“Your sister still works for her, doesn’t she?”
“Good idea. If the Myrmidon files contain something about the Trident, she’ll hopefully be able to access it.”
“That’s a plan,” Bone said. “Now, how do we get the heat off of Grandfather?”
“Unfortunately, I think we need to let it be known that we’ve found Esau’s treasure. It’s possible that Eddings really did get the word out about us, but we should make our own efforts in that regard. We’ll be the rabbit the Trident is chasing.”
“Holy crap.” Bones buried his face in his hands. “We spent enough time yesterday being chased. It’s already getting old, but I think you’re right.”
Maddock couldn’t disagree. “Maybe a rabbit is a bad analogy. We’ll be the bait in the trap.”
Bones eyed him, a curious look in his eyes. “I guess that’s a little bit better, but you realize, even when the trap works, the bait tends to get eaten.”
Chapter 14
The vibrating phone rattled on the desk, breaking Avery Halsey’s contemplative silence. She sat alone in her tiny office at Myrmidon headquarters beneath the Truman White House in Key West. Tam had loaded her down with work and she really didn’t have time for a personal call. She reached over to tap the Decline button, but then she saw the name on the caller ID.
“What’s up?” she said by way of greeting. “I haven’t heard from you since you called to tell me you’re engaged. You haven’t already gotten cold feet have you?”
“No, it’s still a go,” said the familiar voice on the other end. “So, how’s it going, Sis?”
“Maddock, do you really think I don’t notice when you do that?” He was so predictable.
“What’s that?”
“You only call me ‘Sis’ when you want something.” She grinned at the sudden pause on the other end of the line. She and Maddock had only known one another for a short while, and she enjoyed ribbing him.
“No, it’s not like that. I’m trying to be more personable, that’s all. You’re always telling me how distant I am.”
“So you don’t want anything?” Another pause.
“Well…”
“What is it? I’m glad to help if I can, but Tam’s got me working on something she says is urgent and the last thing I need is her catching me taking a personal call, particularly if it involved doing you a favor while I’m on the clock.”
“Are you ever really off the clock when you work for Tam?”
“Good point,” she admitted. “What do you need?”
“Bones and I have made some new friends.”
Avery sighed. “Of course you have. I thought you left the Myrmidons because you wanted a quieter life with your new fiancée. By the way, tell her no pink or yellow for the bridesmaids’ dresses. I look hideous in both.”
“I’ll try and remember to tell her that. I’m actually avoiding the whole wedding topic. No hurry.”
“Oh, Maddock. You’re a mess.” Avery rubbed her temples. What was it about her brother that every time they talked he managed to stress her out. “Tell you what, I’ll call Angel myself. We’ll get these wedding plans moving.”
“Gee, thanks.” Maddock cleared his throat. “Anyway, these guys showed up out of the blue and they came after Bones’ grandfather.”
Avery sat up a little straighter. “That’s terrible. Why would they do that?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it when we both have more time. Anyway, we’re wondering if the Myrmidons have run across a group called the Trident.”
“The Trident.” Her heart skipped a beat. She knew that name very well.
“Yes. And I’ve got two names which might be connected: Tyson and Ahmed.”
“Maddock, you’ve heard of both the Trident and Tyson. When Tam and I went to the Jefferson Memorial, Tyson is the guy who tried to trap us down there. He works for them. He said so.”
“You’re right. I should have remembered. I’ve been distracted for a while now.” Maddock pause. “So, have you guys got anything on them?”
“I’m not sure. Tam said she’d put out some feelers but it’s not a priority. We’re all about the Dominion, as you well know.”
“Feel free to keep them off of our backs. I’ve had enough of those guys to last a lifetime.”
Avery managed a small laugh. “Maddock, this sounds serious. You really ought to talk to Tam. If anybody knows about them, she does.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“She’s not one of the bad guys. You just don’t like dealing with someone who’s as stubborn as you are.”
“I deal with you, don’t I?”
“You’re such a jerk. But even if that’s true, you’re stuck with me. I’m your sister.”
“Tam never does a favor without expecting something in return. I know that from experience.” She heard a muffled voice in the background. She couldn’t make out the words, but she recognized Bones’ voice. “All right,” Maddock finally said. “We’ll touch base with her when we know a little more about what’s going on. In the meantime, see what you can find out, okay?”
Avery sighed. “All right, but promise me you’ll be careful.”
“When have I not been careful?”
“Not funny. I’ll talk to you soon.”
The call ended and she sat staring at the phone. Sometimes she wondered if having a brother was worth the worry.
Chapter 15
“You do realize the guy is going to think we’re nuts, don’t you?” Bones asked as they entered the New Echota visitor center. Formerly the capital of the Cherokee nation and the place where the “Trail of Tears” officially began, New Echota was now an official historic site. Off the beaten path, it drew few visitors to its cluster of historic buildings, and today seemed to be no exception. Maddock had noticed only a handful of cars in the parking lot and no one was in sight on the grounds.
A young woman with curly, red hair and blue eyes stood behind the counter. When she heard them enter, she looked up from the book she was reading and smiled brightly.
“Welcome to New Echota! How can I help you?”
Bones immediately strode to the counter, leaned against it, and smiled. “As a matter of fact,” he paused to glance at her name tag, “Teagan, I have a big problem that I know you can help me with.”
Teagan adopted an appropriately concerned expression. “Really? What’s that?”
“I’ve looked and I’ve looked, and I can’t seem to find your number anywhere.”
She looked surprised, but then let out a small laugh. “You’re funny.”
“It’s not funny; it’s tragic.”
Teagan tilted her head and gazed up at him, lips pursed. “No offense, but how old are you? Aren’t you, like, thirty?”
Bones’ jaw dropped and he stood there blinking, temporarily rendered speechless.
Though he was tempted to let his friend twist in the wind, Maddock stepped in. “We have an appointment with Ben. Is he here?”
“Sure. I’ll get him for you.” She disappeared down a narrow hallway at the end of the counter and returned a minute later, followed by a short, stocky man with blue eyes who introduced himself as Ben.
“I assume you’re Bonebrake?” he said as he shook hands with Bones.