Page 70 of Hidden Trial

“Tony. This is unexpected. What can I do for you?”

“Hey, Maddy. I heard you had a little accident.”

“Little…yeah, sure. But hey, I’m alive.”

It steadied Charlotte to hear Maddy’s voice, but nothing made sense.

“That’s good,” Tony said. “Listen, I’ve got Will and Charlotte here with me. We’ve had a little misunderstanding we need to clear up.”

“Charlie’s there?”

“Yeah. Training exercise. Can you please confirm for Charlotte—she’s listening—can you confirm I am who I say I am?”

“Why would she need me to confirm that?”

“It’s not relevant.”

Maddy laughed. “You don’t want to tell me? Now I really want to know.”

“I was pretending to be someone else.”

Charlotte lowered the gun a little. She wasn’t sure whether to be angry or embarrassed.

“Who?” Maddy said.

“Long story.”

“I’ve got time.”

“But I don’t. Can you please tell Charlotte I mean her no harm?”

“Okay, but you’ll owe me a favor.”

“I always owe you a favor.”

“Charlie?”

Charlotte lowered the gun the rest of the way. “I’m here.”

“Can you see a light scar along his jawline?”

Tony turned his head so she could see the side of his face clearly.

“Yeah, I see it.”

“Good, then you’re definitely talking to Tony Ferrero. He’s as harmless as a mouse.”

“I don’t like mice,” Charlotte grumbled. She looked at Will, but he was focused on the phone.

“Oh, that’s right,” Maddy said. “I forgot about that. You had that mouse in your room and wouldn’t sleep in there for weeks.”

“This isn’t the time, Maddy.”

“Geez, it sounds really tense there. Did someone die?”

“No,” Tony said. “No harm done.”

“Good. But Charlie, you’re safe. I’d know Tony’s cocky voice anywhere. He’s a good friend. So when do I get to find out what happened?”

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