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Chapter 16

A.J.

Friends. They just said they're my friends. I've only known Kensi and Nell for two weeks, but I can honestly say I trust them both. I have to. But not with everything. The only reason I didn't tell them about my 'crush', is that I'm afraid they'll find out its much more than some passing feelings.

I pull into my driveway, shut down the ignition on my SRX, and get out of the car. All I want now is a hot bath, pizza and beer.

I unlock my door and step inside, place my keys in the same crystal bowl I've had since I moved out of my family home, which is placed in front of a picture of Lucy, Mara and I as kids.

I step into the bathroom to run my bath when my phone rings. I let it go past two rings before I pick it up.

"Connors." I answer.

"Ms. Ava Joy Connors?" The female voice at the other end of the phone asks.

"Yes. Who is this?"

"My name is Rebecca Matthews, I'm calling on behalf of a prison inmate, Michael Sanders."

I freeze at the name said through the phone.

"M-Michael Sanders?" I stammer.

"Yes. His file says to contact you if there is any new developments in his stay here."

"That's correct."

"Well, I would like to inform you that he is being released on good behaviour in one week. He wants you to be there to pick him up." Ms. Matthews says.

"What day exactly?" I ask.

"The 7th of September." She answers. "A Friday."

"I'm sorry, but I have a job I cannot leave."

"Yes, it says here you're a criminalist in the LAPD crime lab." She says. "I completly understand. I'll tell him you can't be there."

"Yes, I-I'm terribly sorry. Goodbye."

"Goodnight, Ms. Connors."

I hang up the phone, and I find myself weak at the knees.

He can't be getting out. Not now, not when I finally have my life on track again.

I pick up the phone again and dial a Virginia number.

"Hello?" Lucy says.

"Luce, It's A.J. I need your help. He's getting out."

"What? A.J, who's getting out?"

"Michael."

"Oh. But he's not meant to be getting out for two more years."

"I know. He's getting out on 'good behaviour'. There's nothing good about that man."

"Do you want me to come down there? I have vacation weeks accumulated, I could use all of them." She offers.

"No, Luce, it's fine. I have my team..." I trail off, thinking of an idea.

"You're right A.J. Call your team. I'll be on the first flight out of here if you need me. I will not let this guy hurt you again. I won't."

"I know you won't, Luce. I gotta go. Love you."

"Love you too. Stay safe."

When I hang up the phone, there's a knock on the door. I instictivley grab my gun. I look through the peephole and see its only the pizza guy. I undo my two deadbolts, and slide the chain out of the lock.

"Pizza for Lisa Day?" The pizza boy says. First lesson of FBI training; never use your real name.

"That's me. How much?" I ask, taking the pizza from his hands.

"14.95." He says.

I hand him 20 bucks and say, "Keep the change. Thanks."

"No, thank you."

Normally I would smile seeing a college kid being so happy when I tip them, but tonight was not a night for being happy.

I put the pizza on the table, and I get into my bath. I don't move at all while I sit there.

Well, so much for relaxing.

I get out of the bath, throw my FBI jumper over my head, and pull on plaid pyjama bottoms. I grab the box of pepperoni pizza, beer from the fridge, and sit down on my couch. My phone is laying beside me.

Will he mind?

Desperate times call for desperate measures, I think.

I dial a number on my cell. It picks up after two rings.

"Hello?"

"Nate? Can you come over to my place? I need your help."