Page 58 of Secrets We Fight
“A guy named Joseph Hughes came up to Fallon while he was playing blackjack in Atlantic City. Hughes demanded “Mr. Donnelley” repay him the money he borrowed, but Fallon doesn’t owe anyone money. Since Hughes used their last name, we’re assuming it’s Finnegan he’s looking for.”
“Could be. Did you bring in the FBI?”
“No. No crime was committed, and when I reported it to my team lead, he said it needed to be handled as a family matter, so the press didn’t get a hold of the story.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “We did, however, get access to the cameras from the casino so we could identify the guy.”
“Shit,” Ramos muttered. “This could get messy.”
I nodded. “I know, and I agreed to give Fallon time to handle it with Finnegan because he doesn’t plan on going back to Atlantic City any time soon. Our investigation into this guy didn’t raise any red flags, and I’m assuming he just wants his money back and then will go away quietly. But I’d still like to gather as much information as possible.”
Ramos ran a hand down his face. “A few weeks ago, I overheard Finn talking to someone on speakerphone, and they called him Fallon. I thought it was weird, but I didn’t think about it any further. It’s possible Finn has been using his brother’s identity when borrowing money.”
I sighed. It was likely that was what was happening, but it was all speculation. I needed more than assumptions. “Do you think you could try to find me proof?”
“That’s probably not a great idea.”
“Why not?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “C’mon. Would you let someone search through Fallon’s things.”
“I would, if it was a matter of keeping another member of the president’s family safe,” I lied. Once I’d reported the situation, Tanner became responsible for deciding how it was handled, but I couldn’t seem to drop it.
Ramos considered it for a moment, and then said, “Finn left his phone and wallet in the guestroom he’s staying in. We can start there.”
While Fallon had bitched about the no electronic rule, I was instantly grateful for it. Searching the room of the son of the president of the United States definitely crossed some lines, but there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do to keep Fallon safe.
“Let’s go.”
I followed Ramos toward the stairs to the Residence, and we both nodded at the various agents we passed along the way. Luckily, once we reached Finnegan’s door, no one was there, and we were able to sneak inside without anyone noticing us.
On top of the dresser on the far wall, I saw Finnegan’s cell and wallet Ramos had mentioned. The phone was password protected, and it was highly unlikely we’d be able to bypass the security feature without the help of one of our tech guys. Knowing that was a dead end for now, I grabbed the black leather wallet and flipped it open.
Jackpot.
“Did you find something?” Ramos asked.
“Yeah.” I slipped the evidence out of the wallet and headed to the door.
“Wait, you can’t take Finn’s stuff. He’s gonna notice.”
“Technically, it’s not Finnegan’s.”
“What do you mean?” He walked over to me.
I flipped over the card in my hand, so he could see it. “It has Fallon’s name on it.”
“Shit.” He sighed.
“I have to take this to him.”
Ramos nodded. “All right, but keep me posted. If shit is going down, I need to prepare my team.”
I had no idea how things would play out after I talked to Fallon, but I understood the need for my fellow agent to be kept in the loop. “Will do.”
The wait staff was serving the main course when I stepped inside the large dining room. I searched for Fallon near the head table, and when our gazes met, I nudged my head for him to join me, hoping he understood I needed to speak to him.
He took a sip of water and then whispered something to his mother before he walked in my direction. I led him to the same room where I’d talked to Ramos and closed the door behind us.
“What’s up?” Fallon asked.
