Page 70 of Hidden Ascent

“Then why did you leave?”

“Just because we’re family doesn’t mean being around each other is for the best. The truth is, the mother of my child died in the crossfire of a gun fight I was a part of.”

“You loved her.”

“As much as a guy like me can be in love with a woman. But my love for my daughter, that’s different. It broke her heart to lose her mother. She blamed me for a while, which she was right to do. That’s when I knew I had to make some changes.”

“But you still have connections inside?”

“Yes. They may be under the command of Sharpe, but he’s all business, and they’re his hired muscle. That’s it. Loyalty doesn’t disappear because of a change of career. I can talk to one of my guys and see what he knows.”

“Can he get us inside?”

“You want to get inside?”

“We need evidence,” Jay said. “I know it sounds crazy, but his word won’t be enough to take these guys down.”

“I can probably get you in, but I can’t guarantee you’ll come back out again.”

“We’ll take that chance,” Isla said.

He looked at Jay, who nodded. “If that’s what you want, sure, he can let you in. But, like I said, other than that, you’re on your own.”

“We got it,” Jay said.

“Jay, you know what kind of man Sharpe is. If they catch you in there, you’re dead.” He looked at Isla. “And you better make sure you don’t mention my name or the name of my guy.”

“We won’t. I promise.”

“You’re lucky I believe you’re a woman of your word. There’s a small, abandoned hospital in the east part of the city. That’s where their hideout is.”

“Sounds creepy.”

“You believe in ghosts?”

“No.”

“Then you’ll be fine. There’s a loading bay out the back. I’ll let you know when.”

“Who will we be meeting?”

“I won’t risk telling you his name.”

“And how do we know we can trust you?”

“Isla,” Jay said.

“It’s okay,” Carl said. “She’s allowed to ask me the question. It is both your lives at stake.”

“I don’t mean to sound rude,” Isla said. “But I’ve been ambushed once recently, and I don’t want to go through it again. I know you don’t like federal agents much.”

“I swear on my daughter’s life that I won’t set you up. But I won’t make any promises I can’t keep. Your life is your own.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll get in touch once I’ve set it up with my guy.”

“Thanks, Carl,” Jay said. “It was good to see you again.”

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