Midnight drew their attention. “She kept going on about an Agent Brice and what she said answered some of True’s questions. He never understood why those at Drackwood changed their minds about killing him. You know I speak often to newly freed Species. I helped True adjust to life as a free male. I know his history well and it fits.” She paused, as if considering her thoughts before continuing. “I’m intrigued, Justice. It seems there’s a human with a badge who convinced her she was really working for us to help those Species gain their freedom. I believe her when she says he exists.”

Fury shifted his stance. “Are you sure she was being honest?”

She glanced down at his pants. “Do you want to empty out your left pocket to show everyone what you keep there? I already know and I know why you feel the need to keep Ellie’s scent close at all times.” She smirked as her gaze lifted to his. “That sedative is really strong and gets anyone taking it to make honest statements about things they wouldn’t normally share.”

Color stained his cheeks as he growled. “Understood.”

Justice glanced at him and sniffed the air. “Should I ask?”

“No.” Fury cleared his throat. “The sedative is strong enough that someone would blurt out honest information. Take my word for it.”

“What is in your pocket?”

“None of your business, Tim.” Fury shot Midnight a warning look. “She was very talkative?”

“Yes. She tried to answer the questions truthfully when they took her to the basement but no one believed her. True trusts her now. We should wait until she wakes to get more answers, find out who this human is and figure out how she was used by him.” She stared at Tim. “I have been thinking about this. Is it possible that there’s another website out there that mimics our own? Maybe she saw it and contacted this human instead of us. It wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to mess with Species.” She glanced at Justice. “How did we locate both places she worked?”

He glanced at Tim. “Tell her.”

“The tip line. We paid a million and a half out for the info on Cornas Research.”

“So someone profited from their rescue?” Midnight beamed. “See?”

“It was her,” Tim accused. “That makes it worse.”

Fury frowned. “You know this for sure?”

“No. We received a package in the mail with proof that someone had access to Species not listed in our DNA database three days before we hit Cornas. There were no fingerprints or any way to trace where the package came from. It contained sealed sample bags with Species’ DNA with a typed note. It said we’d be contacted soon and the amount of money wanted for disclosure of the location where we could recover them. Just after midnight on the day we learned of the location a computerized voice message was left on the tip line with a foreign bank account number attached. We paid and they emailed to tell us we’d find our Species locked underground at Cornas Research. Four hours later we hit it.” He paused. “I am pretty sure an anonymous tip with money demands was the same way we learned about Drackwood. Don’t you see? She’s got to be the one who did it. That bitch blackmailed a heavy sum from the NSO. I’m pretty sure we paid over a million on that one too.”

“Another human is involved,” Midnight stated. “He’s going by the name of Agent Brice.”

“Every indication is they are partners.” Tim turned, motioning to his team outside through the large windows. “I’m going to interrogate her myself this time and find out who she was working with. We’ll nail both of these bastards and get the money back.” He nodded at Justice. “They might know more locations where New Species are being kept. I’m concerned the takedown will cause panic if that’s the case and any other locations might kill any survivors. Time is of the essence.”

When the six humans rushed inside the building, Midnight growled, getting in Tim’s face. “Stop. You aren’t listening to me. She believes she was helping, not using us to get rich. It doesn’t fit.”

“Do you know that for certain? I don’t. We paid out a shitload of money and more lives could be on the line. I don’t care if she realized her partner was ripping us off. She knows who he is and they both knew how to find Drackwood and Cornas. There’s too much at stake to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.” Tim spun and motioned to his team again. “Upstairs. We’re collecting our prisoner.”

Justice intervened. “Don’t follow that order.” He stared down at Tim. “I understand the difficult situation you are in but you aren’t sending your team after that female until we learn more information.”

“She could know where other Species are being held.” Tim’s face reddened with anger. “They could be suffering right now. The faster we make her talk, the faster we can get to them.”

“She could have another panic attack,” Midnight protested. “I believe she was used by the human. True does as well.”

“Enough!” Darkness bellowed, his voice chilling. He waited until he had everyone’s attention. “No one is getting near that female without having to kill Flirt and True. They won’t allow you to take her without a fight to the death. Didn’t you hear me about the life debt?” He held Justice’s stare. “I won’t allow that to happen. They are doing what they believe is right. Let them ask her questions, or I will, but this has become a Species matter.” He turned his cold stare on Tim. “Get your males out of our dorm. I like some of them but it doesn’t mean I won’t kick their asses if they attempt to reach those stairs or the elevator.” He glanced at each task force member. “Do you want to listen to me or Tim? Leave.”