Page 3 of Shadow Games

Wow.

“Suddenly this guy starts getting a lot more attention. A year ago, when she split, she filed a general complaint with JAG about her ex’s behavior. It got buried, though. In that complaint she was interviewed, and she explained what she thought happened. She had submitted a recording of Blade laughing about washing you out.”

His throat tightened. Even when he wasn’t around, she was still looking out for him. “So, why didn’t they do anything to him?”

“They couldn’t verify that it was him on the recording.”

Fuck. That was ridiculous.

“Who the hell are you with? JAG?”

“No, I’m not part of the judge advocate general. I’m… with an independent group that likes to see justice served.”

Which could mean anything. But it didn’t negate the fact that Rowan was in trouble. “Okay, you have my attention.”

“I thought I would,” Charlie said. “I need you to go to Cleveland, Ohio. It was the last place she was seen, and you need to try to pick up a trail. If she’s going to ground, it’s not going to be easy. But she has information that we need. She told the lawyer that she knew who was dirty in the Teams, and she supposedly has new proof. She wanted him to set up a meeting with the Chief of Naval Operations in DC.”

“Damn,” Wyatt breathed. “She was going straight to the top.”

“Yes. But the lawyer didn’t have a chance to set anything up before he was killed.”

Damn, Wyatt thought.

“She has family in the area, but I’m sure she won’t go there to endanger them.”

“No,” Wyatt said. “She would never endanger her family.”

“I'm making resources available to you,” Charlie told him, “but it's not going to be easy. Your former boss is not going to want to see your face again, you know that. And if he’s the one that’s dirty…”

“I know, and I'm going to avoid him at all costs. And anyone he sends my way.”

“In addition to Gillette, you also have to avoid the cartels that Blade was in debt to. If there’s collateral damage, we’ll try to keep it quiet.”

“I would appreciate that,” Wyatt said.

“And if you get into a pickle, call me. I might be able to work wonders.”

He snorted, doubting it was possible, but he would keep the offer in mind. He glanced around the clearing, wondering what he needed to do before he left. Not much really. Gather his go-bag. And put something together for the dog, because there was no way he was leaving Echo here.

Wyatt glanced at Mitch. “Is Mitch supposed to be one of those tools?”

“If you need him to be,” Charlie said.

“Good, because I don't wanna be anywhere near him,” Wyatt said.

“Done. Tell him to get off your mountain.”

“Will do.” He glanced at the smartphone in his hand. “Is this how I contact you?”

“Yes,” Charlie said. “But I have to keep a low profile.”

“Understood.”

“That being said, there's a jet for you at the airport. As well as some other toys.”

“Thank you very much. What do you get out of this?”

Charlie snorted. “Headache. And maybe some Peace of Mind that justice has been served.”