"I got in with three of the smartest in the cla.s.s," Tim grinned. "Eli Frederick was a genius software engineer. Hai's English was a little rough, but I quickly realized he was just as smart as Eli. And then Charlotte? She was only a freshman, but was allowed to take the cla.s.s, and she was absolutely brilliant. We worked well together and created the most kick-a.s.s project. Got an A and all four of us were offered teaching a.s.sistant positions. Eli and Hai didn't accept, but Charlotte and I did."

"And you maintained a friendship with the other three?"

"Yes. We four got along fine and actually liked each other. I played some sports and belonged to a small fraternity so I had friends outside that group, but I really liked their company. Hai was funny as h.e.l.l without even trying. Charlotte was an enigma. I got the feeling that she hid behind the gla.s.ses and nerd-girl persona...as though she wasn't very comfortable around a lot of guys and that kept them at bay. And Eli? His mind never shut down! He was constantly looking for a better way, a smarter way to do something."

"And after graduation?" Luke prompted. "What then? What can you tell us about the group?"

Tim's forehead scrunched in thought as he answered, "Hai got a job in California. I think he was with a Chinese based company that worked with hospitals...or something in the medical field. Then a few years later, he sent a group email saying he was moving back to China. Kind of a polite, kiss-off email. You know, an it-was-nice-to-meet-you email that was also essentially saying goodbye forever. And sure enough, I haven't heard from him since then."

"And Charlotte?"

Luke noticed a faraway smile light Tim's face and he wondered if a college romance had budded between the two.

"Charlotte was a year behind us, but she did a better job of staying connected. In college, she wasn't very social, but seemed to appreciate our group. She was brilliant, as I said, and really gave Eli a run for his money considering he truly thought he was the smartest. By the time she graduated, I have no doubt that she could have worked for any company and demanded good money, but Eli convinced her that she could live her dream by working from home."

Taking another large drink from his iced tea, Tim then explained, "You have to understand Eli to understand Charlotte."

Lifting his eyebrows in question, Luke did not need to prod to get more from Tim, who seemed to relish talking about his old college buddies.

"Eli truly hated being around people. He a.s.sumed they were not as smart as he was and, for the most part, he was right. His social skills were almost nil and his disdain for people in general was high. He tried having a job out of college, but he complained constantly. Then, after less than a year, he quit and became an independent, freelance software engineer. I tried to tell him to set up his own actual business with a license and tax breaks, but he refused to listen." Shaking his head, Tim added, "If Eli didn't understand something, especially if it didn't interest him, he would shun it. But what he was doing must have been working for him, 'cause he convinced Charlotte to do the same when she graduated." For the first time since speaking, Tim's voice held contempt.

"You disagreed about Charlotte working for herself?" Patrick asked.

Leaning forward, with his forearms on his knees, Tim focused intently on them, his lips pinched. "I liked Eli, but he could be a conceited p.r.i.c.k at times. He touted the virtues of working in his sweatpants instead of a suit. He talked about how he could work a few hours a day and make more money than working for some company. He sang the praises of not having to work with people. I get it. For him, that was perfect. But Charlotte? She was sweet, giving, smart. I got the feeling that in high school she'd been bullied for being uber smart so she learned to pull it all in and kind of hide. At MIT, at least with us, she became more at ease with herself. And I think it would've been good for her to have a job where her intelligence would be valued and she would be accepted in a group."

Settling back in his seat heavily, he said, "But Eli was very persuasive and she took his lead and worked freelance for herself...and from what I a.s.sume, quite lucratively."

"Have you had any contact with any of them in the last six months?"

Shaking his head slowly, Tim replied, "No...now that I think about, not at all." Blushing slightly, he admitted, "But then, to be honest, they're kind of like old friends that slowly fade away. My life now is my family, my kids and their activities, and my job. I'm embarra.s.sed to say that I had no idea that Eli was missing...wow, and it's hard to wrap my head around the fact that he's dead." Holding Luke's gaze, he asked, "What can you tell me?"

"Eli approached the FBI with supposed information about a crime but wouldn't identify himself or the problem. Months later he approached them again and set up a meeting. He never made the meeting and the matter was closed. A month ago, his body was found."

"But, earlier, you said murder."

"Yes, it was determined he had been murdered."

Shaking his head, Tim said, "I'm afraid I can't help you there. I never had any idea what he worked on or who he had individual contracts with."

"And Charlotte?" Luke asked.

"I'm afraid I'm just as in the dark about what she was doing as well. I know for a couple of years, Eli would farm out some of his extra work to her, but as to what it was, I'm clueless. But, I've got her contact info for you to check with her." He was already pulling out his phone when Luke stopped him.

"Actually, it appears that she's missing also." These words gained a gasp from Tim and Luke tried to ascertain if he were truly surprised or perhaps was covering. s.h.i.t! I can't tell. I hope to h.e.l.l Marc or Patrick has a better read on him. "We have no idea if she's in danger or not, but she is no longer at her previous residence and has discontinued any internet presence."

"d.a.m.n," Tim sighed.

"One last question," Luke said. "Did you know anyone named Charles or Charlie?"

"Charlie? No...I've never known a Charles...nor a Charlie."

Luke observed Tim's face carefully, but the other man gave no indication that he was lying.

"If I can be of any help, I'd like to be. These were my friends at one time. Will you please keep me up on anything you find out?" Tim asked. Gaining the Saints' a.s.surance, he stood and walked them to the door, just as his wife was entering with four-year-old twin boys in tow.

As Patrick drove away, Luke turned to look back at the house, unable to see Tim on the phone with an angry expression on his face.

Chapter 7.

Lin w.a.n.g sat at the opulent dinner in the Chinese Emba.s.sy, her sharp eyes a.s.sessing everyone. Her dark, sleek bob was unadorned, swinging above her shoulders. Dressed in a modest evening gown of emerald green, she pretended to hang onto every word spoken by the boring man sitting next to her while attempting to scan the room.

Her eyes landed on Dr. Jian Cheung and her lips pinched together involuntarily. His eyes met hers and, much to her chagrin, he walked through the crowd toward her. Turning in her seat to face her table partner more fully, she hoped the doctor would ignore her, but her luck was not holding.

"Agent w.a.n.g, how nice to see you again," Dr. Cheung's voice purred from behind as she felt his fingertips slide across her shoulders. Sucking in a quick breath, she twisted around and gifted him with a tight smile.

"Doctor," she greeted in return, her voice barely a growl.

Just then the Chinese Amba.s.sador's secretary, Yeng Chow stepped into view, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Dr. Cheung and hustling over.

"Dr. Cheung," he said breathlessly in Chinese, "I've been looking for you."

Jian turned slowly, his smile never wavering, although Lin caught the irritation glistening in his eyes. "And now you have found me."

"The Amba.s.sador has someone he wants you to meet," Yeng said, his eyes dropping to Lin's perceptive gaze.

"Anything I can a.s.sist with?" she asked, lifting an eyebrow, speaking in Chinese as well.

"No, no, my dear," Jian replied smoothly, his fingers digging ever so slightly into her shoulder. He turned and followed Yeng out of the room, Lin's eyes staying on them until they were out of sight.

"Hey, Agent w.a.n.g, you okay?"

Jumping, she turned to see her fellow FBI agent standing nearby. "Yes, I'm fine. Just trying to keep an eye on security as well as be a guest," she said, her voice brooking no doubt. She eyed the other agent as they nodded and moved away.

Sucking in a deep breath, she sometimes hated being Chinese-American in the Bureau. Her gaze landed on the door Dr. Cheung had left through and her lips curved into a small smile. And then again...it gives me the perfect opportunity to blend in to keep an eye on things.

Charlie woke suddenly, unable to discern the sound that had jarred her from her sleep. With the fall chill penetrating the nights in the camper, she was already dressed in a long-sleeve black t-shirt and black leggings. Stealing noiselessly from the bed, she went to the security monitor screen mounted on the wall that showed her the images from the outside cameras.

d.a.m.n! One person slipped around the side of the camper toward her Vespa while another person stood at the end of the gravel campsite leading to the main road circling the campground. Biting her lip, she sucked in a deep breath before letting it out slowly, clearing her mind.

Watching the person in the back bend over her Vespa, she opened the specially oiled door without making a sound. Moving in the shadows, she slipped up behind the man, glad he was not overly large. With a quick karate move, she dropped him to the ground before he was aware of her presence. Slipping to the other side of the van, she waited until the lookout turned and approached her vehicle. Coming up behind him, she executed the same maneuver and dropped him as well. Staring down at the two men, she looked around in guilt. What now? What do I do with them now? Suddenly, she sprinted back inside her camper and rummaged through her toolbox. Grabbing the duct tape, she slipped back outside, holding her breath until she saw the two men still lying on the ground.

Bending down, she secured one man's hands behind his back with the tape and, with difficulty, dragged his body under a tree. Thank goodness a wind is blowing through the trees creating a noise camouflage. Within a couple of minutes, she had both unconscious men secured. Heart pounding, she stood for a moment, uncertain of what to do next. If they found me...others will come.

Checking her Vespa, she ascertained they had not placed a bug or monitoring device on it. Letting out her breath, she sighed audibly. Good, they were only snooping. She knew she should not have stayed in the campground for longer than a week or two at the most, but it had been so pleasant to not move, she allowed herself the luxury of staying in one place. How the h.e.l.l did they find me? Maybe they're just random thieves and not from...Well, it doesn't matter.

Buckling into the driver's seat, she started the engine and pulled out of the campsite slowly, glancing into the side-view mirror, seeing the two slumbering intruders still reclined under the tree. With a grimace, she drove out of the campground, hesitating for a moment as to her next destination.

Time to do it, she vowed. Time to let someone else in!

Luke's eyes jerked open from a sound sleep, instantly on alert. None of his security alarms were signaling, but something woke him up. Tossing the covers back, he sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, ears alert, waiting to see if he could discern anything. Nothing.

With over ten thousand dollars worth of computer equipment and programs, he was not willing to go back to sleep without checking first. Slipping a pair of sweatpants over his long legs, he grabbed his gun from his nightstand and stepped into the hall. Hearing nothing, he walked stealthily toward the living room in the front of the house.

Rounding the corner at the end of the hall, he jerked in surprise. The moonlight streaming through the window illuminated the outline of a woman standing in his living room. He kept his gun pointed at the intruder as he flipped the wall switch that turned on the lamp by the sofa, bathing them both in a soft glow. Luke's gaze traveled from the top of her head to her shoes and back again, landing on her eyes.

Long, rich brunette hair, braided and falling across one shoulder. Light brown...no...hazel eyes met and held his stare. At about five feet seven inches, her slim body belied a muscular strength underneath the tight, black t-shirt. Black leggings hugged her athletic frame and tucked into black tennis shoes.

As his gaze lifted to her face once more, he was struck by her beauty. Simple. Unadorned. Beauty. Then his mind came unglued as realization slammed into him. f.u.c.k me! Charlotte Trivett!

She remained statue still except for her gaze, which dropped to the gun in his hand. "I'd appreciate it if you would lower your weapon." Her smooth voice shook with a slight tremor as her chest heaved with each breath.

Keeping his weapon trained on her, he replied, "And I'd appreciate it if you would tell me how the h.e.l.l you got through my security and into my house."

Her tongue darted out, wetting her bottom lip, as she nodded slowly. "I notice you didn't ask who I was or what I was doing here."

"I've been staring at your picture for the past few days, from elementary school to your last driver's license. I must say the DMV photograph doesn't do you justice." He noticed the corners of her mouth lift ever so slightly.

Deciding to plunge in completely, she blurted, "I need help."

Watching the fear flash through her eyes, he lowered his weapon, but did not lay it down. Not yet. I want answers and I d.a.m.n well better get them. "You're a hard person to find, Charlotte," he admitted.

"I know. I wanted to be."

"And yet..." he peered at her closely, his mind slowly churning through the possibilities. "You knew I was looking. You found out who I am. Where I live." As his gaze roved over her face, he noticed the slight dimple in her chin. Dimple. I've seen that before...

Another realization slammed into him and he rocked back on his heels. "You were the woman in the bar. With black hair." She did not need to respond, as he saw her pull her lips in, pressing them thin. Another thought jolted through him, causing him to lean forward slightly as he raked his eyes over her frame. "Holy s.h.i.t. You're the woman from the diner." Tossing his gun onto the dining room table behind him, he whirled back around and growled, "Jesus, what the h.e.l.l is your game?"

She took a step toward him then halted at the set of his jaw. Taking a shaky breath, she said, "No game. I promise. No game."

Letting out his breath, he ran his hand through his hair then crossed his arms over his muscular chest. Standing with his legs apart as he continued to stare her down, "You got any more surprise confessions before you tell me how you got in here?"

Her head jerked back, caught between a shake and a nod. Sucking in her lips again, she attempted an innocent look, but knew she failed when she saw the grimace on his face. "Can we at least sit down?" she asked, suddenly exhausted.

Her pale face beckoned to him and, immediately contrite, Luke apologized. "I'm sorry. I know you've been through something. Something that's made you run. Something that's made you go into hiding."

Following his outstretched arm, she walked over to the sofa and sat in the corner, curling her legs up under her. Staring at him, she waited, wondering what he was going to do. She did not have to wait long. He stepped over to re-alarm his house then stalked into the living room and stared at her for a moment before glancing around. Finally deciding to sit on the other end of the sofa, he twisted his body so that he was facing her.

Charlie realized she was seeing Luke up close for the first time...really seeing him. Not trying to keep her face away from his to hide her ident.i.ty, but able to unabashedly stare at him. And just as she knew she would...she liked what she saw. His jaw was dark with stubble. His body was muscular and his arms bulged where they had been crossed. He looked like the runner he was. And the karate expert. I've learned all I can about him in the past months, but never allowed myself to think that we would actually meet. His dark, almost black, hair was trimmed neatly, but long enough that when he ran his hands through it, it would stand up on end. She longed to do just that. The realization hit her that she had not really touched another human in months. Not since being on the run.

As her gaze moved back to his face, she blushed as she saw that he was watching her appraise him. Dropping her gaze, suddenly unsure of herself, she wondered if she had made a mistake in coming to him.

"Charlotte," he said softly, drawing her eyes back to his. "Look, we got off on the wrong foot. I was startled, but to be honest, if you were able to get in, then I need to re-look at my security." Still facing her, he relaxed against the back of the sofa. "Let's begin again." He grinned as she lifted an eyebrow in confusion.

"h.e.l.lo, I'm Luke. Luke Costas."

Unable to hold back her shy smile, she replied, "I'm Charlotte Trivett. You already know that, but what you don't know...is that I go by the nickname my grandfather gave to me...Charlie."

She watched Luke's face during the millisecond it took for her confession to hit him. He jerked back, a gasp escaping from his lips. His mouth opened and closed, fishlike, before slamming tightly. Jumping up from the sofa, he paced to the other side of the room, staring wordlessly at the mantle before whirling around to pin her with a hard gaze.

"Charlie." His voice was only a whisper in the room, full of disbelief.

"Luke, I'm sorry. I know this is a shock, but I promised-"

"Promised?" he interrupted.

"Yes," she replied, curtly. "I promised I would let you know when I needed help. And this is me letting you know." She battled back the sting of tears that threatened the back of her eyes. "But you promised too." Swallowing deeply, she said, "You promised you would help me. Anytime."

Dropping his chin to his chest, Luke sighed. Long and hard. Lifting his eyes back to her, he saw the trickle of a single tear sliding down her cheek. Nodding slowly, he said, "You're right, Charlie. I did. This all just caught me by surprise."

Patting the sofa next to her, she begged, "Please come back. Please sit down and give me a chance to explain."

Walking the few steps over, he returned to the sofa, settling in once more. Holding her gaze, he said, "Okay. Tell me what the h.e.l.l is going on. I know you as Charlie, someone who's been helping me for months, and as Charlotte, someone intrinsically involved in a case I'm investigating. Why the masquerade at the bar and the diner?"

Offering a little shrug, she said, "I needed to see you. To know if you were real."

"Real?" he asked, surprise leaking into his voice.

"Luke, you asked if I had any other confessions." Seeing distrust mask his face, she quickly continued. "Yes, I donned wigs to try to get close to you without anyone knowing who I was. Just like you said you'd been looking for me, well, others have too. But the truth of the matter is that you and I have become friends...well, online friends, for months, and I need you to trust that person."

"I want to, but...I don't even know what to call you," he admitted.

"Charlie. I go by Charlie. It was my granddad's nickname for me. In school, I didn't have a lot of friends, so Charlotte was what everyone knew me as. And in college, I never changed that. But ever since I needed to hide my ident.i.ty, Charlie...well, it just fits."

"Okay, Charlie." Staring at the way she had her arms wrapped around her knees, he recognized the guarded posture. "Why don't you tell me what kind of trouble you're in? We'll start with that and then make our way to how the h.e.l.l you got here." Before she could begin, he added, "But I'll warn you that you'll have to repeat all of this tomorrow with the rest of the men I work with."

His slight grin eased her anxiety and she smiled in return. Taking a deep breath, she nodded.

"I understand. I know that you've been investigating me, so I won't repeat all of my past, but I suppose I should start with Eli."

By the time she finished, the moon was high in the sky and her eyes were drooping. Luke placed a call to Jack, knowing the time of night did not matter. Setting up a meeting for the next day, or, rather, in about six hours, he thought ruefully, he disconnected. Turning back to Charlie, he saw that she had slumped down on the sofa, exhaustion finally claiming her. Repositioning her so that she was lying more comfortably, he twisted to grab a blanket off the chair near the fireplace. Covering her from her feet to her chin, he stood back watching her chest rise and fall in slumber. Dark hair spilled from her braid, some strands curling around her face. Long lashes rested on fatigue circles underneath her eyes.

It hit him that they never got to the part of her story where she explained how she hacked into what he was working on, nor how she had gotten into his house. Unable to hold back the grin, he thought the beauty on his sofa was the most intriguing woman he had ever met and a sudden rush of protectiveness overcame him.

As he thought back over her tale, he knew that finding out what Eli Frederick had wanted to talk to the FBI about was solved. But now...a new mission had begun.