Page 114 of Maddox

“Hmmm… Meaning no one wants the real truth to come out.”

“Meaning they might not have the real truth.”

“Do you still think Alfaro is behind this?”

I thought about the question, which I’d done a dozen times since losing touch with her. “Yes, but only in the beginning. He couldn’t care less if his partners in crime destroy one another. He’s the kind of man to simply move on and find another way to eliminate his enemies and expand his business.”

“Understood. What do you need because I know that’s part of why you called. Unless you just wanted to hunt me down so you could issue that brutal punch.” He laughed, but the tension remained between us as it likely always would. We couldn’t turn back time or change the hate-filled words we’d said to each other.

We could only move forward. “As I said, someone who knows the ins and outs of computers and can break down coding while searching for information without being discovered.”

Charmaine cocked her head as soon as I’d purposely allowed the cat to slip from the bag.

“A tall order, but that was something you were well known for. Does that mean you need the kind of expertise only I can provide?” Kage asked. While I was still furious with him, I also knew what the man was capable of and right now, there was no doubt we could use all the help we could get.

Time would soon be running out.

“If you know a computer expert with both hacking and encryption capabilities, then yes.”

“What about Damon?”

“He provided all the assistance he was capable of doing. Enough to test the waters and stir the pot, if you know what I mean.”

Kage laughed. “Cryptic, but I think I get it. Whatever you obtained during your stint in El Salvador has multiple layers.”

“Exactly. Plus, someone tried to warn Charmaine before she testified. I think that person might be someone we need to talk to.”

“This just gets better and better. Let me call a few people. Don’t worry. I won’t tell them anything. But I think I can get you someone who can help.”

“Let me know. We’re going to need to move quickly. If Charmaine was being warned, that means the person issuing the statement had knowledge that her alternative identity has been discovered or that she was being followed while in DC.”

“Either way, it’s possible the bad guys will find you.”

“You got it.”

Kage sighed. “I’ll work quickly and at least let you know.”

“I would say I owe you one, but in truth, you owe me for not trusting me enough to tell me the truth.”

“Yeah, I get it. I really do.”

“One more favor.” I made certain she was paying close attention.

“Now you need another favor. Might cost you this time.”

Snorting, I was glad I’d made the call. Whoever had warned her could be an ally, but there was no easy way of learning the identity of the person. Although I did have one idea. It was worth a try. “Check on her parents. I know they have friends in town. Maybe there’s someplace they can go stay for a few days. Maybe a little vacation time.”

“Hmmm… I get where you’re going with this. I think I have the perfect idea, but it’s going to take a little finagling.”

“Good enough. Thanks, Kage,” I said through gritted teeth. I’d never been one to ask for anyone’s help in my life, not even during the time I’d served in the Navy. Maybe I was just a bitter man incapable of handling his own feelings.

“I hope I don’t need to say this, but I have your back.”

“Yeah, I know that. I only wish you’d felt the same.”

Kage sighed. “The past is the past, Maddox. We both need to let it go.”

“Maybe you’re right.” He was, even though I was hardheaded enough it was tough to admit.

---