"You're nervous?" Ross starts as we walk through the hallway.

I nod slowly as our fingers intertwine "I could lose my rank...I could be suspended...maybe worse-"

So many things could go wrong in this hearing. We just need to lie our butts off and only then will I be in the clear.

I can't tell them that I went to Matthew Peterson's home to bully him into telling me where I could find Johnathan. I can't tell them that it was all for personal gain.

Why the hell did he pull a gun on me? The only reason that makes sense is that he knew me, but how? Did Johnathan come back from work and laugh about how he ruined my life?

He had no way of knowing that I was a cop. I had no warrant. I didn't tell his wife at the door. My gun was hidden. So he had to have known me. How the hell did he know me? It's the questions that have been on my mind since he began shooting.

"You'll do great" he assures as we stop in front of the boardroom. Ross gives me a quick kiss. "Good luck"

I nod slowly as entering the boardroom. Immediately I spot several board members, and Laura and lieutenant Deacon.

I take a seat beside Laura as the others sit across from us. I watch as Deacon shuts the door quickly.

I take a deep breath.

Here we go Isla. Your entire life depends on how this hearing goes.

Suddenly one of the board members opens his mouth to speak at the exact time another member turned on the video camera. Shits about to get real.

"Statement from officer Isla Mills recounting her version of the events that had taken place on June twenty-eighth 2028 that involved a shooting in a line of duty resulting in a civilian being physically harmed" he starts before they all glare at me. "In your own words....please begin by stating rank and full name"

I inhale slowly then exhale.

Let's go Isla. Don't screw up.

"Detective Isla Mills..." I begin "On the twenty-eighth of June 2028 I had gone to former Lieutenant Matthew Peterson's home where he lived with his wife Steph...I went there to investigate reports of-"

"Did you have a warrant?" He interrupts.

"No one is going to shoot your dog" I rolled my eyes "good night Harry, I'll call you back later"

"Sweet dreams love," he said sarcastically.

"Harry" I whispered hours after our phone call ended "I need you to do me a favour"

"Of course you do," he said unsurprised "What is it this time mate?"

"I need you to forge a search warrant for my hearing this afternoon then hack the system so it's on record," I asked.

I glance over to Laura who pulls a copy of the warrant and swiftly passes it to the man.

Harry is a hacker and forger - I only ask him for help when I'm desperate. He never says no.

"Continue" he orders has placed the sheet of paper beside him.

I gulp before continuing "Lieutenant Matthew Peterson had undergone several investigations in the last five years....he wasn't exactly discreet about his indiscretions...So I went by his home around noon...his wife Steph Peterson was the one who opened the door...I showed her the warrant that I held in my right hand and explained that I had to search the premises...she let me in...I took only a few steps when Matthew came in from another room...he pulled out his Glock than I pulled out mine...he shot at me and missed...I moved to go behind the nearest object which was the sofa....he continued shooting at me...So I pulled my out my Glock and shot back....at some point Steph was caught in the crossfire...when the gunshots stopped, I stood up and he was gone...Steph was bleeding out on the floor so I removed my jacket to press against her side and called an ambulance" I explain.

The man started speaking. I just began continuous nodding my head - not even paying attention to what he was saying. Laura paid close attention.

I need to find Matthew Peterson. First, I need to interrogate his wife, hopefully, she knows his location. Then I'll find Matthew - interrogate him, then hopefully, he'll know something about Hank.

Matthew could be across the world right now - completely untraceable, but a girl's gotta try, right?

How does he know me? He's a cop so maybe he knew Hank or my biological mother, Katherine? Maybe Johnathan warned him about me?

There are too many unanswered questions. Too many missing pieces to this puzzle.

Why have dirty cops been targeting my family for thirty years? It doesn't make any sense to me.

These thoughts occupy my mind, to the point where I miss every word that leaves his lips.

"Is that understood?" He finishes.

I widen my eyes and begin nodding "yes sir"

What am I supposed to be understanding?

"We will see you in seventy-two hours Isla" he stands up and shakes my hand.

I nod as glancing over at Laura.

"I will fill you in later" she whispers as we slowly exit the boardroom.

I need to find Matthew, he's my only way of finding Hank. I only have seventy-two hours before I need to be back. Hopefully, I can find him by then. If not then I'm screwed.

"How did it-" Ross starts as we walk side by side.

"Get Thomas on the phone...tell him that I'm going after Matthew Peterson," I tell my husband quickly.

I have only seventy-two hours.

And the clock starts now.