Page 28 of Hidden Trial

“What’s that?”

“I know Maddy has my back. I know her skill, and I know what she’s capable of. But while you two might look the same, that’s all you have in common as far as I’m concerned. I don’t know where you’re at. I’m going to do my best to find out, but while you seem like a very nice, genuine person, I don’t know you, and I don’t know what you’re capable of. Not really.”

“I realize that.”

“Good, then you’ll understand that you’ll have to work to earn my trust.”

“The only reason I trust you is because Maddy says I can. Why isn’t her word enough when it comes to me?”

“Because we’re coming from different sides on this. If you can’t grasp that, then I’m sorry. You can quit at any time.”

“I said I’ll do it, and I’ll do it.”

“Fine. Committing to this job also means a huge obligation from you right now.”

“You mean besides earning your trust?”

“Yes. You can’t go home until this is over. You can’t speak to your friends or tell them what you’re doing. If you’re in this, then you’re in it all the way.”

“Won’t they think it’s strange that I’ve vanished?”

“You can tell them you’ve gone on vacation, or you’re spending time with your mom.”

“Okay, yeah. That would work.”

“You’re going to be training for this every day. I won’t go easy on you.”

“I know. I get it.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. But can you tell me one thing?”

“What?”

“Are you going to be mad at me the whole time? Because it’s going to get old real quick. You can at least give me some respect. I’m not doing this for myself. I’m doing it for Maddy and for you. I want to help both of you.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not mad. I’m concerned. I want to make sure you understand the weight of this thing. This isn’t some voiceover job. There are real dangers involved.”

“I know. And I realize it puts a huge burden on you. You’re responsible for me and any mistakes I make, but can you at least give me the benefit of the doubt to start?”

“The man you’ll be meeting is very dangerous. He’s killed a lot of people without a second thought. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill both of us if he discovers what we’re doing.”

“I’ve got it. Still, can you give me a chance?”

“All right. If you’re sure, I’ll get my head around it too. You’ll stay at Maddy’s place while we train. You’ll have a mixture of physical training along with studying. You’ll go through all the previous reports so you’re up to speed with where everything is at. You’ll also need to get Maddison’s character right, so we’ll work on that. You’ll wear her clothes and makeup. You’ll learn to walk and talk like her.”

“I thought I wouldn’t be talking.”

“Nothing is guaranteed. If you refuse to learn, this won’t work.”

A mixture of fear and exhilaration pumped through her blood. “No. I’ll do whatever you need. When do we start?”

“Right now.”

Chapter8

Charlotte saidnothing when Will pulled the car up to the entrance of the hotel, but he was curious how she’d react when they walked into the lobby.

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