Page 75 of Maddox

“Yeah, I think we can do that.”

His expressions had told me he had something on his mind.

“Did you give them the jump drive?” I’d waited to ask, maybe fearful of learning the answer.

“That wouldn’t do us any good. Would it?” He tipped his head, his grin adding to the warmth spreading through my body.

He had his hand placed on the small of my back as he guided us toward the cozy alcove, finding a table near one of the windows. That allowed us both to see the comings and goings of guests as well as anyone who walked into the bar.

As I sat down, I scanned the inside of the bar just as two men in bad suits walked in. “Two goons just walked in,” I whispered. No one was paying attention to two individuals dressed in suitshaving a drink. Yet I couldn’t breathe a sigh of relief and Maddox was definitely on edge.

“I see them. Same ones who stayed behind in an unmarked sedan as we walked. They’re here to make certain we don’t leave town,” Maddox snarled.

“I thought you were free to go.”

“That’s what I heard even though Gray asked me to stay.”

“But not what you believe.”

A cocktail waitress appeared, asking for our orders. After ordering, Maddox waited until she’d gone out of earshot before leaning over the table. “I’ve stayed alive because of my instinct alone.”

“So you think this is a cover-up of some kind.”

“I’m not saying that,” he said and stared out the window. “But I’m also not ruling anything out.”

“You didn’t need to. Your body language is a clear statement. You weren’t this tense when being chased by Alfaro’s men in Honduras.” When he continued scanning the street, I sucked in my breath. “They think I have something to do with Alfaro.”

“I was told he is infatuated with you.”

“You know better. Right?”

He slowly turned his head. “Oh, I have no doubt Alfaro is infatuated with you because you’re one of the only women who have ever pushed him. However, the Feds are hiding something.”

“And you think the Navy is involved?”

“Uncertain, but I doubt it. Gray is working with some people regarding corruption and collusion. He’s involved because your mom and dad are friends with his wife.”

“Gray and Betty Jenkins. Of course. Good people. My dad adores the man. That means you can trust him.”

“Yes, we can. Commander Jenkins was always a decent man. I think he issued a warning when asking me to stay in town. There’s also a distinct feeling he wasn’t told the entire story since he pushed Agent Wilshire into allowing a rescue attempt. One thing is certain. We need to find what’s on the jump drive.”

“That means we need a computer.” As he’d taught me by habit, I glanced around the perimeter of the bar before snagging a look onto the sidewalk outside.

“Without tipping off our babysitters. Which won’t be easy.” He took a deep breath and held it.

I could tell by the look in his eyes he’d already thought of something. “What is it? You’ve thought of a way.”

“Yeah, I have an idea. A little risky and I’ll need to call in a favor.”

“We’ve come this far, Maddox. I need your help. I don’t like the fact that my parents were shoved into this. Someone wants me dead and I’m beginning to think it’s not Alfaro.” I started to reach for his arm, but pulled back, quickly darting a look toward the two men sitting at the bar. They were doing their best to pretend they weren’t interested in us.

He finally looked me directly in the eyes just as the waitress brought our drinks.

Well, shit. That’s exactly what he was thinking.

There was no small talk, no mention of whether we’d run a tab. I had a feeling the poor girl could tell by the commanding look on his face he wasn’t in the mood for chitchat.

“I don’t plan on going anywhere until you’re safe.” He pulled the glass of bourbon to his lips, holding the rim just centimeters away. When he lifted his gaze, the same electricity applied as before, only something had changed.

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