still in play, and yes, that’s part of why this gets creepier.”
I inhaled. “Okay. I’m ready. Hit me with it.”
“I had all known medical records for Stefan pulled, and after the investigators went through everything with a fine-toothed comb, they came to one possible explanation for why the brothers would be working together. There’s a high possibility Stefan is infertile. So, as his brother wants scarred women who might be the match for his wife—or more importantly, their organs, it’s possible that Stefan is having his brother give him the born children to maintain his appearance while getting rid of any children that don’t meet his standards for the picture-perfect family. Upon further digging, the CDC does believe Stefan is seeing a woman. The CDC interviewed competitors who have worked with Stefan, and he has brought a girlfriend with him several times—the same woman. She was described as the perfect trophy wife, sophisticated, gorgeous, well-mannered, and apparently deeply in love with Stefan, and Stefan also played that part well. Everyone interviewed seems to believe they have a genuine relationship. What we don’t know is if the board of his work is aware of this partnership or not. The CDC doesn’t want to tip Stefan off that he’s being investigated.”
“So, we’re up to three people involved potentially?”
“Right. The woman is an issue. She is related to a fairly noteworthy Washington politician, the kind of man who’d want to bury any scandals. We could approach the politician, but if he is involved, it would create quite the issue.”
“If he’s involved, and he gives up all of the information, I won’t stab him ruthlessly in the face for being an accomplice, but that’s the best I’m offering him,” I replied.
“Yeah. Nobody involved would be lenient against this politician if he is involved,” I guessed.
“So, a new part of your job is to, if possible, find out if the politician is involved.”
“Can I stab the politician if he is involved?”
“Unfortunately, we can’t assassinate the politician. I asked. I asked several times if they were really sure. The politician is to be left alone unless you catch him in the act. If you’re grabbed like we expect you to be, and he’s present where you’re being held hostage, you will be expected to use lethal force.”
I eyed my left arm, which had one of the two microchips the CDC had installed along with some fancy device that monitored for exposure to pixie dust and other nasty substances, a little add-on Sebastian had coerced me into accepting for a bribe to be revealed at a later date and time.
The other microchip had been installed in my back, disconcertingly close to my spine, a place most wouldn’t think to check for one if they checked. Most didn’t bother checking, as most sentients abhorred and loathed the idea of being microchipped.
In two or three weeks, all three devices would be checked, and if they impaired me, they would be removed. “If I have to stay microchipped, you have to be microchipped. And I will gloat over you while you have it done.”
“I wasn’t gloating over you. I was pleased you would be as absolutely safe as the CDC could make you on what could be a very dangerous job.” Sebastian shrugged. “Maybe I gloated a little, as you actually let me get away with that without making any demands. I won that one.”
“Only an idiot would refuse to be microchipped and monitored when taking out a serial killer. I have zero desire to end my life being a stupid idiot. But you promised a reward, and you have taught me I don’t need to tack on extra rewards to my rewards, so I best be getting a very nice reward.”
“Maybe I didn’t win that one after all.” Sebastian joined me on the couch, reached for his laptop, and typed away on it, bringing up a photo of a man with striking similarities to my target. “This is Kenard.” He pulled up a picture of a scarred woman, and while I had more scars, hers were almost as severe as mine. No wonder Stefan had stared at me so much.
I could have been her sister, right down to my breast size and general build. I whistled. “He must have felt like he’d seen a ghost. If my parents have more girls, one of them might look like her. Please tell me she’s not related to my mother.”
“We’re looking into that, because that level of resemblance is disturbing enough it’s