great, when will your men be ready?” I asked, choking back my tears.
“Well I can get a squad prepared within an hour. I’m more concerned about you. Are you sure that you are capable of taking these guys on? I know you learned a little from Mr. Warren, but these men are trained assassins. Finding your boyfriend won’t be easy.”
“It’s non-negotiable. If they notice they’re being raided, they will kill him. He’s no longer sworn himself to secrecy and he has tons of information on the group. Trust me to get my job done, and ill trust you to get yours. I’ll have my partner supply you with the location. I will contact you once I know Zen is secure. You have two hours. “With that, I ended the call, letting my face fall into my hands.
“Damn Liz. I don’t know what Zen’s done to you, but remind me to thank him. You sounded like a complete badass just now.” Tom turned back to his monitors, clicking around until I heard the printer beside me fire to life.
“What’s all that?” I asked, raising my head.
“Blueprints of the building Zen is in. We’ll find him, Liz. I know we will.”