Page 43 of Scooter's Endgame
“The name’s Keegan. John Keegan.”
“Well, Mr. Keegan, how could you possibly know that Mr. Grimes’s personnel file has been tampered with?”
“Because I followed the digital trail. Just because something is deleted doesn’t mean it’s gone, if you know what I mean.”
“No, Mr. Keegan, I don’t,” Lindsay replies.
Tex nods. “All right. So, all digital data has a footprint. Even when something is deleted from your computer, it still leaves a footprint. Granted, it can no longer be seen, but there are ways of tracing the footprint if you know how and where to look. I do, and I found it. According to his file, he retired from the military. The deleted data tells a very different story.”
“And do you know what the story behind the story is?” Lindsay’s tone is ripe with skepticism. But at least she appears to be willing to hear him out.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Would you care to share?”
He nods, once again. “I spoke to the commander’s admin – a friend of mine – and he gave me the true story. In fact, he was unaware that the records had been tempered with, at the time.”
“Oh really?” Lindsay replies, her misgiving replaced by avid interest. “Do tell,” she continues, pencil poised.
And so he does, spilling all the details that spell certain death to this farce of a custody case.
21
KATHLEEN
As the words fall from Tex’s mouth, a sick feeling takes up residence in the pit of my stomach, my heart squeezing painfully. Did I not know this man at all? Seems not.
God, how could I have been so blind, so oblivious to this man and his devious ways? I shared a home, a life – my body – with him, and all that time, I had no clue who he truly is. I feel so stupid. An overwhelming urge to go home and hide from the world washes over me. Abruptly getting to my feet, I look at Beckett.
“Please, can you take me home?”
He studies me for a moment, then nods decisively. “Sure can,” he says, standing from his chair. “Ladies and gentleman, if you’ll excuse us,” he continues, coming around the table and offering me his hand.
Grateful for his support, I grasp it and hold on tight, as if it’s my only anchor in suddenly rough seas.
“Er, Kathleen, I think it would be beneficial for you to hear what Mr. Keegan has to say,” Lindsay says.
“That may well be, but if Kathleen wants to leave, then that’s what she’ll do. We can always ask Tex to share what he knows later. But for now,” Beckett replies, “I think it’s best I get her home.”
Without waiting for her response, he guides me out of the room, and the building, stopping only to wait for the elevator. My hand still firmly in his, Beckett leads me to his car. He unlocks my door, but before I can get into the vehicle, he turns me to face him. He finally lets go of my hand so he can cup my face with both hands.
“I know this is hard on you, for you to deal with, but we’ll get through it. I have faith in both Lindsay and Tex.”
“I don’t know, Beckett. After seeing Jeff in action today, I’m not so sure. He had everyone hanging on his every word, convinced I’m the worst mother in history.” The tears that well in my eyes seem to upset Beckett.
After a short silence, he eventually asks quietly, “Do you trust me?”
Without even having to think about it, I nod without hesitation. “Yes, I absolutely do.”
Lifting my hand, he threads my fingers through his. “Then trust me when I tell you Gonzo’s going down. He’s opened a can of whoop ass he’s not going to be able to close again. Tex hasneverfailed to deliver – this time will be no exception. I promise, all will be okay.”
Studying his face, searching for reassurance despite what he’s said, my shoulders relax a tiny bit when I see the strength of conviction shining bright in his eyes.
“I trust you – your judgment. If you trust Tex that much, I’m willing to do the same.” Still, I send up a silent prayer that all will end well. I can’t lose my son. Dramatic as it sounds, my life will pretty much be over if I do.
* * *
Tex is waitingout front when we arrive at the courthouse. Seeing him stand tall and proud, it’s easier to believe that this man will make all of this go away. Maybe it’s unfair to put so much unspoken pressure on him, but I don’t have much choice if I want to keep custody of Luke.
