Page 40 of Hidden Chance

“I sent a text.”

“Why?”

“To look into your friend Sal.”

She bit her lip. “Don’t do this. I’m begging you.”

“I’m not doing anything. It will help confirm your story, that’s all. Now, tell me about that night you let him inside. Was that the first time?”

“I don’t know. What was the date?”

“November seventh, I think. It was a Tuesday.”

“Then yes. That was the first time. I know I shouldn’t be letting him in at all, but it’s cold outside.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“If he slept on the street, he could die of exposure.”

Robby stood and paced the room, unsure how to progress. “And here I was thinking we were getting somewhere.” She was still trying to lead him down a rabbit hole. He had to convince her it wasn’t worth the effort. “Are you telling me he’s homeless?”

“Why else would I let him in?”

“Did he tell you he was homeless?” Could it be that she’d been duped by a con artist this whole time? It was hard to believe. It was clear she was an intelligent woman, and, regardless of any psychological issues she may have, in every other aspect, she had her head screwed on. But if this was an old family friend, it wouldn’t be hard for him to take advantage of her.

“Trust me, there is no way Sal would ask for help if he wasn’t desperate.”

“And you believed him?”

“I didn’t just believe him, I know it’s the truth. Why won’t you believe anything I say?”

Robby crossed his arms. They were back to square one. “I don’t think you’re taking this as seriously as you ought to be.”

“I’m answering your questions as best as I can.”

“So you’re telling me you’re letting some random homeless man into a highly secure building with classified information contained within because it’s chilly outside?”

“I told you, he’s not a stranger. I’ve known Sal for years. He’s a good man, and it’s been more than just chilly. He sleeps in a closet. It would be impossible forhim to get anywhere near classified documents. You have a pass, and you couldn’t do it. Besides, he wouldn’t even know what he was looking for if he did.”

“I found plenty, and I could have gotten more if you hadn’t turned up. It wouldn’t be that hard for someone who knows what they’re doing. Getting inside is the hardest part, and you did that for him. He’s had weeks. Not that he’d need it. You could slip him your card, and he could get away with all sorts of things.”

“Get away with what? He’s harmless, and he’s not interested in classified information.” She stopped when her eyes filled with tears. After taking a moment to compose herself, she continued. “Is that why I’m here? Because you think Sal’s there to harm the company? Because he’s not. I swear to you there’s nothing bad he could do except maybe vomit or wet himself, which would be horrible for himandme because I’d be the one who had to clean it up.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Please. He’s done nothing wrong. It was my idea.”

“What was?”

“To let him sleep there.”

“That can’t be everything.”

“It is.” She huffed. “If you won’t believe me, then maybe you’ll believe him.”

Robby squinted. He couldn’t tell if she was bluffing, but he knew one way to find out. “All right. Let’s go meet him.”

Her face flattened. “What, now?”

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