Hindsight

Chapter 1

I remember thinking what a tightly wound, arrogant prick Agent Luke Fielder was when we first met two years ago. All business, never cracking a smile, striding into our hotel room with two U.S. Marshals like he owned the place.

"Don't worry about any supplies. Bring a couple of diapers," he instructed. "Any other necessities can be picked up on the way or after we reach the destination."

"I'm sorry, who are you?" I didn't like his attitude. At all.

"Special Agent Luke Fielder, FBI." Short, clipped words as he flashed his I.D.

"FBI?" I turned to one of the U.S. Marshals. "Why do we need the FBI? Everyone knows what happened. You said this case was cut and dried." I was confused. Even I knew the FBI didn't get involved in your average homicide unless it was the work of a suspected serial killer. That's not what was going on here. Xander had been apprehended at the scene of the crime with the weapon in his possession and traces of gunpowder on his hands, and my statement told the story.

"Ms. Berkeley," Marshal Bentley began, "Agent Fielder is going to help us get you to your new location. He's an expert in assisting victims with the transition. With the threats that Mr. Laughlin, Xander, made towards you and the child, we want to cover all our bases."

"I'm told the child stands to inherit quite a sum, upwards of five mil," Agent Fielder added. "Laughlin indicated he has connections to carry out his threats. We're going to take this seriously."

"I know why we're being placed in WitSec." I was irritated by this guy. "So whatever has to be done, as long as you don't separate us, fine. I'm the legal guardian, and I'm not letting him out of my sight." There was a suggestion early on that Justin and I be separated, that Justin should go into foster care. I freaked out, really freaked out, and the idea was quickly dropped.

"Great. Now, get the diapers so we can get you out of here."

"Babies need more than diapers," I said simply. Justin had just turned two, so he technically wasn't a baby anymore. But still. "They need to feel secure and comforted. This is the blanket he's had since his birth. We take it."

Agent Fielder looked at me cooly. "Fine," he said. "But we need to move. Quickly."

I stared back at him, just as cooly. "I realize your the expert in this mess I'm in, but I'm this child's nanny. I've known him since he was born. This is my area of expertise. I'll bring whatever the fuck I need to bring."

"Ms. Berkeley," he said sternly. "I'm here to help you. I can promise you there's no one better. I'll keep you and the child safe, but you need to listen to me and trust me. I know how to do this job."

"JUSTIN!!" Veins were pulsing in my temples. "His name is Justin!"

Agent Fielder looked at me calmly. "Not anymore."

I was leaving my identity, Claire Berkeley, behind, and Justin Graves would never be Justin Graves again. And that's how we became Joy Renee and Henry Charles Wheeler. Just like that.

*****

I stepped out the hotel room to get a bit of air. This woman...the man in me recognized her beauty. It was one of those natural, girl-next-door kind of things. Long brown hair (that she'd have to dye), big brown eyes with thick lashes (we'd probably suggest contact lenses), peaches and cream complexion, full lips. She was sexy as hell, too, with long legs and a lithe figure. She didn't seem to know she was beautiful or sexy, which only accentuated both. I wasn't worried about any of that--I was a professional. Yeah, I noticed because I'm a man.