Page 96 of Hidden Trial

“Yeah, but Maddy took the credit. The police have taken the body, and the FBI is involved in the investigation. Any more questions?”

“That will do for now.”

“Maddy’s not far.”

He walked down several halls before entering a room stacked with old equipment and boxes.

“It’s not ideal, but it’s safe for now.”

Maddy saw the men enter. “Will.”

“Maddy, you’re alive.” Will put his gun away and pushed past Peter.

“Yeah. Sorry for the surprise.”

“I tried to call but couldn’t get through.”

“I forgot my phone in the room. A lot has happened since you were here last. They came back to finish me off. But enough about me. You guys are done with the meeting? How’d it go? Where’s Charlie?”

Will shook his head. “She was alive when I escaped.”

“Escaped? What are you talking about?”

“I couldn’t save her.”

“Don’t say that. Don’t you dare. Why would you escape without her? What happened?”

“I’m so sorry. I promised her I wouldn’t leave her, but it was no use. I would have gotten myself killed. I swear to you, if I could have saved her, I would have. I knew they were coming after you and could do nothing for her. The only thing I could do was try to stay alive and get to you before they did.”

“But Charlie?”

“I don’t think he wants to kill her. Not yet.”

“Why are you here? Why haven’t you gone back for her already?”

“Because I couldn’t.” Will raised his voice. “I would have given my life to save hers if I could. The only thing I knew to do was come back and regroup. I’ll go back tonight.”

Maddy pressed her fingertips to her forehead and closed her eyes. “Tell me what happened.”

“Antonio’s known all along who we are.”

“He knew we were working undercover?”

“Yeah.”

“How could he know?”

“He recognized you—or Charlie.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s been looking for her. He used you to get to her.”

“Charlie? Why would he be looking for her?”

“The trafficking ring she stopped in Venezuela. He was the one running it. He had a different name back then, and he’s had surgery on his face to change his appearance.”

“That’s impossible. That can’t be true.”

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