Chapter 26

Harry knew going to Hamilton with this problem wouldn’t be enough. He had no clue who Rory had sent the thumb drive to. He only hoped the FBI took the information seriously.

After discovering the drive, they’d popped it into one of the computers at the table and began reviewing the information. At first, it made no sense, but then they found a file that was like a key for a map. With the information, they could tell that the units were tied back to people. Peach used another computer to search for the few names they found in the files and discovered all of them were noted as missing people from various locations across the globe.

It felt like a betrayal when Commander Toovey was tied to the missing people. He didn’t want to believe anyone in the military could be this cruel, but he knew they were. He’d seen enough problems at local hot spots to know there was an undercurrent of violence that ran through some military towns.

They’d decided something had to be done, and the thing that had to happen first was Hamilton had to know. They stood outside his home on Sunday morning, waiting for him to come outside. It was early enough the sun hadn’t risen. Hamilton had not been happy to hear from them, but this couldn’t wait.

If Toovey or Laelyn caught wind that they had been named, they would disappear or gather counter-evidence. Either way, it wouldn’t be good for Rory.

The porch lights flipped on, and the door cracked open. Hamilton stepped out and came over, his lips were down in a frown, and he looked very pissed.

“This had better be something at the national security level or above because I don’t like getting pulled from my bed on Sunday morning. It’s the one day I get to sleep in.”

“Yes, sir,” Harry said. “We found evidence.”

“I’m not a mind reader. Tell me what you have.”

“You’re not going to like it, sir,” Wild said.

“Let me figure out what I like and don’t.”

Harry didn’t really blame Hamilton for his sour mood. They had woken him, and he didn’t know what they’d found. At least Toovey wasn’t an admiral. Maybe the news cycles wouldn’t pick this up.

Harry handed over a copy of the note Rory had left. Hamilton’s frown deepened as he read. His eyes narrowed, and he met Harry’s gaze.

“You’d better have the evidence on you.”

“Yes, sir. Here is the thumb drive.” He didn’t tell Hamilton that they all had two copies of the drive, one on them, the other in safe places.

“Fuck, Harrison. God dammit. This is going to ruin my Sunday, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.” There wasn’t any denying Hamilton’s words. This information was going to ruin a lot of people’s day.

“Meet me on base in an hour, and then I want you to walk me through everything. Do not tell a single soul what you have found. No one, you hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”

Hamilton turned and stepped inside. They headed out, going back to their homes to get dressed. He felt for Wild and Bear. They had kids to deal with, but right now, they were doing what needed to be done. He appreciated their help because he wouldn’t even be this far without them. They still had no clue where Rory was, but at least they knew who had taken her. Now, they had to deal with getting her back.