FBI Surveillance Chapter 4

“How about a drink” Miles said “It might do you some good. Besides we need to talk about next steps for Josephine and Angel.”

“True enough.”

“How about Le Château Noir,” Miles lifted his eye brows boyishly.

“Kinda fancy for a work meeting. They have a good wine list though.” Lexi faced him. “I’m in.”

Le Château Noir's warm ambiance, dimly lit with soft candlelight, set the stage for a quiet conversation. The restaurant overlooked the bustling streets of LA, creating a sense of privacy amidst the vibrant cityscape.

“Lexi, the safe house location is one that NOVA, Inc. surveillance company owns. You okay with that?” Miles started. “I understand if that’s an issue but the higher ups think it’s the best place.”

Lexi looked surprised but reigned it in quickly. SSA Tom Crown had let Miles break the news knowing how personal it would be for her. “If there was a safe place it would be David’s old lair.” She responded and left it at that.

“You know, we have to get this done before the weekend. Did Tom tell you?” Miles looked apologetic. This was going to be difficult.

“I know. We should take a ride out there tomorrow. We’ll have to spend the night but we can plan. I can help the girls get their things together.”

“It’s amazing that Josephine has begun to remember so much about you. She has every good reason to trust you, Lexi.” Miles said admiringly.

On the way back it was quiet. There was much to do in the next 48 hrs. “I had a nice time, Miles. It was the perfect place to relax and plan. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Lexi knew Miles cared for her. She would never feel about anyone they way she had felt about David, but there was nothing wrong with Miles. Any girl would be more than lucky to have him as a life partner.

“Hey, don’t forget to set your clock early. I’ll be here at 4 am with coffee. Sorry so early but we need to be in Applegate by 3 pm.”

“Got it. I’m hoping for sleep tonight. See you in the morning, partner.”

Josephine

The tea pot whistled softly as Josephine sat on the couch in her temporary safe house, her gaze fixed on the Lexi. Her heart carried the weight of memories she desperately wanted to piece together, yet they remained elusive, like fragments of shattered glass. Special Agent Lexi Hunter, her loyal confidante and childhood friend, stepped out to join her, concern etched on her face.

Lexi placed a tea tray on the coffee table. “Jo, I can see the struggle in your eyes. Are you okay?”

Josephine let out a heavy sigh. “Lexi, I don't know how to explain it. Sometimes images flash in my mind - my tormentors voice, snippets of conversations we've had. But it's all so hazy, like trying to catch smoke.”

Lexi sat beside her. “It's been a year since we brought you back, Jo. Trauma takes time to heal, and your mind needs to find its footing again.”

“I know, but what if I never remember enough to protect Angel? What if the shadows of those eleven years swallow me whole?”

“We won't let that happen, Josie, we’ll do everything in our power to keep you both safe. And remember, you're not alone in this. We're a team, just like we've always been.

Josephine leaned into Lexi's embrace. “I'm grateful for you, Lexi. Without you and Miles, I wouldn't have made it this far. But... there's something else I need to tell you. I saw him in a dream. Steven Roberts. You say he's back, that he's a threat again. I’m a strong woman but remembering is terrifying.”

Lexi's eyes hardened, her determination obvious.

Lexi gripped Josephine's hand. “We anticipated this, Jo. We knew Roberts might resurface, but we've been preparing. Our BAU team is putting a plan in motion, and the most important thing is to keep you and Angel safe. We'll move you to an even more secure location if we have to.

“I trust you, Lexi,” Josephine said nervously. “But what if he finds us again? What if we can't escape the chains of our past?”

Lexi’s voice was calm and steadfast. “We'll outsmart him, Jo. We won't let history repeat itself. Angel deserves a future free from fear, and you deserve peace. We'll stay one step ahead and ensure he never gets close to you again.” For a brief second Lexi’s stomach felt like jelly. She rallied quickly, refusing to allow Josephine see any hesitation.

“Thank you, Lexi.” Josephine whispered. “Thank you for being a friend I can count on. For never giving up on me, even in the most dangerous moments.”

Lexi smiled, “You don't have to thank me, Jo. We're family, bound by something deeper than blood. We'll navigate these stormy waters together, and I promise you, brighter days are ahead.”

Maybe tonight will be free of nightmares, thought Josephine.