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“It appears to be the only solution,” said Z.
“In that case, Shere may still work.”
“Before we discuss that further, there are a couple of things I need to make you aware of.”
“Go on.”
“Ah, here are Poseidon and Oleander now,” he said, looking out the window at the SUV pulling in. “They may have additional information.”
As much as I wanted to press Z to tell me more, I waited when he excused himself to meet them as they came inside. I used the opportunity to check on Bexli instead.
Still sleeping soundly,Delfino responded to my text. I thanked her, went into the kitchen, and poured myself two fingers of the Scotch I found on the counter. I tossed it back and returned to the room where Z was waiting with the other two.
“I was just about to brief Cayman regarding the Vella family,” he informed them when I sat at the table.
Poseidon motioned for Oleander to go ahead.
“As you are aware, Bexli took refuge with the family in the apartment above their restaurant. After questioning Francesca Vella, the woman Bexli referred to as ‘Nonna,’ it appears her ending up there was coincidental.”
“Copy that.”
“However, there is some question as to whether Charlene Vella-Borg’s involvement was accidental.”
“Meaning?” I asked.
“Xavier Vella suggested she dropped the syringe intentionally.”
“Why Bexli?”
I glanced at Poseidon when Oleander looked over at him rather than respond to my question. I’d known Kai a long time, and I couldn’t recall ever seeing him look as angry as he did now. His eyes met mine. “You should be aware Mr. Vella is the assistant special emissary to the US Ambassador to Malta. His motive in making the suggestion is suspicious at best.”
“Was he aware his mother, or whoever she is to him, was in the employ of a known human trafficker?”
“She’s his aunt, and there is some discrepancy as to when he found out exactly,” Poseidon seethed. “Fucking wannabe praetorian.”
“Where are they now?” I asked.
“Under the protection of the US embassy,” Oleander responded. “It is our understanding Francesca Vella is as well.”
“Why?”
“We don’t know.”
For Christ’s sake. What did they know? “Here on Gozo?”
O shook her head. “Negative. They were granted diplomatic immunity and flown by helicopter to the main island of Malta.”
“You’re certain it was the US embassy?”
“Affirmative,” she responded.
I stood and walked into the other room. “Where’s Ares?” I asked Nem.
“I’m here,” he said, coming around the corner.
“We need your help.”
He followed me back. Before I took my seat, I received a message from Delfino saying Bexli was awake.
