Page 63 of Betrayed

Her breath caught in her throat. That was the last thing she expected him to say. “What about him?”

“Some things have come to light about his activities prior to his death.”

“What kind of activities?”

“We suspect he sold secrets to foreign groups.”

She pulled away and sat back, blinking in bewilderment. “How can that be? He was a computer engineer who worked as a systems analyst here in Houston.”

“He worked at BSE Systems, Mari. British Security and Engineering.”

“I realize that, but what does that have to do with whatever it is you’re accusing him of?”

“I’m sorry, but these are not merely accusations. We have evidence of the transfer of sensitive technology secrets to an extremist group in exchange for a large sum of money. It led us to the Houston facility, but we had no concrete evidence prior to Derek’s death. Unfortunately, we believe he was becoming a liability to his associates or was planning to come clean. We suspect they took him out before that could happen.”

“That’s impossible. A drunk driver hit Derek. The police said—”

“You were told what they wanted you to believe.”

“But he was a computer engineer, a tech nerd. Nothing more.”

“We have proof, Mari. Someone cut his brake lines.”

“No,” she whispered, as her arms curled around her middle. “I can’t believe it.”

“It’s true. This group is notorious for vehicle tampering and... Well, let’s just say this is like their calling card.”

Dazed, her mind reeling from his outlandish claims, she stood, unsure where she was going, but she had to move. She staggered to the windows, her hand coming up to lie flat against the glass, leaning into it for support.

“Think about it,minou. If he was only a systems analyst, how do you explain the millions he had in the bank when he died? He made a good salary, but nothing close to that kind of money, even if he was a frugal saver for decades. But you know he wasn’t, was he? Especially near the end.”

“He said his investments had paid off. I had no reason to question him.” She turned. “Why would he do this, if it’s true?”

“I was hoping you could fill in that piece of the puzzle.”

“I don’t know. It makes no sense. He was an exemplary employee, a law-abiding citizen, a good husband, and doting father. He loved us, wanted the world for us, and would have given it to us on a silver platter if he’d been able.”

“And he tried to, didn’t he, Mari? But couldn’t, not through regular channels. Selling secrets was easy money.”

“He wouldn’t.”

“You had a huge amount of debt until about two years before his death. Then, out of nowhere, everything was paid in full. You moved into a bigger house, drove better cars, he began showering you with more extravagant gifts.”

“No,” she whispered when it started to make sense.

“He had opportunity.” Arturo’s voice was closer. In her distressed state, she hadn’t even heard him move. “Working for a multinational company, with defense contracts and new R&D for weapons, he had top-level clearance, which gave him easy access to many of their secret projects. His department’s focus made him the perfect mole for what they wanted.”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“His department specialized in cyber intelligence and electronic warfare.”

“Derek never—” When her voice broke, she stopped and swallowed, clearing her throat of the tears that were threatening to choke her. “He didn’t talk about his work—ever. He said he couldn’t.”

“I imagine that’s one of the few truths he told you.”

His words were very close to what she’d been thinking.

Her stomach reeling, Mari bent forward, taking deep breaths to quell the rising nausea as all the unbelievable pieces fell into place.

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