Page 112 of Maddox

“How so?”

“Maybe there’s a different encryption.”

He nodded. “Maybe. I’m no expert.”

“Then we need to find one.”

“We?” he asked, grinning.

I shrugged. “If you don’t mind me staying for a couple days.”

“Mind? Lady, I’m thinking of tying you to the bed.”

“I’m not sure I’d mind.”

We both laughed, but his expression turned dark. “What about your parents?”

Sighing, I studied the fire for a few seconds. “I think they’re safe. They’ve already developed friends who seem to collect really big guns.” I was able to laugh for the first time in weeks and it felt good.

“Did you contact them after you left?”

I nodded. “Yes, but don’t worry. I didn’t tell them anything and they know better than to ask. But I do worry about them.”

“I know you do.” He glanced away briefly. “You don’t need to tell me this, but I’d like to know where you created a new life.”

“I don’t mind telling you. Durango, Colorado. A huge adjustment although my parents adore being there already. Even if they had a chance, I doubt they’d want to return to Illinois.”

“Where did you say?” Maddox leaned forward, studying me carefully.

“Durango, Colorado. Completely different than Chicago. Don’t get me wrong. The city is beautiful with mountains capped in snow as the stunning background, but it’s so damn small. At least I have a gorgeous, quaint cabin nestled in the woods. But I have no clue what to do about a job. I’ve got my savings, but…” I’d already lost him and I could tell by the look on his face something had triggered the man.

He took and held a deep breath, his upper lip curling.

“What’s wrong?”

“Were you offered choices of where to relocate to?”

“No. I didn’t know I could ask. Hawaii would have been preferred.” I could tell he was really troubled. “What is it? I don’t like the look in your eyes.”

His entire demeanor had shifted once again. “Have you spoken to Commander Gray Jenkins since you were accepted into the witness protection program?”

“No. Not once. As soon as I was handed off, I didn’t even hear his name mentioned. What aren’t you telling me?”

“Someone I know lives in Durango.”

That caught me off guard and I could tell it could be a significant issue.

“A trusted friend or an enemy?”

His laugh was bitter. “In truth, I’m not one hundred certain, but I am going to find out.”

CHAPTER 28

Maddox

“This is becoming a regular thing,” Kage said the moment he answered the phone.

“Why the fuck are you keeping information from me?”

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