“We both came onboard about the same time. Almost ten years ago.”
“And before that?”
“I was military. Jason was in the CIA.”
She froze. Seriously? “CIA? Are you messing with me?”
He laughed. “No. He was with them for a few years. He’ll kill me for telling you, but I don’t care. He doesn’t talk about it much, but it’s not a secret. And I’m sure Leland Faraday’s niece can be discreet.”
She concentrated on her coffee for a moment, then looked over the brim at Knox, savoring his java. He was nice. He joked more than Jason and Leland put together, but she felt he was sincere. “Explain that to me.”
“Explain what?”
“Why do you trust me just because I share genes with Leland?”
He smiled. “Leland is a legend. I’ve only worked with him three times, but the stories I’ve heard are epic.”
He’d been an ‘epic legend’ in her life as well, but not for fighting bad guys, or whatever it was he did for WhiteRock. It still hurt that he’d kept half his life a secret from her. Were the lies really necessary for her protection? She still had so many questions.
She looked at her watch. “Do you think—”
They heard a knock at the suite door just before it opened. “It’s us,” said Leland.
Knox and Tayla joined Jason, Leland, and Rowan in the living room.
“How did it go?” asked Knox.
Jason’s eyes found hers. “Good morning. You sleep okay?”
“Yes, thanks.” She prayed no one noticed the heat creeping up her cheeks.
Knox leaned his body between them—with unnecessary theatrics—breaking their eye contact. “I slept great, too. Thanks for asking. Now, how did it go with Drakos?”
“Hang on,” Jason said. “Did you get in touch with Morghana police? Will they allow us to visit any of the guys we handed over yesterday?”
Irritation tightened Knox’s normally relaxed features. “Nope.”
“Why not?” Jason asked.
“Turns out, this island paradise has the sort of police department that favors the well-connected. Or well-to-do. All three men, even the one you shot, have been released.”
“What? Why?”
“I was told there wasn’t enough evidence to hold them.”
Tayla sensed Jason’s frustration pulsing from across the room.
“Jason,” Leland said, with calm flowing from his wisdom and experience. “This is a non-extradition country.And a haven for wealthy criminals. You knew going into this that the police might not be helpful.”
Jason drew a deep, slow breath through his nose. “Then let’s focus on the positives from this morning.” He looked back to Knox and held up a folder. “Drakos was very cooperative.”
Leland nodded. “We just needed to explain the situation properly.”
“We have a plan.” Jason said, tapping the folder. “There’s a big party tonight in the main ballroom. Lots of guests and locals from other parts of Morghana will be in attendance. Including Frederick Kost and several other people of questionable character that Drakos believes may want his valuables.”
Knox’s eyebrows shot up. “So, we have a suspect list?”
Jason nodded and handed the folder to Rowan. “This is the guest list. I highlighted everyone Drakos suspects. Do a full background on everyone highlighted, starting with Frederick Kost.”
