Hello, my lovelies! I'm here with another chapter for all you lovely people. I'm trying my best to not wait too long between updates. But, as you know, life can be a real bitch sometimes. Anyway, I love all the speculation surrounding Lacey's identity. I'm glad that you guys like the twist. 

However, in the next two chapters, I've got a twist that none of you will be expecting. Why don't you make a guess what it is? If you're right, you'll get a sneak peek in your private message, with deets on the next two chapters. 

Anyway, back to reading. I love you guys. In the next chapter, I will tell you about the giveaway and what you have to do to win. 

*************

Lacey's P.O.V

Richard's eyes were piercing. He hadn't stopped looking at me since I arrived back at the office.

When I walked in, Olly met me on the ground floor. I asked him if he knew what was going on and who we were raiding. He shook his head. He knew just as much as I did. Whoever it was, they were keeping it a secret.

As I got to the third floor, the place was buzzing. People were on phones calling and making arrangements. A few analysts were on their computers, double and triple-checking the information they had, making sure that it was accurate. 

"Lacey, you're late. I need you suited up and ready. You said you wanted more field time, well, here you go."

Henry was my direct superior. I've been telling him for years that I wanted to be more in the field. I was given the same training as regular field agents, but I was never out as much as them. I worked mainly in the office, behind a desk. My only field positions were, doing follow up questions and very small crimes that fell under FBI jurisdiction.

Every time an opportunity would come up for me to work in serious cases outside the office, Richard would step in and stop it. I've been trying for years to get Henry to send me out in the field more, but he would always make excuses.

I had started to give up and just be satisfied with what little time I got doing fieldwork. However, a few months back, Hayley attended a meeting with the higher-ups, and my name happened to be one of the subjects of the conversation.

Apparently, the board was really impressed with the work I did on a case that I assisted on, and they thought that it would be a good idea if I were included more in field operations.

I had expected to be placed with a team very soon, but months went by, and I hadn't heard anything. I was disappointed. I thought that Richard had eventually convinced them that it wasn't a good idea. So, hearing that I was finally going to be on a field team, was exciting. However, I wasn't too keen on going in blind.

"Who is our target?"

Henry brushed me off. "It's not the who, sweetheart. It's the how."

I was confused, and from the look on Olly's face, so was he. I angled my head at Olly, in a gesture asking if he knew what Henry was talking about. Olly shrugged his shoulders, gesturing back, "not a clue."

"Okay, what is the how?"

Henry smacked his hand together, hard. The sound was so loud, that everyone stopped what they were doing and turned our way. When they noticed that it was just Henry being Henry, they turned back to their work.

"That's the question that everyone should be asking."

That was it. He offered no more explanation. I looked at him in confusion, trying my best to decipher his brain. He walked off, leaving me there as if he gave a detailed explanation to my question.

I shook my head, wondering for the millionth time how he even got his job. A conversation with Henry always leaves you confused, and with more questions than answers. In fact, I don't think Henry has ever answered any of my questions, or anyone else's for that matter.

Olly chuckled, "You walked right into that."

I smiled, "Yeah, I guess I did."

"So, you're the famous Mrs Lighthouse."

I turned, frowning at the newcomer. I had to tilt my head back and look up because the person standing in front of me was well over six feet tall. I've never seen him before. I was sure that I would have remembered if I did. But then again, my memory wasn't what it used to be after the accident.

"It's Agent Malcroft. Agent Lacey Malcroft."

My tone was harsh, with a hard edge to it. I didn't mean to sound rude, but I really hated it when people associated me with Richard. I wanted to be known for my accomplishments, not because I was married to Richard.

"My bad, Agent Malcroft. I'm Agent Magee, but you can call me Jax."

He offered me his hand, but I never got the chance to take it because Richard walked over to us.

"You're needed over at the planning station, Agent Magee."

Jax chuckled, looking from Richard to me. He shook his head then walked away leaving us there.

"I'll catch you later, Lacey."

Olly also walked off. I didn't feel like being left alone with Richard; not when I was about to go on my first real field mission.

"Where the hell were you, Peaches?"

His voice was low, but I heard the threat in it. He was warning me not to lie. I stayed silent because I hadn't fully thought up a plausible excuse. However, not one to be ignored, he grabbed my upper arm, digging his fingers into my skin.

I winced. We were in the office, and I didn't want anyone to notice so, I decided to answer him.

"I was following a lead for one of my cases."

He eyed me suspiciously, "What lead? Which case?"

Pulling my arm away from him, I stepped back. Just out of his reach. "I was doing my job, Richard, nothing else."

My tone was harsh, but I was tired of the way he treated me. Technically we were separated. I considered our marriage over, but he refused to let me go.

He stepped closer to me. leaning down until his lips were at my ear. The act was very intimate and probably looked like we were being romantic. However, his words were anything but.

"Continue, Peaches. Keep your attitude up and you'll find yourself naked and under me as I f**k some respect back into you. And trust me, darling, I won't let your stupid panic attack get in the way. I won't stop until I get my due."

I swallowed the lump that was suddenly lodged in my throat. He stepped back and smirked at me. Happy to see that he had gotten to me.

"Lacey, get over here. I don't have all day, Agent."

"Yes, sir."

I turned and walked away from Richard, all the while wondering if I should take Killian up on his offer.

**********

When we arrived at our destination, we went over the plan of action one last time and were given our orders. Apparently, the people inside the building were dangerous criminals, who would not hesitate to kill us. Our orders were to detain as many of them as possible but shoot to kill if faced with possible danger. 

We moved in twos, clearing each section before moving on to the next one. The warehouse was relatively empty. It looked like whoever was there, packed up and left in a hurry.

However, something about the emptiness did not sit right with me. As we passed through, we saw that there were a few gun crates that were left empty, and a few half-emptied crates with explosives.

"Forensic will have a field day in here."

Olly was my second. They paired us together because we were already partners, and we worked well together. All of the rooms we checked so far were empty. Henry radioed in to ask our position. We told him that it was all clear, and we only had the last two rooms to sweep.

The two rooms were connecting. Olly and I looked at each other, we knew that we had to check them separately. We couldn't risk alerting them to our presence if they were still in the room. We would be able to call the other one for help if needed.

Olly signalled for me to take the room on the right, and he'd take the one on the left. I nodded my head and mouthed for him to stay safe. He smiled and winked at me.

As I entered the room, I was greeted by Kilian and two other guys. They all turned, guns raised and pointed at me. I was so startled that I just stood there. However, my mind jumped into action because I knew that Olly would come looking for me if I didn't clear the room.

The two guys were staring at me like they've seen a ghost, but I didn't care because I was focus on Killian. He narrowed his eyes at me, giving me a hard look. I instantly knew what he was thinking. He thought that I somehow betrayed him.

I shook my head as if to tell him that I didn't. He signalled for the other two guys to put their guns down. The older guy did, but the one closer to Killian's age, kept it aimed at me.

"I said, put the f**king gun away, Mik!"

The words were spoken softly, but with command. Mik frowned but eventually dropped his hand. However, he didn't put his gun away like the older guy did.

"What are you doing here, Lacey?"

I heard him, but I didn't answer. Instead, I put my finger to my lips, telling him to be quiet. I turned to look behind me to see if Olly was coming. I knew that I didn't have much time.

"My partner is in the next room. He's going to be here any minute."

I wanted to stay and answer his question, if not only to get rid of that suspicious look in his eyes. But I couldn't. I needed to clear the room.

"I've got to clear this room, if not, this place will be swarming with federal agents, and you will not be able to get out."

I looked at him, pleading with my eyes, hoping that he understood and trusted me enough to protect him. After a few long seconds, he nodded his head. Mik looked at him like he was crazy, throwing his hands up and rolling his eyes.

I blew out a breath of relief and smiled. My radio that was connected to my earpiece, had a mic on it. I pushed the mic button, and I cleared the room.

"Clear. Nothing here but empty boxes."

Henry's voice boomed in my ear. "Roger, Agent Malcroft. The place seems to be empty, let's meet back at the rendezvous point."

"Okay, boss."

I turn the frequency of the radio to Olly and spoke. My eyes were still on Killian, and he was still keenly looking at me, but with a hint of amusement.

"Olly, are you there? I've got nothing here, what about you?"

"Same here, just more evidence for the nerds to play with."

I heard him chuckled at his own joke. I would have joined in with him and make my own joke, but my heart was still beating fast, and I was terrified of getting caught or Killian getting hurt.

"I'm coming out now."

"See you in three."

I blew out a breath then turn the radio off. I didn't want to accidentally tune into anyone whiles I was talking to Killian.

"I've gotta go. I'll explain everything to you tonight. I promise."

He nodded his head, and I hurriedly turned to leave. However, before I reached the door I turned back and ran right into his arms. Getting on my tiptoes, I kissed him hard. His hand tightened around my waist, and he kissed me back.

When he pulled back, I smiled up at him. "Stay safe. Don't get yourself killed."

He smiled back. My heart skipped a beat, watching as his smiled reached his eyes. At the moment, I should have been worried about Olly walking into the room to see me in Killian's arms. However, I just basked in his eyes.

"I'll try my best not to."

Although I knew he was serious, I still frowned.

"Don't try. Make sure of it. Please."

The playful smile left his eyes and he nodded. "I won't get killed; I promise."

"Good." I nodded. "You have to get out of here. The place is surrounded, however, there's less manpower on the west exit. When you hear my signal, then you can leave. The coast will be clear then."

He looked at me like he was trying to figure me out. I guess he was trying to understand why I was putting my job, and life at risk to help him.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked, echoing what I was thinking.

I had an answer, but I didn't think he'd understand it. Hell, I didn't even understand it myself. So, I didn't answer him. Instead, I continue talking.

"After my team finishes sweeping the building, we have a team of forensic techs waiting to collect evidence. If your fingerprint is on anything, they will find it. Your only option is to burn the place to the ground and hope that there's nothing left to collect any usable evidence."

He still had that confused look on his face. I couldn't blame him. I was confusing myself as well.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked again.

I hesitated a bit before answering, "Because, I love you."

With one last peck on the lips, I reluctantly tore myself away from him and left the room as he stood there looking perplexed. Olly was making his way towards me when I exited. I smiled at him, trying not to give myself away.

"You ready?"

He nodded. "Since the day I was born, baby. Since the day I was born."

I chuckled as we made our way out of the building. I wanted to turn and look back, but I didn't trust myself to not run back. I stepped back a little and let Olly lead the way. Anxiously I looked around, trying to see if there was anything I could use as a distraction.

As we passed one of the crates, I pulled out an AK 47 magazine clip and threw it on the east side of the building. It hit against an empty drum and the loud sound echoed throughout. Olly turned. His gun at the ready. He looked at me, putting his finger to his lips. Signalling to be quiet.

I nodded my head and position my gun. Olly turned his Mic on and call the disturbance in, and I turned my radio back on.

"Boss, I think we have movements on the east side of the building. Requesting back up."

There was the sound of someone rustling, then Henry replying. "Do not engage. I repeat, do not engage. These men are armed and dangerous. Stand your ground and wait until the others are there."

"Roger that."

Turning, I looked in the direction that we came from, wondering if Killian heard the sound. I sighed inwardly, praying that he did.

Olly grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the open. We took cover behind a few boxes that were piled high.

"You okay, Lacey? You look a little flustered."

I was feeling very nervous. My hand gripped the gun tightly as I anxiously waited for something to happen. My palm started sweating and my heart rate picked up.

I blew out a breath, trying to calm myself down. I didn't want Olly knowing that I was hiding something.

"Yes, I'm fine. This is just my first real mission out in the field, and I don't want to mess it up."

Olly touched my arm, "You're doing great." He said with a smile.

I nodded and returned his smile. Not long after, Henry and the others came in ready to take the threat down. However, a loud explosion coming from the west side shook the building.

It wasn't long before the place was on fire and filled with smoke. Henry started barking orders. Telling everyone to leave and calling in the fire brigade to try and salvage his evidence.

Olly grabbed my hand and guided me out of the building. However, I was no longer nervous. I was relieved because I knew that Killian made it out safely.