Page 22 of Covert Past

“The same way I know I can trust you to keep this conversation between us,” Boone finally said.

Tobias chuckled.

“Is there anything you can give me that might point to someone else being involved?”

“Not really. Both of their apartments were searched. There was an unusually large amount of funds in her account. Seemed to prove she was on the take.” Tobias sighed. “I’ll try to get my hands on the actual file, but I can’t promise anything.”

“Whatever you can give me would be welcome. Be careful, Tobias. I have a feeling there is so much more to the story than what you and I currently understand.”

“For your sake, I hope you’re correct. As your friend, I must tell you to watch your back. Goodbye, Boone. We’ll talk soon.” Tobias ended the call.

Boone chose not to share his conversation with Ellie because Tobias appeared convinced Ellie was guilty.

He found Hank’s stash of sandbags and went out to prepare the shop for the possibility of flooding while Ellie andHank filled orders for the handful of patrons looking for an early afternoon pick-me-up. Was he wrong? He’d trusted Ellie’s word while not really knowing her well.

Once the last of the bags were in place he went back inside and pulled out a chair at one of the tables that would allow him to watch the entire room and door.

Ellie smiled at one of the male customers who thanked her and left the coffeehouse. She was a well-trained spy. Mossad agents were experts in intelligence collection, covert operations, and counterterrorism. They underwent an extensive two-year training period. Ellie would know how to make a lie believable. He’d certainly learned to sell a cover story during his time. After a while, the lies take over and you lose a little more of the real you.

The incoming message brought his attention to the phone in his hand. JT had run the plates. As expected, the car was a rental. The name on the lease is Conrad Biggs.

I did a search on the name. Nothing to draw any attention. I’m guessing they created just enough information to make the background check believable. Paid with a credit card from the same address in a small town in Massachusetts. I’ve brought in Will—I trust him to reach out to the police department there. They’ll check out the address, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a bust.

Having the Hope Island police chief involved worried Boone a little, but Will was a good friend of the team, and JT trusted him.

Will and his people had searched the house next to Ellie’s place. They found evidence of someone squatting there illegally There were take-out containers piled up and slept-in beds. The forensics team was searching for fingerprint and DNA evidence.

Boone thanked JT for his help.

Any luck on securing a safe house on the island?

JT’s response came quickly.Working with Declan on that one. I’m sending him and Eli to you for backup. Stay safe.

Things had been set into motion. He’d have his team here with him. It was going to be okay.

So why didn’t it feel okay?

Throughout the afternoon, customers came and went.Several stuck around to chat with Hank. These were the locals.

When Eli and Declan arrived, Boone was grateful for the assist.

They spotted him and came over, each clasping Boone’s hand. The team had taken him in and made him feel at home right from the start. For someone who couldn’t seem to fit in, that was a welcome experience.

Both pulled out chairs at Boone’s table.

“JT and I figured the best place to get Ellie out of sight is on Breakers Island. It’s a small island a little way off the coast of Hope. I have a cabin there. There’s only one other family that still comes there from time to time so it’s not on anyone’s radar. The cabin’s small and a bit rustic, but it’s a good place to hide. No one will be looking for her there.” Declan scanned the dining area looking for trouble. “I just hope this storm lets up before we leave. Crossing the water in these conditions won’t be easy.”

Boone blew out a relieved sigh. “Me, too. I appreciate the use of the cabin. That’s a huge relief. Still, we don’t know if they’re sitting on this place or not. We’ll have to be careful getting there.”

Declan nodded. “You believe her?” His attention homed in on Ellie clearing tables.

Boone didn’t hesitate even though there was a small part in the back of his head that warned him to be careful. “I do. She didn’t kill her partner.”

Like JT, Eli told him that was good enough for them. “Might be wise to have someone else go back to retrieve her things . . . oh, and by the way, thanks for bringing the pig to my wife to babysit.” Eli pretended to be upset. “She wants us to adopt one now.”

Boone chuckled. “Sorry about that. I wasn’t sure who else might be willing to watch Dottie until we could pick her up.”

“Dottie. That’s fitting. Sashi sent me a picture.” Eli scrolled through his phone and brought up the picture of the piglet. “I have to admit, she’s kind of cute. But a pet pig?”

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