Page 55 of Rules of Engagement

"It was obvious he liked you. Anastasia noticed it too. We were really pleased when he said you two were dating."

"That is nice to hear," I said. Maddox tapped my arm and pointed ahead to the sign for Fort Charles. I nodded, the bubble of joy broken. "I have to go," I said, "but please call me or Garrett if you think of anything. Oh, and I didn't tell you but we have a strong lead on the shooter. I don't want to get your hopes up but this could be over very soon if we catch him."

"That's great!" said Damien. "Wow. I'll tell Anastasia."

"All good?" asked Maddox as he drew the car up to the guardhouse and rolled down the window.

"Damien pointed out there could be a personal angle," I told him quickly as the guard approached. "I didn't consider it before but if we catch the shooter soon, that should reveal everything."

"Good morning, sir, ma'am. Names?" said the guard.

Maddox gave our names and the guard checked our names off his list and waved us through. Maddox drove us to the office building where I once spent a little undercover time and parked outside. We walked in together, gave our names again, and a few minutes later, Captain Mitch McAuley walked into the small lobby, one hand rubbing his short-cropped, fading, red hair.

"I'm so sorry to hear the news," he said, his voice a deep rumble as he shook my hand first, then Maddox's. "I can't tell you how shocked I am. How's Solomon doing?"

"He's stable but in a coma," I said. "I hope he'll wake up soon."

"I hope so too. I'm sorry I didn't realize it was so serious, otherwise, I would have insisted on driving out to Montgomery and meeting you there. Come on through," he said, leading us to his office. "Are you here to assist, Detective Maddox?"

"It's Special Agent Maddox now," corrected Maddox, "but yes, I'm here to help Lexi however I can."

"Glad to hear it." Captain McAuley dropped into the chair behind his desk and we took the two in front. "How can I help?"

"We're looking into Solomon's past to find a reason for someone to have sent a hit man after him," I explained. "I know you're old friends and thought you might have some insight, but I'm not sure how far back you two go."

"Back to our Army days and we kept in touch, of course. I've known Solomon a long time now and, sure, he's knocked a few heads together over the years, but the few men that I thought might have posed a threat to him are definitely dead."

"You're sure?"

"One hundred percent positive."

"With all due respect, sir, how can we be certain of that?" asked Maddox.

Captain McAuley fixed him with a steely look. "As sure as you can be when you look through your sights at a man," he said. "I can tell you Solomon crossed paths with a couple of warlords, some gun runners, some corrupt soldiers, and the occasional brother-in-arms. None of them, however, pose a current threat."

"What about someone more recently? Has he mentioned anyone?"

"I haven't spoken to him in a few weeks but if you're thinking about the case you both worked here, then I would say you were just as much likely to be the subject of a grudge as Solomon. Since you appear to be unscathed, I don't think that case has any bearing."

"What about personal relationships?" I said, recalling my conversation with Damien.

"Solomon always kept to himself. He was polite and professional, but he didn't court friendships. I wouldn't say he was a loner but he definitely wasn't the type to join the Sunday morning soccer league, or attend any potlucks. Shame, because that man can cook."

"Were you aware of Solomon's career path after he left the Army?" I asked.

McAuley didn't answer right away. Instead, he contemplated me for a little bit, then he leaned in, and said. "Yes."

"Did he discuss any of that time with you?"

"His operations were all classified," said McAuley.

"That doesn't answer the question," said Maddox.

"No, it doesn't."

"Would Solomon have discussed any concerns he might have had from that time in his life?" I asked, wondering if I should tread even more carefully than I already was. Something about McAuley visibly changed when I brought up Solomon’s change in career. His shoulders stiffened, his eyes narrowed just a fraction and the whole atmosphere chilled.

"Hypothetically, he might if he were deeply concerned about something."

"Captain McAuley, did something happen that made Solomon either leave the Army or abandon his next career step?" I asked.

Captain McAuley took a deep breath, then stood up. "Let's take a walk outside."

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