Page 45 of Risky Match
“Yes, that’s in the dossier from her background check. She hasn’t been married long though. It’s possible she knew Noah before her marriage. But I’ll pass along the information. As a precaution, the team can take another look at her prior connections with both Josh and Noah.”
“Good. Is there anything else that I need to know?”
“Yes. We have new intel indicating the coins haven’t been handed off yet. The information we intercepted confirms the exchange will occur at Wimbledon. We hope to have more details soon.”
“Is the handoff supposed to take place during a match or at a specific event?”
“We don’t know. That’s the problem. For all we know, it could happen when a fan asks for an autograph or takes a selfie. The coins are so small, it would be trivial to hand them off.”
“That makes it almost impossible to prevent. What’s the plan?”
“We need you to learn everything about Blake’s schedule. Has he mentioned any events he’ll be attending”
“He has a sponsor event later this week. That’s the only thing they’ve discussed other than his matches.”
“Find an excuse to go with him.”
“Will do.”
“We’re watching the cameras you planted. We should see if he takes anything unusual with him. But if you can, take another look in his room. The coin may be hidden there.”
“I searched it thoroughly. The only thing I haven’t checked is his tennis bag. He almost always has it with him. I’ll see if I can manufacture an excuse to go through it tonight.”
“Excellent. It’s possible he’s keeping the coins with him until it’s time to hand them off.”
“What about the other player you mentioned? Any news about his involvement in the smuggling?”
“Nothing yet, but we have eyes on him.”
“You’re still not going to tell me who he is, are you?”
“It’s better if you don’t know. We have no reason to think he’s dangerous, so we’re not worried about you running into him. And if you do, this way you’ll be completely natural.”
“I don’t like it, but I understand.”
“We’re supposed to be having tea, so we should quickly drink up and enjoy the cakes. Otherwise, the staff will wonder what we’ve been doing in here.” He smirks.
“If they only knew you’re like a brother to me.”
“And you’re the sister I never had. You know our parents had hoped for a love match when we were younger.”
“I know, but they seem to have figured out that wasn’t meant to be,” I say, taking one of the cakes from the three-tiered tray as Stephen pours tea for us.
Twenty minutes later, we’ve finished two cups of tea and enough food to justify the time we’ve spent together.
Parting ways, I’m left wondering how we’re going to intercept the coins, given they would easily fit in someone’s pocket along with regular change. We’re looking for a needle in a haystack as they say. Nothing short of strip-searching every attendee as theyleave Wimbledon would work. I bite my lip so as not to laugh out loud at that thought. I can’t imagine the uproar that would cause the British sensibilities.
Talk about tough tasks. Now I must convince Blake to open up to me about his troubles with his manager while devising an excuse to rifle through his tennis bag.
Hell. Why did my first real mission have to be an impossible one?
15
BRIANNA
During the ride back to our rental house, Erin sits in silence, sensing that I need time to think. Finally, an idea for coaxing Blake to talk clicks into place, but I’ll need a little help.
“Erin, I’d like some time alone with Blake tonight. We need to build some rapport if we’re going to have any chemistry on the court. Could you persuade Josh and Natalie to take you out for dinner and drinks?”
