Page 125 of Morally Corrupt

"How does he know Vlad, then?" I ask, another mystery I haven't been able to crack.

"I don't know exactly. He said they're old friends."

"And you don't find that odd?Ididn't know about their acquaintance until very recently." And I know mostly everyone in Vlad's life, not that there are that many people.

"Marcel has his secrets, but he's always been loyal to me," he adds with confidence.

"Hmm…" Adrian's trust in Marcel is ironclad. And yet, I have this nagging feeling that I'm missing something. Why is he so dedicated to finding Jimenez? Just for his best friend? It seems like a perilous task to undertake just to be of help to someone… I realize I can't voice my doubts anymore because I'd be doing so in vain.

But I'd have to monitor Marcel.

* * *

We land and after getting the luggage, we go to rent a car. After signing the agreement, we start on the road.

I input the coordinates for Wolfe's home, and then we head to Palm Harbor. A quick glance at the community shows it's mainly retired people, so we have to keep that in mind to blend in.

"I guess Martin sucked him dry," I say as Wolfe's house comes in sight. It's very modest, especially considering the other neighboring houses.

"The first attempt is friendly, all right?" Adrian gives me a look while trying to find a parking spot, making sure I'm on the same page. We'd argued a little on the drive here, but we'd resolved to do it his way at first, and if it doesn't work, then we'll do it my way.

We get out of the car and knock on the door. After a few knocks, an old lady opens the door and greets us.

"Mrs. Wolfe?" Adrian inquires, and she nods. "I'm Theodore Hastings, and this is my wife Bianca Ashby. We'd like to talk with your husband. Is he at home?"

"Yes, yes, just a second. Please come in." She shows us to the living room and tells us to make ourselves comfortable.

We sit, and I take in my surroundings. Everything looks typical of a suburban home. There are family photos everywhere.

By all intents and purposes, it seems as if Senator Wolfe is a family man. There's also an unusual amount of religious paraphernalia, lots of crosses and the Bible in at least a dozen editions.

The sound of coughing brings my gaze towards the doorway, where an elderly man is holding onto the wall, seemingly walking with difficulty.

"Senator Wolfe." Adrian stands to shake the man's hand. Wolfe doesn't seem to be in top shape, but maybe this will be to our advantage.

"Hastings, right? Good to see you again, boy." He then looks at me and narrows his eyes. "Ashby… I heard about Martin. My condolences." I just give him a nod and watch him position himself on the opposite couch.

"What brings you here?" he asks, and I look at Adrian, keeping my mouth shut and giving him the stage.

"We've discovered a list among Martin's belongings," Adrian starts, and the effect is immediate. Wolfe's face pales, and there's a slight trembling to the hand resting on his knee.

"And?"

"Your name, along with other high-profile people, was on said list. We were wondering if you could provide us with some information…" Wolfe immediately stands, faster than he should have been capable of.

"Out!" he says. "Get out of my house! Now!" His hand points towards the door, and Adrian purses his lips, not yet moving.

"I don't think I made myself clear, Senator. We already know you were paying off Martin. What was it, quarter a million a year? How could a mere public officer have that much money to spare?" I know he's bluffing right now, but damn if it's not working.

If before we only theorized that Martin was the one blackmailing these people, now we know for sure. Wolfe promptly retakes his seat with a defeated look.

"What do you want?"

"The truth. Starting with why you were on the list in the first place."

"I… I can't," Wolfe stutters.

"Can't or won't?" Adrian rises to his feet and casually walks to the fireplace, above which are many family pictures. He takes one of the frames.

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