BROKEN HOPE (Broken Redemption Book 2)

Chapter 2

Emilia

"The situation is complicated..."

Sensing he might not be entirely forthcoming, I demand, "Then uncomplicate it for me by telling me everything. From the beginning. I need to know why you left and disappeared, where it is you've been, and why the FBI thinks I'm involved in whatever it is you're doing. You owe me the truth, Creed. All of it. After everything you've put me through, it's the least you can do."

Though his eyebrows draw together, he gives me a slight nod. "When I left three years ago, my mission was to infiltrate the dark corners of an organization called La Salvacion. They're a multi-national operation, that goes into countries fraught with war and poverty, to help orphans and refugee families. Billions of dollars are funneled to this organization from all over the world, as people make contributions to what they believe is a worthy cause.

"Our investigation first started five years ago when my partner and I identified a link between this organization and several international human trafficking cases we were working. Digging deeper, we uncovered connections that suggested the corruption in the organization was widespread. Especially amongst its leadership, which we learned includes some of the most powerful and influential people in the United States. American citizens, who hold high-ranking positions within our federal government, as well as in the public and private sectors.

"When we realized the success of the organization was driven in part by powerful Americans who were facilitating its illegal activities, we took what we found up the chain of command to the one person we knew wouldn't turn a blind eye to what was happening. We needed someone with the authority to keep the investigation alive, and who had the resources to keep the details a secret while we gathered the evidence necessary to prosecute those involved.

"When I left you guys, I went to Columbia on orders from the FBI to go after some of the smaller players. But... I was also there on orders from the President of the United States, in essence, to uncover evidence that would implicate those Americans involved. Members of our very own government, including leadership in the Justice Department, the FBI, the CIA, and several other agencies. The mission was classified. No one knew what I was really doing there except a handful of trusted individuals, yet somehow the details of my mission were leaked.

"My handler and presidential contact informed me of what went down and helped me escape apprehension. They're the ones that have been watching to make sure the FBI left you alone. The minute they got word the focus of their investigation now included you, they reached out to me. It was them who helped me back into the country, so we could work together to get you and the girls off the FBI's radar."

Shocked, I sit back in silence. My mind reeling as I process everything he's shared. Though I'm relieved to hear he didn't commit the crimes the FBI accused him of, his story changes nothing as it relates to my safety and that of the girls. And the worst part is, we wouldn't be in this mess if not for his actions and his obsession with his job at the very agency now trying to frame him.

"You knew. Before you left, you knew the shitstorm this investigation might kick up, and even knowing the risks to you, to me and the girls, to our life, you still chose to go. How could you do this? How could you up and leave us without so much as a warning? How could you leave us vulnerable, and without a clue that our lives could implode at any moment?"

"Emilia..."

"No! Do not Emilia me. Not now. Not ever again. Not after you left me to grieve for you. Left me to cry, be sad, and be scared for you. Do you have any idea what I went through? What the past three years have been like? The minute you handed me those divorce papers and left, my life as I knew it ceased to exist. And then the FBI calls one day to tell me you're missing. No other information on what was to come next, no word on what they were doing to find you. Nothing but silence and loneliness because they threatened to come after me if I told anyone what was happening with you. I had to deal with this all on my own, Creed. Completely and utterly alone." My voice breaks, and I take a second to regain my composure.