Page 3 of Playing Hardball
“You didn’t say anything particularly helpful,” I speak up. Her gaze lands on me.
“I said all I wanted to say,” she says, her jaw tightening.
“We can always find out more,” I tell her.
“Ritchie,” I say to the man across me at the table.
He immediately gets out his laptop and gets to work. Ritchie is our computer guy and a great hacker. He’ll have all the information we need in a few minutes. While we wait, Kim and I engage in a battle of some sort. She glares and I glare right back, both of us refusing to stand down. It’s a juvenile staring contest but looking into her eyes is also kind of hot. The rest of my team watch silently.
“I can’t find anything on a Kim Solace that looks like her,” Ritchie says and I mentally pat myself on the back. I knew it was a fake name.
“I’m going to need this lady’s real name if we want anything concrete,” he continues, looking up. We all turn to her. She rolls her eyes.
“You realize that none of you offered me a seat. What is this? Some 6th-grade presentation?” she asks before proceeding to plop down on a chair in front of the table.
“How can I trust you?” she asks after a moment.
“There’s not a lot we can do to make you trust us. But believe me when I say, every man here has worked in a part of the United States military before. We’re all officers with decades of military experience. This company was founded with good intentions. You say you need help, then let us help you Kim,” Thomas says.
We’ve all heard the speech dozens of times but Kim looks a little moved. She takes a deep breath before talking.
“My real name is Kimberly Noles.”
Ritchie immediately gets to work. It takes a little longer than usual.
“It’s locked. Her entire file is locked from public access by the FBI.”
“I thought you said you didn’t trust the police,” I say accusingly.
“I don’t trust them now. That was a long time ago.”
“She’s right. The only thing we have on her is her name, age and the year she was under FBI protection.”
I ask, “What year?” at the same time Miguel asks, “How old is she?”
Thomas glares at him and he reverts back to silence.
“Kimberly Noles. 36 years old. She was under FBI protection 12 years ago,” Ritchie answers.
“Any chance it mentions why she was under protection?” I ask.
“Not at all.”
“Any chance you’re going to tell us?” I ask Kim. She shakes her head.
“No. You’ve gotten what you wanted. I’m an American citizen. I’m on the run. And I need your help. Honestly, that should be enough for you. I’m under no obligation to answer any intrusive questions.”
“Okay, I don’t think you understand the situation. You came here looking for help, the least-”
Thomas cuts me off.
“That’s enough. We can’t make her talk if she doesn’t want to. Miss Noles, my friend here will lead you to a separate room where you’ll find food and a warm bed. You look exhausted. We’ll deliberate on your matter and let you know our decision,” he tells her and she nods.
With one last glare at me, she allows Joseph to lead her out of the room.
“I don’t trust her,” I say as soon as they are out of earshot.
“I think that’s pretty obvious, Ben,” Miguel says his green eyes twinkling.
