Page 61 of Hidden Trial

“You need help with the job?”

“No. I need help getting someone off it. When Maddy was injured, it looked like we’d have to fold, but Maddy got someone to fill in for her.”

“Fill in? How does that work?”

“She has a twin.”

“No kidding?”

“No.”

“Wow. I can’t imagine her being a twin. Maddy is so independently unique.”

“So is her sister, but in a completely different way. Except they look the same. Antonio wouldn’t know the difference. I’ve been training her to take Maddy’s place.”

“So what’s the favor?”

“I need to convince Charlotte to pull out.”

“She’s no good for it?”

“No, she’s brilliant.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“It’s too dangerous. I can’t risk it.”

“Why would Maddy be willing to put her own sister in danger? Doesn’t sound right. I know Maddy’s dedicated, but this twin is family.”

“Maddy doesn’t expect the meeting to be high risk.”

“And you do?”

“With Antonio, you never know. It could go fine, but if anything goes wrong…”

“But you said this twin—what’s her name?”

“Charlotte.”

“You said Charlotte can do the role, and you expect things to go well.”

“But I don’t want her to do it.”

Tony dipped his head and looked at Will over his glasses. “Why not? For real.”

“You and I both know I shouldn’t be bringing a civilian in when I can’t guarantee her safety.”

“Will. I know that look. You can’t save everybody. Sometimes, you’ve got to take a little risk to win big.”

“It’s not good enough this time. I don’t want to win that badly.”

“Okay. If you say so. What is it you want from me?”

“I want to bring her here.”

“Why?”

“She’s expecting to meet Antonio. I want her to meet him.”

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