The Baby Assignment. Christy Barritt
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week, some once a month.”
“I understand.”
Macy shook her head again and glanced at the picture once more. “I wish I had some answers for you, Tanner. I really do.”
“So do we.”
Macy shifted, processing what he’d told her. “Despite the fact that my name was found in the diaper bag, I’m fairly confident I don’t know this woman. I’d certainly remember Addie.”
“She’s my latest assignment.”
A hint of amusement sparked in Macy’s gaze as she remembered the time she and Tanner had babysat her niece and nephew for a day. Tanner had started strong, but had ended frazzled and exhausted. The big tough guy could do a lot of things, but chasing children and changing diapers wasn’t his forte.
“Really?” She licked her lips and kept her tone neutral.
Humor lingered in his gaze, but only for a moment. “You don’t have to pretend that this scenario is ideal. I know I’m not a natural.”
“A lot could have changed in five years. Maybe you have a whole gaggle of children at home now.” Remorse pounded at her temples. She still mourned for the loss of their relationship, and part of her didn’t want to know if her guess was the truth.
Something unreadable flickered in Tanner’s gaze. “I don’t.”
Macy wished the proclamation didn’t bring her a touch of delight. Thinking of him being happy with someone else twisted her gut in ways it shouldn’t. He was no longer hers, and he never would be.
Tanner shifted, looking ill at ease—something that he rarely ever was. “We’re all aware that this case is obviously bigger than we understand. We need your help figuring out who the mother is. The sooner we learn her identity, the sooner we can find some answers. Maybe you’ll recall something.”
“I don’t know, Tanner...” She swallowed hard, the words burning a hole in her gut. The thought of working with Tanner was almost more than she could stomach. Instinctively, she reached forward and stroked Addie’s hand again. “I really don’t know how I can help.”
“Go through your clients. Both here and in Oklahoma. See if anyone matches. Talk to your colleagues.”
“Of course. I can do that.” Relief washed through her. She could do that alone—without Tanner. She could handle that much more easily than having to interact face-to-face with Tanner. “When do you need my response?”
“Now.”
“Now?” She let out a laugh, all her momentary relief disappearing. “I have an appointment in an hour and two more after that. I—”
Tanner leveled his gaze with her, his baby blues locking onto hers. “I know, Macy. I’m sorry to ask you this. You know I wouldn’t unless—”
“Unless you were desperate,” she finished. They’d both ended things on a bitter note. Neither would purposefully seek the other out unless it couldn’t be avoided. That was obviously the case right now.
Tanner frowned but nodded.
Macy rubbed her hands across her pants, trying to collect her thoughts and sort out each of the demanding priorities facing her. “I’ll need at least a day. I can’t just cancel on my clients. And it’s going to take time.”
“We don’t have a lot of time. We believe this baby and her mother are in danger.”
Her responsibilities clashed inside her. Macy had an obligation to her clients—some were on the verge of breakdowns. Many were at the end of their ropes. But she could see the urgency of this situation as well.
“I understand,” she said. “I can work all night. You have to be aware that I have clients who will face crises if I don’t meet with them. I’d be happy to dedicate myself to this when those appointments are done.”
“Thank you.” Apology stained his eyes. Or was it regret? Bitterness?
Working with Tanner—knowing she’d have to face him again, even if just for a few minutes—would be challenging. She hadn’t seen him in years. And it was better that way, with the distance and separation between them. There was too much water under the bridge. Too much had transpired between them, and it all added up to a world of hurt.
“Of course.” She fluffed a pillow, desperate to distract herself from the scent of his leathery aftershave. She hadn’t realized until this moment just how much she’d missed it. Craved it, for that matter.
“I’ll check back in with you tomorrow and see if you discovered anything.”
She nodded stiffly at the idea of seeing him again. It was something she’d never get used to. “Of course.”
He stood, Addie grabbing his finger as his form dwarfed Macy. He waved the baby’s hand back and forth, looking like a natural, despite how uncomfortable and ill-equipped he claimed to be.
“I think you’re underestimating yourself.” Macy stood also and gave Addie’s foot another gentle squeeze. “You’d do fine with a baby.”
A frown tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I can keep the baby safe physically. But I have no idea how to take care of an infant. This isn’t exactly in my job description.”
Macy didn’t want to debate with him about whether or not he was qualified. Instead, she needed some space from him—and soon. “Let me walk you to the door.”
Quietly, they walked down the hallway, through the office, and toward the front entrance.
Why had a mom abandoned her baby at the FBI office? The maternal bond was exceptionally strong, so what had made her so desperate? Macy didn’t have time to think too much further about it now. Her thoughts were racing all over the place since she’d first seen Tanner at her door.
They paused in the waiting room. The office wasn’t very large. There were five psychologists here and three administrative staff members. They all felt like family and often spent weekends doing cookouts at each other’s houses.
The place had recently been redecorated in subtle shades of blue and brown—colors that promoted serenity. A saltwater aquarium, another object that calmed people down, was placed strategically in the corner, and soothing music usually played overhead.
Macy glanced outside and saw an agent standing at the door. Tanner followed her gaze.
“My partner,” Tanner explained.
As Tanner turned to her, Addie let out a cry. Macy saw the flash of panic on Tanner’s face. He bounced the baby in his arms, talking in soothing tones.
“It’s going to be okay,” he murmured. “Nothing’s going to happen to you. I promise.”
Macy’s very bones ached at his tender words. He would have been a good father. If only...
No, she couldn’t think about that.
“We’ll talk tomorrow,” she assured him.
The last thing she wanted to do was prolong the amount of time she spent with Tanner. It would be too painful, not something she wanted to endure. She would find the answers, be done with this, and hopefully never have to see him again.
As she opened her mouth to say goodbye, a noise outside drew her ear. Was that...a gunshot? She sucked in a quick breath.
Tanner visibly tensed beside her and reached for his gun. Before he could grab it, she heard a groan outside.
Tanner’s partner fell to the ground.
The next instant, three men wielding military-grade guns and wearing ski masks burst into the building.
* * *
Tanner grabbed Macy and rushed toward the hallway. He pushed her inside the first room he came to and quickly scanned it. Good. No windows.