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“Not much. But it is what is.”

“Understood. So, what can I do for you?”

I considered the best way to say it and decided direct was the simplest and most powerful. “Things have progressed dramatically since last night. There’s been an uprising that has overthrown the government, and the prime minister reached out to me for help. She’s safe for the moment, but she’s asking for US assistance. She suspects the coup has foreign support, and I agree with her.”

There was a long pause, and I knew I’d caught her off guard. I could imagine the expression on her face and a dark eyebrow lifting just a fraction.

“That’s extremely unfortunate. Interesting timing, too, considering we’re only just laying the groundwork for a consulate there.”

“It’s not coincidental,” I said.

“No, it’s not. Which may account for the accelerated timeline on behalf of our…friends.”

“Maybe, but my gut tells me there’s something else, too,” I said. “So, we’re on the same page as to whom we suspect is behind this?”

“We are,” she confirmed. “But you know as well as I do, the State Department’s hands are tied without actual evidence.”

“Understood. But what if I could get it? The prime minister has been gathering some, and we could possibly help her get more.”

“Then you’d have to bring us that evidence,” Candace said firmly. “Her word alone isn’t enough to swing any real action. However, if youwereable to find anything that tied this back to our…friends…well, direct intervention in the sovereignty of a state isn’t unheard-of, but it’s definitely frowned upon internationally, especially when it’s a big country versus a small country. The look wouldn’t be good internationally, and the State Department would have no choice but to step up. Even if was only in a ‘supportive’ capacity.”

I hadn’t expected more than this, but even a ‘supportive’ capacity would be a significant win for the prime minister. “So, you’re saying a little creative digging might make all the difference?”

“It might. Just don’t expect any official help while digging. You’ll be on your own. If anything goes south, this conversation never happened.”

“Understood.”

Her voice softened. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Right now, I’m up to my neck in this, as unfortunate as that might be. I don’t have a choice.”

“Then get me the proof, and I’ll make sure whoever needs to get it, gets it. Just be careful, okay? You’re having one hell of a honeymoon. Hope it isn’t as bad as your wedding. That was legendary. Still sorry I missed that.”

“Saved yourself some trouble there,” I said. “I hope to save you some trouble this time around as well.”

“I appreciate you’re always looking out for your boss,” she joked.

“I like my job and the people I work with. I’d just like a break occasionally when I’m on vacation.”

“Trouble does follow you. Be safe, my friend. I mean it.”

“I’m on it,” I said and hung up with an increased sense of urgency.

TWENTY-TWO

Lexi

Iwatched as Slash slipped his phone in his pocket and leaned back in his chair with a deep exhale.

“How did it go?” I asked even though I already had a pretty good idea from the side of the conversation I’d heard.

A single lamp illuminated the room, casting shadows across his face. “They need the evidence—no surprise there—so we’re going to get it for them.”

“Of course we are,” I replied. “Starting with me trying to hack into Signet Investments with limited equipment and even more limited bandwidth. It won’t be easy.”

“It never is, which means we might need a little help from our friends.”

“Already ahead of you,” I said, straightening in the chair, my fingers already itching for the keyboard. “Just wanted your agreement.”