Page 95 of Charmed Forces

“With the car through the fence,” said Delgado. “We figured direct would have been the most disruptive.”

“What did you find?” asked Solomon. “What happened?”

“You didn’t hear?”

“You must have been pressed against something. The audio was muffled.”

“The drapes were pretty thick,” I said. “They must have covered the mic. There was nothing in his desk of any interest but did you see the pictures?”

“In the frames? Yes. Who were they? His wife and kids?”

“Yes, I think so. There’s a strong family resemblance so I think one of them is him and his brothers. In another of what looked like a big family reunion, one of the women is the assassin that we encountered at the hospital. Can you track her down from that?” I asked. “I took a photo on my phone in case it wasn’t clear.”

Solomon nodded. “Now that we know where to look, and we have a clear image to match, we can narrow it down and pass the evidence onto the police.”

“Speaking of them, it sounded like Victor was arranging to plant evidence, a burner phone. He wanted whatever was on it to be found by the police and insisted it be more than obvious to find. I got the impression his contact was on the force.”

“Did he mention Daniel?” asked Delgado.

I shook my head. “He didn’t mention any names, only an address. Cameron Drive.”

Solomon turned quickly in his seat. “Cameron Drive?”

“That’s right.”

“Shit!”

“Who was he talking to?” asked Lily.

“I don’t know! Someone on the phone. Tony, maybe? Or Toby? Or Buddy?”

“Boss?” asked Delgado.

“What exactly did he say?”

“Uh... ‘Get over to Cameron Drive and get rid of the problem.’ What is it?” I asked, growing concerned but Solomon had his phone to his ear as he checked his watch. “It must be ten minutes since that conversation,” he said then, “Hey. Get out of the house. Get out now! Meet us at the extraction point. We’re on the way.” He motioned for Delgado to drive.

“That’s where Daniel is, isn’t it?” I asked, cold fear chilling my spine. As Solomon disconnected the phone, his fingers tightened around it. He glanced my way and nodded, just once, and my stomach twisted with dread. “I thought you didn’t know where they were either!”

“They’re leaving the house,” he said. “Don’t worry. There’s still time.”

“In the history of the universe, since when does telling someone not to worry actually make them not worry?” asked Lily, leaning forwards in alarm. “Also... you had Daniel all along?”

Solomon shifted in his seat to turn to us as Delgado accelerated and Lily shot back against the back rest. “Ever since the first night,” explained Solomon. “Fletcher and Flaherty are ready for this. Daniel’s ready for this. We had escape routes planned, and an extraction point, and we’ll have him in another safe house soon.”

“Did you know about this?” Lily asked me.

“Some of it,” I said, “but not the crucial details. How soon until we get there?”

“Twenty minutes, including dropping Lily off and switching vehicles. This car will stick out like a sore thumb.” He fired off a text message. “Someone will meet us at Lily’s place with my car.”

“But I want to come too!” said Lily.

“Nope,” said Solomon. “Your house is en route and I can’t risk your safety.”

Lily slumped in the seat and crossed her arms but didn’t argue.

“I know Daniel will appreciate everything you’ve done to help him already tonight,” said Solomon, placating her now. “No one wants to put you in harm’s way.”

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