Page 68 of Death Wish

“That’s what the friends and neighbors of serial killers say, too.”

She glared at him. “I can’t see him as a traitor. Nothing in his background or the things I found on the dark web show his loyalty to the US is for sale.”

“He also appeared genuinely upset about Allison,” Jesse said. “He was the one calling for help in the parking lot and willing to do anything to save his girlfriend. I had to force Wyatt Hatcher to help Beckett do CPR while I used Narcan on Allison. Wyatt wasn’t happy about it.”

“Maybe he’s squeamish,” Simone said.

“Maybe he didn’t want Allison to survive,” Sawyer said. “All right. Let’s say you’re right about Beckett being our target programmer. How do we prove it? How do we find out if he’s doing the work under duress? That will be the game changer for law enforcement.”

“We should talk to him and Allison,” Simone said.

“If he’s been willing to write the program, then what?” Jesse asked. “Once we tip our hand, our cover is blown. Francen won’t keep that information to himself.”

“We could ask Artemis to sit on the couple for the duration of our mission.” Sawyer finished his coffee and rose to pour himself another mug of the brew. “Or ask Fortress to send a team to pick them up and take them to the States for further interrogation or for their own protection, depending on their roles.”

“I believe Beckett is doing this because he’s being forced,” Simone insisted. “No proof, just a gut feeling.”

Sawyer shrugged. “Only one way to find out.”

“What are you suggesting?” Jesse asked. Unfortunately, he had a good idea.

“You said Allison is in the hospital.”

“As far as I know, that’s correct.”

“You have access to Dragon Alley’s employment records. Get Beckett’s cell number and call him to find out where they are.”

Simone returned to her laptop. “I’ll look it up.” Less than a minute later, she rattled off the numbers.

Jesse made the call.

Beckett Francen answered on the second ring. “Francen.”

“It’s Jesse Porterfield. I wanted to check on Allison.”

“She’ll be fine, thanks to you. I owe you. Anything you need, I’m there.” His voice cracked with emotion.

“What was she drugged with? Do they know yet?”

“They think it was cocaine but the blood tests haven’t come back yet and won’t for a while. They’re keeping Allison overnight to be sure she has no more problems.”

“You’re staying with her?”

“If someone tries to kick me out, he’ll have a fight on his hands.”

“Are you at Hospital Angeles?”

“Yeah. Allison is in Room 234.”

“Mind if I stop by?”

“Of course not.” He gave a short laugh. “Maybe you can help me figure out what the doctor and nurses are saying. I’m not the best at speaking Spanish.”

“No problem. See you in a few minutes.” He ended the call and glanced at Simone. “You want to come with me?”

“Definitely. I might convince Beckett to talk if he clams up on you.”

“We should go now. We might have to sneak into the room. I’m not sure what their visiting hours are.”

---