Page 18 of Scammed

“Do you have any idea what they do to guys like me in prison? It’s not pretty. I’ve done nothing wrong, and I can’t get anyone to listen to me.”

“Mr. Winger, did you have a computer virus or anything like that in the days or weeks before?” asked Angel.

“No. Not me, but I remember we got an e-mail about being more cautious about opening unknown e-mails from outside the organization. Apparently, someone opened a funny meme, and it downloaded some super-virus on the computers. It was over the weekend, and by Monday, they said everything was okay. I guess it wasn’t.”

“It most definitely was not okay,” said Jean. “Do you remember the name of this super-virus?”

“I sure do. It was called Pirate’s Booty. There was all this gold flash and dollar signs claiming that the individual had won the random drawing in the state’s lottery and a pirate’s chest opened and closed. They were so excited by the prospect of money that they didn’t stop to think that they wouldn’t contact them at their work e-mail address.”

“Who opened the virus?” asked Angel.

“I’m not sure. No one ever said the name of the person, but we’re a small non-profit, less than a hundred people.”

“Mr. Winger, we’re going to have our attorneys reach out to you and see what we can do. We think this is something much bigger, and you were in its path.” The man lowered his head, shaking it from side to side.

“You have no idea how much of a relief that is. Just to have someone who might believe me is a blessing. Thank you.”

Leaving the prison, Angel and Jean immediately made the call to Kat and Kari, then boarded the chopper with Chipper and headed home. By the time they landed, they knew that they’d stumbled onto something bigger than they ever imagined.

CHAPTER NINE

Marcel sat quietly, watching as Amy ate her lunch. Other than going into town with the others for a brief time, he hadn’t left her side. There was an overwhelming worry that if he left, he would never get back to her. He might never have this chance again.

“Are you ever going to tell me about you?” asked Amy. “I’ve told you all about me. I mean, I know you’re with the security company here, but were you in the Army?”

“No. No, I was with the, uh, Navy,” he said, hating the lie that was falling from his lips. He searched the room for moral support and found the individuals he needed most. Gaspar, Julia, and Noah.

“Hi, Amy, how are you feeling?” asked Julia.

“I’m well, thank you. Julia, right?”

“That’s right. I’m married to Joseph Redhawk.”

“Oh, yes,” smiled Amy. “The very dangerous-looking man with the very handsome smile.” Marcel frowned, staring at her, then looked back at Joseph. He had to admit that he was a pleasant looking man, but he didn’t like that she was noticing him.

“Are we interrupting something?” asked Noah.

“No, not at all. I was just trying to get my big, handsome bodyguard to open up to me. He seems very tight-lipped about his past. Should I worry?” she smiled. Gaspar gave a chuckle, shaking his head.

“There is absolutely nothing for you to worry about,” he smiled. “This is an awkward conversation, to be sure.”

“Oh, God! Are you married? Have I been flirting with a married man?”

“You’ve been flirting?” frowned Marcel.

“See! I can’t even do that right!” cried Amy with tears in her eyes.

“No, no, no,” said Julia, reaching for her hand. “That’s not it at all. I assure you Marcel is not married. And Marcel, flirting is different these days.”

“Different? These days?” frowned Amy.

“Amy, you said that you’ve lived in this area your whole life,” said Gaspar. She nodded, wiping her eyes. “Then you know better than anyone that this part of the country has some very strange things happen all the time. Things that can’t be explained.”

“Y-yes, I know that,” she said, nodding, looking from one person to the other.

“Have you ever seen a ghost? A spirit that had not quite finished their time on earth?” asked Noah.

“Ghosts? I-I’m not sure. I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. What does this have to do with Marcel?”

---