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I return the smile. "Hey, Max. Thanks for coming to help us out."
Derek observes Max cautiously, still assessing the situation. "So, you're the tech genius Tristan was raving about?"
Max chuckles, looking amused. "Genius might be a stretch, but I do know my way around computers and data. Tristan's just hyping me up."
Tristan playfully nudges Max. "Come on, don't be so modest. You're great at what you do."
Derek clears his throat, bringing the conversation back to the matter at hand. "We appreciate you offering your help, Max. We're dealing with sensitive information here, so confidentiality is crucial."
Max nods seriously. "I understand the importance of discretion. You can trust me to keep everything secure."
With Derek's concerns seemingly addressed, I decide to take the lead and brief Max on the case, providing him with a condensed version of the information we've gathered so far. Max listens attentively, his expression turning serious as he processes the details.
"Wow, this is a complicated one," Max remarks after I finish. "I can definitely see why you're looking for additional information. It may take some time to crack, but I'll do my best."
Tristan chimes in, sounding genuinely grateful. "We appreciate any help you can provide, Max. If anyone can find those hidden pieces of the puzzle, it's you."
Max shrugs. "Well, no promises, but I'll give it my best shot. I just need the names you want me to look into and if there's anything else I can do, just let me know."
I hand him the list of names he needs and he looks down at it with a frown. He looks deep in thought for a moment.
Derek leans forward, his expression stern. "Just remember, we're counting on you to keep this information secure."
Max nods, his demeanor serious. "Understood. I won't let you down."
With his promise of discretion we agree to stay in touch, and Max leaves the café to begin his work. The three of us remain at the table, deep in thought.
But Tristan can't resist teasing Derek a little. He smirks playfully and says, "You know, Derek, I never thought I'd see the day you'd be willingly working with a journalist. Guess desperate times call for desperate measures."
Derek rolls his eyes but can't help but crack a small smile. "Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head. This is purely business."
Tristan chuckles. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that." Then he turns his attention to me. “And you, Agent Darling, first makeup and now you have my tech guy falling all over himself to help you… Who are you and what have you done with Agent Indifference?”
I roll my eyes at him before standing. “It was nice to see you again, Mr. Winters, let us know if you find anything.”
His laughter gets louder. “And there she is.”
I shake my head at Tristan's teasing, but I can't help but smile despite myself. "Goodbye, Mr. Winters. Thanks for your help."
As Tristan continues to laugh, Derek and I make our way out of the cafe and back to the office. Stopping briefly in the bathroom when we get back, I’m surprised when my phone buzzes with a message. Expecting it to be Tristan with another tease or even potentially Max with the first hint of the data I need uncovered, I open the message straight away. It's neither of them.
Chapter 29
Alex
Darewasright,Iam too far down this rabbit hole. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t still play. Typing out a response I hit send and then wait.
The response is immediate as I knew it would be and unsurprisingly cryptic.
I can’t stop the growl of frustration that escapes. The USB drive has been in my possession for days, so all the information that it contains was there almost straight after I arrived. There was information on there that wasn’t available to the general public, sealed records, photographs that go back a long time.
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. Getting frustrated and lashing out isn’t the answer. But then, it doesn’t hurt to point out the obvious to them.
What did I really have to lose at this point, it’s not like they are going to kill me, right? And judging by the files, they are more invested than I would ever have imagined.
Putting my phone away, I head back into the office. I can already tell I am going to be on edge for the rest of the day, my thoughts already half focused on my midnight meeting. But I need to continue trying to make headway in the investigation. I just hope that Tristan and Max have something to give me soon that I could actually use and work with.
Derek is on a phone call when I walk in but he hangs up moments later. “Still no Mark. It's a bit odd for him to disappear in the middle of an investigation.”
