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"Love is the most terrible, and also the most generous of the passions; it is the only one that includes in its dreams the happiness of some one else." Alphonse Karr

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Chapter 19

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Martin was so engrossed in pushing his way past Carl that it took him a moment to register what Sam had said. He followed her line of sight and saw Erica standing at the end of the hall looking weary and scared. Her hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail and she wore no makeup. She had a black eye and was cradling her right arm.

"Erica Mosconi?" He asked. Erica nodded her head slowly, casting her eyes at Carl who was looking angry and nervous. Martin looked back at Carl and said, "So do you want to revise your story about whether or not you know her?"

"Like I said, I don't know Erica." Carl replied and that is when Martin noticed that his breath reeked of alcohol. "That's Carmela."

"Either way we need to talk to her." Sam said, her eyes looking intently upon Erica.

"Sure." He stepped aside and motioned for them to enter. "Come on in."

Sam entered while Martin gestured for Carl to move in ahead of him. He was wary of Carl's sudden helpfulness; he was certain that Carl was either planning an escape plan or would harm one of them.

The small studio apartment was sparsely decorated but impeccable. It was incredibly clean and not a speck of dust on any of the furniture.

Martin watched as Sam approached the frightened woman. "Hi Erica, I'm Special Agent Samantha Spade. Your husband, Dominic, has been searching for you."

Erica looked anxiously at Carl who nodded his head as if allowing her to speak. She turned back to Sam and in an almost rehearsed fashion said, "I sent Dominic an email that I was leaving him. Tell him to stop looking. I'm fine."

Sam glanced at Martin and he immediately knew what she wanted him to do. "Mr. Battarbee, I have a few more questions for you. Is there another room where we can talk in private?"

Carl shook his head and moved to stand near Erica. "No. I think we are done with the questions and answers. You found Carmela, Erica, whoever, and she told you that she is here of her own will. What other questions could you possibly have?"

Martin watched as Sam took a step closer to Erica, "Mr. Battarbee, if it's all the same I'd like to talk to Erica in private. We still have some questions that need answers."

Carl moved to stand next to Erica and put his arm around her shoulder. Martin could see Erica tense up as he squeezed her shoulder and said, "And if it's all the same to you, I'll stay right here."

"It's not the same." Martin unbuttoned his coat so the gun on his holster was exposed. He hated having to act threatening but clearly Carl needed a little extra incentive.

During this entire exchange Erica remained silent, shifting her eyes nervously between the agents and Carl.

Sam gave Carl a steely glare and stepped closer, "Maybe I am being unclear. I want to talk to Erica in private."

Carl's expression turned to a look of anger and disgust. Martin saw him clench his fists as he stepped towards Sam, towering over her. "And I said I'm not going anywhere."

"Look Mr. Battarbee, either you let me talk to Erica alone or…." Sam replied curtly as she reached for Erica's shoulder to lead her away.

"I'm not going to let some bitch order me around." Carl reached out and grabbed Sam by the forearm, yanking her.

Martin immediately rushed towards Carl in time to see Sam kick him in the groin. The bully of a man keeled over in pain just as Martin grabbed him and shoved him against the wall, "Carl Battarbee you are under arrest for assaulting a federal agent."

"Screw you!" Carl seethed.

"No thanks, you're not my type." Martin replied as he snapped handcuffs onto Carl's wrists. He pulled Carl and started to lead him outside. He looked at Sam and said, "You okay?"

She nodded her head solemnly and rubbed her arm. "Fine. Just get him out of here."

"Your wish is my command." Martin replied, scrutinizing her to make sure she really was fine. She looked a little rattled but she was recovering with every breath. He shoved Carl in the direction of the door when he started struggling to turn back and look at Erica who was pressed up against the wall, looking shaken and scared.

"You watch what you say Carmela because you know I meant what I told you!" Carl shouted out as they neared the door.

"This is probably a good time for me to remind you about your rights." Martin said loudly as he pushed him out the door, "You have the right to remain SILENT….."