Page 20 of Covert Past

He didn’t let her go. “They’re not going to turn you in. They’ll believe you like I do.”

She searched his face. “I wish I could be so trusting. But never letting anyone else in is the only way I’ve stayed alive for seven years.”

Chapter Eight

From the lengthy silence on JT’s end, Boone could tell his friend was struggling to comprehend the story Boone shared.

“You believe her?” JT’s question, filled with doubts, stung, but Boone certainly understood it. He’d have asked the same thing if on the other end. After all, her own country thought her responsible for betraying them and for murdering her partner.

“Yeah, I do.” Boone couldn’t explain it, but when he’d looked at Ellie as she explained her past, he’d believed her.

“Alright. That’s good enough for me.”

Boone wasn’t surprised. In the short time he’d worked for Hope Island Securities, he’d gotten to know the men and women who worked there. They were all strong in faith and most had weathered storms that helped them do the job day after day when faced with some of the most heart-wrenching cases around, like the missing child case Boone had taken on.

“Well, let me work on getting a safe house for Ellie and you. I’ll have our people help with protection. You said you had a license plate number for me to run?”

Boone gave it to him. “I’m sure it’s a rental, but it’s someplace to start.”

“Got it. I’ll let you know what I find.” JT paused for a long moment before telling Boone to be careful. “This could escalate into an international event very quickly. If she’s being actively pursued by Mossad then our interference will be frowned upon.And if this does involve Syrian Intelligence, well, that’s a whole other ball game. Our government has enough friction with other countries as it is.” He sighed deeply. “On another note, have you heard the latest projection from the weather service? Looks like the storms gathering in the Atlantic are gaining in strength.”

Boone glanced over to where Ellie sat at the counter staring into her cup. “Not what we need right now. And I get what you’re saying about our interference, but I’m telling you something’s wrong here.”

“I believe you, and I trust your judgment,” JT told him. “Let me see what I can do to get you out of sight. That’s our first step. Get her safe. We’ll figure out the rest from there.”

Boone told him about the couple he’d seen walking on the beach. “It seemed fairly early for a stroll.” Then he mentioned Dottie. “I’m guessing the people who owned the illegal petting zoo had her and other animals stashed in one of the homes along the beach. My guess is the one next door.”

“Agreed. I’ll get Will Kelly, our chief of police, involved. I’m guessing the people watching Ellie were staying at that house and didn’t realize it had been inhabited by a pig.” He hesitated. “She can’t keep working at the Hopeful.”

Boone realized as much. “I’ll figure out something to tell Hank.”

JT chuckled. “Good luck. Hank is sharp. She’ll know something’s up.”

“Yes, she will.” But he could tell the older woman liked Ellie. Hopefully, she wouldn’t press too much.

“Stay close to her until you hear from me. I’ll be in touch soon.”

“Copy you.” Boone ended the call and joined Ellie. “He’s working on getting you someplace safe to stay. Once that’s accomplished, we’ll get the team together and go over the information we have.” He faced her. “You won’t be able to keep working here.”

Ellie slowly nodded. “I know. I feel awful about it. Hank hired me to take over for Suzanne. Now, I’m leaving her in a lurch.”

She had a good heart. “Hank will understand. Thankfully, it should be slowing down due to the weather.”

He heard someone at the rear entrance and strode to the back door. “Ellie, is anything wrong? The door’s locked,” Hank called out through the locked door.

No time like the present to get things over with.

“Just a second.” Boone unlocked the door and opened it. Hank was clearly surprised to see him.

“Where’s Ellie? Is she okay?”

Boone’s first hint that Hank suspected there was more to Ellie’s story.

“She’s fine, but something did happen.” He strode back to the dining area, where Ellie waited for them.

Hank looked from Boone to Ellie. “Well—tell me.”

Ellie gave as few details as possible while leading Hank to believe she was being chased by a stalker.

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