Discover Love: Saints Protection & Investigations

by Maryann Jordan

  Where the hell did you get the money to pay back your loans? She would have graduated about the time that Eli began taking private jobs. I wonder? Quickly pulling up a comparison of both Eli and Charlotte’s bank accounts, he discovered the connection he had been searching for. Bingo! They both made large deposits about the same time. Not every time, but almost sixty percent were on the same day.

  So you were working privately also…and often on the same projects as Eli. Feeling as though he finally made a modicum of progress, he smiled as he leaned back in his seat. His grin left his face as he glanced to the side and viewed his cold pizza. Sighing heavily, he decided to forgo the microwave and chomped down on the congealed cheese sitting on top of the slice.

  By midnight, his frustration reached an all-time high once more. Charlotte Trivett disappeared at the same time Eli Frederick went missing. She was gone. Completely and totally off the grid. Her email, social media, and phone had been disconnected and discontinued. Groaning, he began to fear the worst. Did she die too? Is her body going to wash up on a shore?

  Deciding to call it a night, he shoved in the last piece of pizza and stood to take the plate back to the kitchen. Before he turned off his computer, it pinged with an incoming message.

  Hard at work?

  Attempting not to choke as he swallowed a large bite quickly, he sat up straight. Starting a new case. How are you? Do you need my help?

  Not yet.

  A pause settled in as Luke tried to decide what else to say. Before he had a chance to attempt wittiness, his friend commented.

  Be careful what you seek. You may not like the answers.

  Once more astonished that this person could tell what he was doing, he typed, Why will I not like the answers?

  He waited, his heart pounding faster with each passing second. His gaze never left his screen, as though staring would make the person respond quicker. Finally the ping sounded again.

  You want to find someone but to do so may not give you the satisfaction you seek.

  Luke’s brow furrowed as he realized this person knew he was searching for Eli’s friend Charlotte. Unable to decipher their intent he sat for a moment, his fingers twitching over the keys. I really want to meet you. I want to know how you operate.

  Then I would lose my edge…it’s what I have going for me. I’m like a shadow on the wall.

  Grinning, Luke realized this was more than he normally received from his cyber friend. I got a question.

  Sure you can ask…I might not answer.

  Chuckling, his fingers poised over the keys wondering if he was about to mess up their unusual partnership. Oh, hell, go for it! Any chance you will tell me your name?

  A long pause had Luke rethinking about asking. Damn, I shouldn’t have pushed. Just as he was about to type an apology for asking, a response came back.

  Charlie.

  Stunned that he received an answer, Luke typed, Promise me you will contact me when you need assistance.

  Luke waited impatiently to see if there was more coming. The silence became deafening as his computer sat blank…waiting. Suddenly another ping.

  I promise.

  Knowing no more was forthcoming, Luke took a swig of beer. As he sat pondering the case and the cyber friend, whose name offered no insight on whether they were male or female, he realized that with each of the friend’s contacts with him, they had offered insight, assistance. But this time, they only offered a warning.

  Bolting upright, nearly knocking over his beer, he realized, they can see what I’m working on and are warning me away. That means I’m on the right track. Eli and Charlotte did work together and whatever frightened Eli into contacting the FBI, she must know about it also. And my cyber-friend, Charlie, must know about it as well. I wonder if Charlie is investigating Eli and Charlotte too?

  *

  By the time Luke finished his diatribe with the Saints the next day, they understood his frustration.

  “I don’t know how anyone disappears,” Chad acknowledged. “You’d think there’d be something…anything to follow.”

  “Her money was moved to an offshore account and with the encryption she either knew or learned from Eli, she’s hiding the use of any credit cards or bank withdrawals that I can find. No address. No social media. The last picture I’ve got of her is from her driver’s license.”

  Flashing it on the screen, they all observed the elusive Charlotte Trivett. Dark brown hair, pulled back in a ponytail, wire-frame glasses, MIT t-shirt. Not smiling. Luke had stared at the picture on his computer screen the evening before for a long time, but until he saw it enlarged on the wall screen, he did not see anything familiar. Now something niggled his mind…as though he had seen her before.

  “She…she looks…” he stammered, gathering the attention of the others around the table, then shook his head, a blush creeping up his face. “Never mind,” he mumbled. Sitting up straighter, he confessed, “There’s more. My mystery contact appears to know something about this case. They sent me a warning message.”

  “A warning?” Blaise asked, his large body leaning forward, pinning his gaze onto Luke. The other Saints mimicked Blaise’s posture as they bristled at the idea of a warning.

  Ignoring the others, Luke settled his gaze on Jack, and asked, “Boss, I’d like permission to pursue this person in hopes that they can lead us to information about Eli’s death or Charlotte’s whereabouts.”

  Rubbing his beard thoughtfully, Jack asked, “What do you think this person is up to?”

  “I don’t know. Up till now, I saw them as someone who was…well, to be honest, someone who was like what we know Eli was. A computer genius. Probably worked alone…possibly from home. Someone who stumbled across me and has lived a bit vicariously through us. They’ve never steered me wrong, nor given me incorrect information or direction.” Leaning back, blowing out a frustrated breath, he added, “And I always hoped they were not involved in anything illegal.”

  “And now?” Bart prompted.

  “Now? I don’t know…but to warn me about my searches into Eli and his friends, makes me think that they already know something. And they finally gave me a name.” He paused for a moment, then added, “Charlie.”

  Nodding, Jack agreed to Luke’s request, but with a stipulation. “Pursue this guy, but I want you to meet with Tim Kelly this evening. Marc’ll fly you and Patrick up to Boston. Monty, you take point with Lin Wang. We need her on our side to make our lives easier and, Monty, you’ve got the finesse and the Bureau know-how to try to make that happen.”

  “I’ll try, boss, but she’s a tough nut to crack. Not sure how successful I’ll be.”

  Luke looked over to Marc and asked, “When do we leave?”

  “You and Patrick can meet at my house in about two hours and I’ll drive us to the Charlestown airport. I’ve got my Cessna there.”

  With that, the Saints dispersed, Luke’s thoughts on finding out more about his cyber-contact instead of the upcoming meeting with Tim Kelly to determine, if Eli’s former friend would have any information. As he walked up the stairs, he stumbled as the thought hit him…Unless Tim also knows Charlie!

  *

  Flying was not his favorite way to travel. Luke’s stomach bounced along with the tires of the small plane as Marc touched down in Boston. Trying to still his quivering stomach, he alighted from the aircraft, hoping his face was not as green as he felt. Jack had arranged the meeting and Tim surprised them when he suggested they meet at his house. Patrick drove the rental car into the suburbs of Boston, easily navigating the rush-hour traffic.

  Arriving at a two-story, brick Colonial in an upscale, older neighborhood with stately trees in each yard, they stepped up to the bright red front door.

  It swung open by a small child whose grin peeked up at them in curiosity. “Hi!” she squeaked. “Are you here for my daddy?”

  Patrick, at ease with small children, immediately squatted down to be on her level. “We’re here to see Tim Kelly. Is that your
dad?”

  Her smile widened, but before she could answer, a man stepped into view, his smile matching his daughter’s. “Gentlemen, come in, come in. I’m Tim and this tyke is Sarah.”

  Luke noted the tasteful, expensive furniture and decorations as they made their way into the living room. He had investigated Tim and knew that he had secured a job with a large corporation after graduating from MIT and Tim’s salary easily afforded him the luxuries Luke was eyeing.

  A stately brunette walked into the living room, greeting the Saints, and was introduced as Lisa, Tim’s wife. She brought glasses of iced tea on a tray with cookies and set it on the coffee table. Smiling her goodbye, she shooed the little girl out of the room after reminding Tim that they were off to pick up the boys from soccer.

  Luke watched as Tim’s eyes followed his wife until she was out of sight. Giving himself a mental shake, he brought his mind back to the matter at hand.

  “So,” Tim began, taking a sip and then setting his glass down again. “I understand you want to talk about Eli Frederick.” He smiled and said, “I haven’t heard from Eli in a long time.”

  Luke’s gaze shot up quickly to Tim before darting to Marc and Patrick. Clearing his throat, he said, “Um…Mr. Kelly, I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but we’re investigating his…his murder.”

  At those words, Tim’s eyes bugged, his Adam’s apple moving up and down quickly as he choked on the cookie he had taken a bite from. “Murdered? What…I mean…I…what?”

  “We assumed the FBI had informed you…but then…have you not been interviewed by the FBI?”

  “FBI? No, why would I?” His friendly smile was now replaced with one of shock and irritation. “What’s going on?”

  “Eli Frederick had been missing for about five months and last month his body was found. The FBI is investigating but has asked us to assist in gathering background information on him.” The partial truth slipped easily from Luke’s lips as he watched Tim’s reaction.

  Tim sat silent, blinking rapidly several times. “I…I had no idea,” he finally said, after a long minute of silence. Dropping his chin to his chest, he looked at his hands, now clasped in his lap. Sighing heavily, he said, “Jesus, Eli…hell, man.”

  Giving Tim a moment to grapple with the news, Marc asked, “What can you tell us about him?”

  Leaning back, Tim gave a rueful grin. “Honestly, Eli and I haven’t been in contact much since graduating five years ago. We shared occasional emails and the requisite holiday card, but,” throwing his hands up slightly, “he was always an odd bird.”

  “Odd?” Luke prodded.

  “You know the image that the outside world has of engineers? That we have no social skills, only knowing machines but not people? Well, that stereotype fit Eli to a T.”

  Luke appreciated what Tim was referring to. He felt at times as though he understood computers better than people but, because he was athletic, he forced himself away from his computers and interacted with others. And, working for the CIA and then the Saints, certainly got me out of the house and around people. He wondered, not for the first time, if he had stayed at home and worked free-lance for himself, if he would have been like Eli. Tim’s reminiscing cut into Luke’s thoughts, and he had to take a moment to catch up on what Tim was saying.

  “We met sophomore year when we had a group project to work on. Everyone in the class quickly formed groups and there were just a handful of us losers who didn’t know anyone else, so we got together.” Chuckling, he added, “Turned out to be the best thing ever.”

  “How so?” Patrick queried.

  “I got in with three of the smartest in the class,” Tim grinned. “Eli Frederick was a genius software engineer. Hai’s English was a little rough, but I quickly realized he was just as smart as Eli. And then Charlotte? She was only a freshman, but was allowed to take the class, and she was absolutely brilliant. We worked well together and created the most kick-ass project. Got an A and all four of us were offered teaching assistant positions. Eli and Hai didn’t accept, but Charlotte and I did.”

  “And you maintained a friendship with the other three?”

  “Yes. We four got along fine and actually liked each other. I played some sports and belonged to a small fraternity so I had friends outside that group, but I really liked their company. Hai was funny as hell without even trying. Charlotte was an enigma. I got the feeling that she hid behind the glasses and nerd-girl persona…as though she wasn’t very comfortable around a lot of guys and that kept them at bay. And Eli? His mind never shut down! He was constantly looking for a better way, a smarter way to do something.”

  “And after graduation?” Luke prompted. “What then? What can you tell us about the group?”

  Tim’s forehead scrunched in thought as he answered, “Hai got a job in California. I think he was with a Chinese based company that worked with hospitals…or something in the medical field. Then a few years later, he sent a group email saying he was moving back to China. Kind of a polite, kiss-off email. You know, an it-was-nice-to-meet-you email that was also essentially saying goodbye forever. And sure enough, I haven’t heard from him since then.”

  “And Charlotte?”

  Luke noticed a faraway smile light Tim’s face and he wondered if a college romance had budded between the two.

  “Charlotte was a year behind us, but she did a better job of staying connected. In college, she wasn’t very social, but seemed to appreciate our group. She was brilliant, as I said, and really gave Eli a run for his money considering he truly thought he was the smartest. By the time she graduated, I have no doubt that she could have worked for any company and demanded good money, but Eli convinced her that she could live her dream by working from home.”

  Taking another large drink from his iced tea, Tim then explained, “You have to understand Eli to understand Charlotte.”

  Lifting his eyebrows in question, Luke did not need to prod to get more from Tim, who seemed to relish talking about his old college buddies.

  “Eli truly hated being around people. He assumed they were not as smart as he was and, for the most part, he was right. His social skills were almost nil and his disdain for people in general was high. He tried having a job out of college, but he complained constantly. Then, after less than a year, he quit and became an independent, freelance software engineer. I tried to tell him to set up his own actual business with a license and tax breaks, but he refused to listen.” Shaking his head, Tim added, “If Eli didn’t understand something, especially if it didn’t interest him, he would shun it. But what he was doing must have been working for him, ’cause he convinced Charlotte to do the same when she graduated.” For the first time since speaking, Tim’s voice held contempt.

  “You disagreed about Charlotte working for herself?” Patrick asked.

  Leaning forward, with his forearms on his knees, Tim focused intently on them, his lips pinched. “I liked Eli, but he could be a conceited prick at times. He touted the virtues of working in his sweatpants instead of a suit. He talked about how he could work a few hours a day and make more money than working for some company. He sang the praises of not having to work with people. I get it. For him, that was perfect. But Charlotte? She was sweet, giving, smart. I got the feeling that in high school she’d been bullied for being uber smart so she learned to pull it all in and kind of hide. At MIT, at least with us, she became more at ease with herself. And I think it would’ve been good for her to have a job where her intelligence would be valued and she would be accepted in a group.”

  Settling back in his seat heavily, he said, “But Eli was very persuasive and she took his lead and worked freelance for herself…and from what I assume, quite lucratively.”

  “Have you had any contact with any of them in the last six months?”

  Shaking his head slowly, Tim replied, “No…now that I think about, not at all.” Blushing slightly, he admitted, “But then, to be honest, they’re kind of like old friends that slowly fade awa
y. My life now is my family, my kids and their activities, and my job. I’m embarrassed to say that I had no idea that Eli was missing…wow, and it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that he’s dead.” Holding Luke’s gaze, he asked, “What can you tell me?”

  “Eli approached the FBI with supposed information about a crime but wouldn’t identify himself or the problem. Months later he approached them again and set up a meeting. He never made the meeting and the matter was closed. A month ago, his body was found.”

  “But, earlier, you said murder.”

  “Yes, it was determined he had been murdered.”

  Shaking his head, Tim said, “I’m afraid I can’t help you there. I never had any idea what he worked on or who he had individual contracts with.”

  “And Charlotte?” Luke asked.

  “I’m afraid I’m just as in the dark about what she was doing as well. I know for a couple of years, Eli would farm out some of his extra work to her, but as to what it was, I’m clueless. But, I’ve got her contact info for you to check with her.” He was already pulling out his phone when Luke stopped him.

  “Actually, it appears that she’s missing also.” These words gained a gasp from Tim and Luke tried to ascertain if he were truly surprised or perhaps was covering. Shit! I can’t tell. I hope to hell Marc or Patrick has a better read on him. “We have no idea if she’s in danger or not, but she is no longer at her previous residence and has discontinued any internet presence.”

  “Damn,” Tim sighed.

  “One last question,” Luke said. “Did you know anyone named Charles or Charlie?”

  “Charlie? No…I’ve never known a Charles…nor a Charlie.”

  Luke observed Tim’s face carefully, but the other man gave no indication that he was lying.

  “If I can be of any help, I’d like to be. These were my friends at one time. Will you please keep me up on anything you find out?” Tim asked. Gaining the Saints’ assurance, he stood and walked them to the door, just as his wife was entering with four-year-old twin boys in tow.