Page 71 of Riptide

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Seth took a seat and stared at his friend. It was a miracle Evan hadn’t sustained any serious injuries that required further intervention. The doctor had diagnosed him with severe dehydration and malnutrition. And aside from a course of IV antibiotics and cleaning and dressing his wounds, they didn’t expect him to have any other complications.

Excitement rushed through Seth as Evan stirred and gave a low groan.

“Hey buddy. It’s me, Seth,” he told him.

“Kaimana,” Evan said in a barely audible whisper.

To hear her name on his lips gave him chills. Though she’d told him many times that she knew Evan, and he’d told her he believed her, it was surreal hearing his friend call for her.

“She’s safe,” Seth assured him.

“Hmm,” Evan groaned. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, no, bro. You didn’t do anything wrong. Let me get the doc,” Seth said.

“Don’t go.” Evan’s eyes flashed open, desperation swirling in his soul. “We have to stop them.”

“We know about the auction. Dom Marretta.”

“Joli?”

“She got roughed up pretty badly but she’s alive. She gave us your note. The FBI is watching her.”

“Where am I?” Evan scanned the room.

“My house. Maui. You’re safe.” Seth reached for his arm, careful not to touch his bandaged hands.

“The auction.” His voice cracked as he struggled to speak.

“We’ve got a hit on a hotel up in North Shore. Got some unusual suspects overnight. If it’s not at the hotel, it’s somewhere in the area.”

“Laniakea,” Evan managed.

“What?” Seth asked.

“They’ve got a ranch somewhere near Laniakea Beach.” Evan took a deep breath and coughed, his voice raspy. “They’re dumping the remaining girls.”

“Jesus.”

“Data too. Marretta wants them all in one place. He wants them in person. He’ll record it, hold it over their heads.”

“Why would anyone agree to that?”

“They’ll go. They want what he’s selling. They’ll resell the data to enemies. North Korea. China. Russia. Domestic terrorists. Whoever pays the highest price.” Evan scanned the room once again and his voice drew to a whisper. “I’ve got names. I know the moles, the contacts. I’ve been collecting evidence for over a year.” His cough resumed for several seconds.

“You need to drink some water, Ev.” Seth reached for a bottle on the bedside table and unscrewed the cap.

Evan parted his lips as Seth dripped a few drops into his mouth. He shook his head for him to stop.

“Why didn’t you tell Garrett what was going on?” Seth regretted asking the question the second it left his mouth. Evan needed rest, not an inquisition. “I’m sorry man.”

“I couldn’t put anyone else at risk. I was close to something big. Someone who worked there…Club Altura.”

“We know it was Beckett. He almost killed Selby and Garrett.”

“There’s someone else. I was so close, so close.”