by Rachel Dylan
“What if it’s about the Wakefield Chip too?” Gabe asked.
“How do you figure that?” Caleb asked.
“Hope.” Gabe looked at her. “Do you have any special knowledge about the Wakefield Chip?”
“I’m very familiar with the patent. But anyone with a patent background could understand it. So it’s not like a secret formula if that’s what you’re asking.”
“What about Cyber Future itself? Were you exposed to anything about them that you could now use against them in this litigation or in some future litigation? Anything in the documents?”
“You realize this is a total shot in the dark, right?” she asked. “We’re just guessing.”
“Wait. When you said patents it got me thinking.” Gabe paused. “What if they think you have the knowledge about the chip? Not just the chip itself but the ability to recreate it.”
She shuddered thinking about those implications. “That would be a problem.”
Caleb nodded. “I think Gabe’s onto something. That would explain why they would get desperate and just try to kill you if they couldn’t question you.”
She clenched her fists. “How could this chip be so important that they would be willing to kill me?”
“That is a missing factor. But what if it’s tied to something other than just general security applications. Think outside the box, like it could be for some sort of military purpose, or some type of cyber warfare.”
“Pure speculation,” Caleb said.
“But you see where I’m going.”
“And as long as they think I know something, I’ll never be safe again.” How was she going to get out of this? “What do I do?”
“We need to find out who is behind this at Cyber Future. That would give us a big indication of what they’re after. What industry they’re tied up with. Or if we’re totally off base, we’ll need to figure that out too.”
“But that doesn’t change the fact that I know absolutely nothing about the Cyber Future Chip. The only person we know who does is Carlos Nola.”
“Hope’s right. It may be time to get more aggressive with Nola,” Caleb said.
“But we have the larger investigation to keep in consideration,” Gabe replied. “We can’t forget about that.”
“Are you seriously worried about that right now?” She was quickly losing her temper.
“Nola’s network is spreading in this town. If we act too soon against him, we may lose our opportunity. That’s all I’m saying. To put too much heat on Nola risks any strategic advantage we have at this point.”
“I’m the target of multiple hit men and enemy number one of a corporation probably backed by organized crime and you’re worried about a little bit of petty crime in Maxwell. Crime that you really have no solid evidence even tying Nola to?” She shifted her weight and leaned up against the wall. “This is unbelievable.”
Caleb eyed them both warily. “I’m going to go check on the suspect.” Caleb walked out the porch door.
Gabe walked over and stood directly in front of her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Hope. I wasn’t trying to upset you.”
“Don’t apologize for upsetting me. Apologize for having a bad idea.”
He took a step closer. “Hope, I care about you. You have to know that I will do everything in my power to protect you.”
“You want to have it both ways. Have your original Nola investigation neatly tied up like a bow, and keep me safe. And I’m telling you, that’s probably not possible. If you have to choose, honestly right now, I’m not sure how you would decide.”
He leaned down and pressed his lips gently to hers. Before she could really register what had happened, he pulled back. Then he smiled and grabbed onto her hands. “Hope, have no doubts about what my decision would be.”
He dropped her hands and walked out the porch door. She stood in shock. What had just happened?
Chapter Nine
Had Gabe really kissed Hope? What in the world was he thinking? One moment she was arguing with him, telling him what a bad decision he was making. The next, he kissed her.
He’d gone over in his head why they would never work. Over and over again. She was all about the city. All about her high power career. She didn’t have the same background as he did.
But at the end of the day, was he willing to put that aside? And shouldn’t he cut her some slack? She’d had a rough life. His seemed like a cakewalk in comparison. Granted, his family didn’t have a lot of money, but he always had everything he needed growing up. There was always food on the table, new clothes, and even some small luxuries now and again.
It wasn’t fair for him to impose his life experience on hers. It was up to him to lead by example. And instead, he’d pushed an idea that was probably pigheaded. He’d let his feelings for Nola get in the way of his better judgment. She’d called him out on it. And she was right.
Of course Hope was more important than his investigation. He didn’t know how to handle the fact that he was developing strong feelings for her. Not just as her protector, but as someone who really wanted to be with her. To know more about her. And to keep her safe. Not just safe from Cyber Future or Nola, but safe from all the harms in the world.
He shook his head as if that would clear his thoughts. She’d gone back to the inn last night and not said a word on the drive over. Caleb had taken Zeke back with him to dog sit, and Gabe stayed next door to Hope at the inn.
He barely slept at all, and was ready for a hot cup of coffee. Was Hope even awake? He looked at the clock that had just turned to seven a.m.
He lightly knocked on her door. If she was still asleep, chances were she wouldn’t hear him. But in a minute, the door opened ever so slightly. There she was. Giving him the eye. He was still in trouble. Now he had to make it up to her.
“I was thinking we could grab a good breakfast at the diner if you were up for it?”
She looked at him for a moment. Then she nodded. “I need a few minutes to get ready.”
“How long is a few? Few in women terms can mean a lot of different things.”
“Can I have half an hour? I’d like to take a hot shower to try to wake up. I didn’t sleep very well last night.”
“Of course. I’ll be back in thirty minutes to get you.”
She didn’t respond, but shut the door. He was in trouble. He didn’t know whether she was upset about his investigation, the kiss, or both.
He took a deep breath before he knocked on her door thirty minutes later. Hoping she’d be in a better mood. He knew from the moment the door opened that he was still in trouble. Deep trouble.
They walked in silence out to his car. He couldn’t take it anymore so he spoke. “You’re obviously upset with me. We need to talk about it so we can move forward.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
He pulled into Pa’s parking lot but kept the car running. He looked over at her, but she didn’t make eye contact. “Was it the kiss? If I overstepped, I apologize.”
“You really think that’s what I’m upset about?” She turned and looked at him. Then she laughed. “You are so clueless.”
“Then maybe I do need you to spell it out for me.”
“This isn’t about the kiss. It was just a kiss.” She shook her head. “I’m upset about your obsession with Nola and how you’ve let that cloud your judgment.”
He reached out and touched her arm. “My judgment is not clouded.”
“I don’t want to argue. Let’s go get breakfast. I could really use some coffee.”
Deciding it was better to let it go for now, he simply nodded and got out of the car. He had to make her believe in him again. That he wouldn’t sell her out for his investigation. Because quite simply—he wouldn’t.
After they ordered breakfast, they drank their coffee. He gave her a minute to enjoy it before he started talking again.
“Hope, you’re the priority. Your safety. Not Nola. Not my investigation.�
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“And how do I know that you really mean that?” She took a sip of coffee and then put her big mug back down in front of her. “From the beginning you’ve been focused on your investigation. And I get that. That’s your job. But things have gone way beyond threats.”
He reached out and grabbed her hands. “I know. Why do you think I am not letting you leave my side? I get that this is dangerous, and that you’re a target. I’ll admit, I am anxious to get Nola, but I’m not going to do anything to put you in more danger. If that means blowing the Nola investigation, I am more than okay with that.”
“That isn’t what it sounded like last night?”
“That was an FBI agent gut reaction. Once you pointed out how wrong I was, I realized you were right. So let this be my apology.”
She smiled. “Accepted. But how do we move onto the trial? What do I need to do?”
Mags walked over to the table and put their food in front of them. He wondered if the stress had caused Hope to order the large southern style breakfast complete with bacon, biscuits and gravy, and eggs.
“I think you know that you need more information from Nola. Say you’re seriously considering his offer to work as his private attorney but some of the security issues are making you nervous. You need to fully comprehend what type of risk you face. I think if you go with that, you’ll come away with something possibly valuable.”
She sighed. “I can’t believe he’s going to lie on the stand. You hear about clients doing that, but I’ve never experienced anything like it firsthand.”
“When we get done here, you should give him a call. Ask for a meeting.”
She looked down and then back up again. “I didn’t ask for any of this.”
“I’m on your side, Hope. We’re going to get through this as a team.”
“And what are you going to be doing when I’m meeting with Nola?” She took a bite of eggs and waited for him to answer.
“I won’t be far. Don’t worry about that.”
“Any good meeting place suggestions?”
“Let him pick. You want him as comfortable as he can be.”
She frowned. “What about my comfort level?”
“You’ve made it this far. This meeting will be a piece of cake. You’ve got this.”
“I’m glad you’re so confident.”
“Make the call.”
“Now?”
“Why not. And try to set something up as soon as possible. But don’t sound too desperate.”
She laughed and leaned forward in the booth. “You sure are bossy. This is my issue. I’ll deal with it my way.”
“Fair enough. But please make the call.”
She grabbed her cell out of her purse and held it up as if trying to make a point. She had a stubborn streak that matched his own. But it was also cute.
“Hi, Carlos, how are you?”
He sat there only hearing her side of the conversation. He had to give it to her. She was working him over like a pro. But in a totally sweet and non-threatening way. She was so valuable to the investigation because Nola would never see her coming.
A satisfied smile spread across her face, and he knew that she had him. She said goodbye and put her phone back in her purse.
“And that’s how it’s done, Mr. Security Specialist.”
He laughed. “Good job.”
“I’m meeting him at the Maxwell public library in half an hour.”
“Then let’s finish up so you can get going.”
***
Hope hadn’t been completely honest with Gabe. Yeah, she had been mad about his Nola investigation. But the kiss wasn’t just a kiss. She’d only said that to try to save face.
Sitting at the table in the Maxwell public library, she tried to regain her composure now that she was out of Gabe’s presence. Why did he unnerve her so? Had she allowed herself to develop feelings for him?
She’d promised herself after the Barry disaster that she would not let another man into her life emotionally for a long time—if ever. And she’d gone and done just that.
Drumming her fingers nervously on the table, she needed to get a grip and focus on the life and death problem facing her instead of acting like a high school girl with a crush. Carlos Nola had fooled her initially, but her eyes were now open. Beyond that smooth and professional exterior was most likely a man involved in criminal activity. Activity that could get her killed.
A hand on her shoulder caused her to jump.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Hope. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Nola said.
“I’m probably a bit on edge given everything that’s been happening.”
He took a seat beside her. “Have you given any more thought to my business proposition?”
She nodded. “I have. But I’d like some more information before we proceed.”
He looked around as if making sure that there was no one milling around that could hear their conversation. “What would you like to know?”
Leaning in closer to him, she made direct eye contact. His expression was all business. “I think you know how dangerous this situation has become for me personally. And I also know that you’re very guarded with your information and who you let inside your circle. Before I can fully entertain your offer, I need straight answers. I need to know the truth about the Cyber Future Chip to start with. And your role in all of that.”
“What exactly do you want to know?”
“You stole the chip, right? When you told me you had nothing to do with it that was a lie.”
He didn’t respond.
“All right. I take your silence as acquiescence.” She paused, giving him the opportunity to deny it, but he didn’t. “So what I need to know is what is on that chip. And who is behind the attacks against me?”
He twisted his scarf around his fingers. “I can’t exactly answer that.”
“Why not?”
“I’m still trying to figure out both of those myself.”
“But if you stole the chip, you have to know what’s on it.”
“You’re making an assumption there.”
“I’m tired of your riddles. This is important, so stop giving me the runaround.” It was time for her to play hardball. No more nice Hope. She needed to convince Nola that she was tough enough to run with him. “If that’s all you’re going to tell me, then this conversation is over.” She stood up from her chair. He grabbed her arm. “No, please wait.”
“Then start talking.”
“This conversation never happened. If you repeat anything I say, I’ll deny it. Understood?”
“Go ahead.”
“I don’t know what is on the chip. It’s encrypted and I hadn’t been able to break the encryption. I don’t trust many of my normal sources because I know that it has to be ultra-sensitive. I was still in search for someone who has the skills and can be trusted. But then everything changed.”
“What do you mean?”
“The chip was stolen. I had it removed from your firm and then secured in my office at Wakefield. But someone took it.”
“Is there an organized crime connection here, Carlos?”
“To Cyber Future, yes. A faction of an organized crime group in California. Loosely connected to one of the most powerful Asian mafia groups in the U.S.”
She sat processing this information. Gabe’s theory had been right. This was all connected to organized crime groups. “And you—what group are you connected with?”
“What makes you think I am?” He raised an eyebrow.
“C’mon, Carlos. Don’t even try to deny it.”
“I’m not technically working with anyone. But I’ve worked with various groups before when the need arose. But the people I work with are not friends of this California group. That I can say for sure.”
“And how can you ensure my protection?”
“I have professional security staff who are up for the job. Much better than that small town guy Lee is relying on.”
“If it we
ren’t for that small town guy, I’d already be dead.”
“I get that, but I’m saying I can do better. A lot better. But I need to know you’ll be all in. Because once you’re in, you’re in for good.”
She tried to hold back a chill. “I’ll give you my final answer after the trial is over. That has to be my immediate focus.”
“And I assume you won’t be putting me on the stand? Or at least you won’t be questioning me?”
“And I think you know the answer to that.” She needed to get out of the library now. She felt like the world was starting to close in around her. She was literally boxed in. Everywhere she looked there was danger—both internally and externally. “I need to go. I’ve got a lot of trial prep to do.”
“We’ll talk soon.”
She stood up and walked quickly out of the library. Searching for the cool air outside. The reality of the situation hit her. She was stuck in the middle of a war between rival organized crime groups. Her life was in the balance.
Turning and looking over her shoulder, a sense of paranoia overtook her. Gabe had to be close by, right? Shaking off a feeling of dread, she started walking to the law firm.
She’d reached the town square when Gabe appeared seemingly out of nowhere falling into step with her.
“You scared me,” she said. “Where did you come from?”
“I told you I wouldn’t be far. I had eyes on you the entire time.” He put his arm around her and ushered her to the front door of the firm.
“Let’s talk in my office.”
The Trent Law Firm wouldn’t normally be open on the weekend but given the trial started on Monday, there was a buzz of activity. Mainly the staff trying to prepare the final trial exhibits and make Sam’s changes to his power point presentation for opening statement.
In her office with the door shut, she took a deep breath. “Your suspicions were right. Cyber Future is working with an organized crime group in California with ties to one of the strongest Asian mafia groups in the area. Nola wouldn’t admit which group he was associated with. He would only say that he’d worked with several groups in the past, and the one he is currently working with is an enemy of this California group.”