Page 2 of Wired Strong

Sophie gestured to the leather couch against the wall. “Let’s get comfortable. It’s been too long since we caught up, and we have a lot to cover.”

“I know. I’m the one who asked you to meet me, remember? I’m sorry that I haven’t seen you since Jake’s memorial.” Marcella ran an eyeball over her friend. Sophie wasn’t looking half bad, considering she’d lost her fiancé in a volcano-related tragedy only three months before. Prone to depression, Sophie had been known to take to her bed without eating for days at a time. Marcella had feared that Jake’s death, coupled with the departure of Sophie’s daughter and nanny to Kaua`i for their custody month with the child’s father, might have brought on such an episode.

Instead, Sophie’s tawny skin glowed, and though there were bags under her eyes, an unfamiliar roundness filled out her cheeks, breasts, and hips. Her hair, usually short, was nearly touching her shoulders in a riot of thick brown ringlets. “Are you ready for some sparring? You look like you’re getting a little soft.”

“Not today.” Sophie sat on the couch and patted the open area beside her. “Now that we’ve made sure the area is secure, you need to tell me what is going on with this multi-agency FBI investigation into the Ghost—my friend, Connor.”

“Okay. I’ll tell you what I can, but it isn’t much.” Marcella flopped onto the old leather couch, smoothing back her sleek ponytail. “They won’t let me anywhere near the case. But I’ve heard whispers around the office indicating that there’s a faction that wants to take you into custody in order to capture Connor.”

“How?” Sophie raised her elegant brows.

“By using you as a combination of hostage and bait. I had to listen at Waxman’s door to get this—and thankfully, he wasn’t in favor. I don’t think I could forgive him if he were.”

They’d shared Waxman as a Special Agent in Charge during Sophie’s five years at the Bureau; in that time Marcella had found him to be a hard boss, but someone with basic integrity.

“Who was in the meeting you listened in on?” Sophie’s honey-brown eyes were intent.

“Pillman and Gundersohn.” Pillman was with Internal Affairs and had a cruel streak; Gundersohn, a slow-moving Swede with a procedural mindset, had been known to get stubborn once he had an idea. “With Interpol, the Secret Service, and the CIA on that task force too, Pillman argued that they could let those guys do the dirty work of picking you up and storing you at Guantánamo or something, and pretend not to be involved.” Marcella laid a hand on Sophie’s arm, squeezing it to impress Sophie of her worry. “I’m not sure even the ambassador’s influence is going to be enough to keep you safe from them right now. You have to go somewhere. Hide.”

Sophie frowned. “No. I’ve ‘lawyered up’ instead. And so far, Bennie Fernandez is worth every penny I’m paying him.”

“That awful little man!” Marcella tossed her head and laughed, picturing the defense lawyer’s cherubic, Santa Claus appearance and wicked legal aptitude. “Never thought we’d be on the same side. He’s kicked our asses in court half a dozen times. I’m a little less worried about you now.”

“Ever since Connor came out of hiding in Thailand to rescue Jake and me from the volcano, that task force has been relentless. We’ve been through two full searches of the Security Solutions building. Subpoenas of our records and computers. They’re trying to squeeze Connor by seizing his property and any assets they can find; but he saw that coming a long time ago, and transferred ownership to me. Now I’m the one dealing with all the pressure.” Sophie shook her head. “I wish they’d give it up. He’s untouchable at the Yam Khûmk?n compound in Thailand, and he doesn’t care about any of this anymore.”

“I’ll be honest, Sophie.” Marcella leaned forward and made eye contact. “I don’t trust that man, whatever name he’s currently going by, as far as I can throw him. The more time that passes, and the longer he’s involved with that weird-ass Thai organization, the less I think he has your best interests at heart.”

“You’ve believed that for a while, and I understand why.” Sophie rubbed the back of her arm. “I know you mean well, Marcella, but Connor and I have a bond. I owe him my life. He’d never betray me or let them take me.”

Marcella bit her lip to keep from responding.She didn’t believe that for a minute.

The man who called himself Connor had many names, and various other loyalties. He always had—or he’d have protected Sophie better than just dumping everything, including his dog, on her and leaving her to deal with it. “I felt duty-bound, because of our friendship, to warn you about what I heard. What if the CIA just grabs you, lawyers be damned, and whisks you off somewhere? Threatens to torture you, and forces you to communicate with him so he comes to get you?”

Sophie was still rubbing the back of her arm, an odd habit. “I’ve thought of that. I do need to do something to deal with that possibility. But hiding isn’t the answer—these organizations work in the shadows. No, I need to stay in the light to be safe, even though it goes against my natural inclinations—especially now.”

Marcella stood up in agitation. She stalked over to the water cooler and filled a plastic cup with filtered water for each of them. She handed one to Sophie, eyeing the lovely antique diamond engagement ring her friend wore in memory of her fiancé. “What do you mean, ‘especially now’?”

“Instead of hiding, I need to be even more visible. Involved with the workings of Security Solutions as its CEO. Surrounded by a security team at home and at the office, twenty-four hours a day. Going to society and government events on my father’s arm as his plus-one; playing the role of United States Ambassador’s daughter. I need to be seen—even in my current condition.” Sophie smoothed her left hand, decorated with that sparkler of a diamond, over her waist. “You’re right that I’m going soft, Marcella. I’m twelve weeks pregnant with Jake’s baby.”

Marcella’s eyes flew open. “What? No—seriously? Again?” She immediately clapped a hand over her mouth, wishing she could take back the words. “I didn’t mean that the way it came out. I only meant—how hard it is for you already, as a single mom to Momi. Jake’s baby, too—oh my gosh, you—you must be . . .”

Sophie’s full lips tightened into a flat line and her brows drew down. “I expect that kind of response from a lot of people, Marcella, but I didn’t expect it from you.”

“Gah. I’m sorry, darling. If you’re happy, I’m happy.” Marcella lifted her hands in a “surrender” gesture. “Jake’s baby. Wow! His family must be ecstatic.”

“They don’t know. No one knows but Dr. Wilson. And now you.” Sophie’s hand still rested protectively over her abdomen. “This baby is all I have of Jake. All I’ll ever have.” Her eyes filled. “And I can’t help but believe that it’s meant to be, because of that. No matter how challenging the situation is.”

“I can’t imagine.” Even more, Marcella didn’twantto imagine Sophie’s situation. She was happily married to the love of her life, Honolulu Police Department Detective Marcus Kamuela. Someday they hoped to be parents, but she’d never want to have to deal with pregnancy and a child—alone.Jake Dunn’s death seemed even more tragic now.“I’m so sorry.” Marcella reached out to hug her friend.

Sophie pushed Marcella away and stood up. “I think you’d better go. I told Alika I’d check out the bookkeeping here at his office.” Sophie’s gaze went to the computer resting on the desk. “I’ve got at least an hour’s worth of work here.” Sophie’s ex-boyfriend, Alika, owned the gym. Sophie and Alika seemed to be solid friends as they co-parented their two-and-a-half-year-old with the help of Armita, Momi’s dedicated nanny. “Let me know if you hear anything new at the FBI.”

“Hey. I’m sorry I didn’t respond the way you wanted about your news, Soph, but I’m here for you. I’ll help however I can.” Marcella made a tossing gesture. “Maybe you’ve got spaghetti cravings? I make a mean pasta primavera.”

“That won’t be necessary. Everything’s handled.” Sophie walked around behind the desk and sat down, turning on the computer. “Have a good workout.”

Marcella stood still for a long moment, but Sophie didn’t look up. She busied herself behind the monitor as if Marcella had already gone.

Marcella’s shoulders sagged in defeat. She walked to the office’s door, and shut it gently behind her as she went out into the main area of the gym.

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