Bailed Out (The Anna Albertini Files #2) - Rebecca Zanetti Page 0,104

to solve.”

Aiden’s expression didn’t change. In fact, it didn’t reveal anything. “Not a problem. They’ll be made available to you as soon as we’re done processing them. I am more than happy to work with local authorities, Pierce.”

Pierce pivoted to look at me. “I need to interview you.”

“Not yet,” Aiden said. “She needs rest.”

“She can speak for herself,” I said quietly. “I’m fine being interviewed, Grant. It might be better while it’s all fresh in my mind.” Especially the part about clearing my sister of the murder.

Pierce took a notepad out of his shirt pocket and moved to claim Aiden’s vacated seat.

More footsteps announced the arrival of another person, and Nick barreled into the room. “What the hell, Anna? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I don’t work for you any longer,” I reminded him. Even so, it was nice he’d shown up.

His brown eyes narrowed. “I know, but even so, as the prosecuting attorney of Elk County, I’d like to interview you about this.”

I swept my arm toward the other vacant chair since Saber had decided to lean against the wall. “Join the club.” Maybe I could call Tessa to come and see me.

Aiden looked my face over and his jaw tightened. “Are you sure you’re up to this?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Then Saber is going to stay and interview you for the ATF,” Aiden said. “At least about the kidnapping and your dealings with Pucci.”

Saber nodded. “I already was interviewed about the shooting. I think they’re waiting for you, anyway. We’re using the police station’s conference room.”

The sound Pierce made reminded me of a ticked off grizzly bear. They had a distinct snapping sound of frustration when they tried to intimidate other animals away from food sources. He looked at me and his gaze softened. “Are you sure you’re up to this? We could wait until later.”

“I’m fine. Let’s do this.” I kept the blanket covering me in the hospital gown.

Aiden reached the doorway. “Call me when you’re released and I’ll take you home, Angel.” Then he was gone.

Saber grinned, making his almost black eyes dance. “He’s a charmer, right?”

“Right.” I settled my hands on the blanket. “What’s your real name, anyway?”

“Saber,” he said. “Well, that’s my last name. My real name is James Saber. It’s easy to have an undercover name when it’s really your name.”

Now that made sense. “Okay. Let me have it. When we’re finished, Grant, please go interview Aiden in his capacity as an ATF agent about Danny’s death. His word should carry some weight that my sister arrived at her apartment after Danny was shot.”

“Fine,” Grant said. “For now, start at the beginning.”

The grapevine got to my family before I could call anybody, and by the time I was released from the hospital, more and more people kept arriving. I let Tessa drive me to Donna’s house where we met my parents, grandparents, and too many aunts and uncles to count. We ate a bunch of pizzas delivered from McQuirk’s, and everyone babied me for more than my share of time. It was awesome.

Donna sat next to me on her sofa, finishing her pizza. “I can’t believe Aiden is with the ATF. I hope he knows what he’s in for with the family now that he’s on the right side of the law.”

I glanced to the side to see Tessa arm wrestling Uncle Sean. “I say we fix Tessa up with Nick. They’re a good pair.”

Donna reached for her wine off the coffee table. “If you’re talking to me about it, you already approached Nonna Albertini. Let her take the reins. Tessa won’t kill her, unlike you.”

That was fair advice. I ate quietly and then approached Uncle Sean after he’d let Tessa beat him, which was an impossible feat considering his muscle. Uncle Sean was tough. He was also a very successful businessperson, and I had a bunch of questions for him. We had a great chat.

My phone buzzed and I looked down to see that Aiden was calling. Trying to be as casual as possible, I slipped outside to Donna’s vacant front porch and sat on the steps. “Hi.”

“Hi. Sorry I couldn’t pick you up at the hospital.” It sounded like there was a lot of wind in the background, which didn’t make any sense.

“No problem. Want to meet at my place?” I asked, wanting to ask him so many questions I couldn’t catalog them all.

The wind grew louder. “I can’t, Angel. I have to head to the Seattle Field Office for a debriefing, and it’ll