hadn’t kept a close eye on her every time she’d visited because everything important was locked up or hidden away.
“She’s had the opportunity,” I shared, “but she’s not cunning enough to have planned something like this.”
“I know someone who is. I think Elaine Ramsey has already retrieved her money, and I believe she hired Rose to do that.”
“She hired you to do that,” I said.
“I think she wanted me to believe that.”
“But why would Rose turn on me?” I wondered aloud.
“You already answered that. ‘Rose is greedy,’ you said. And she was dating a lowly gardener. Why?”
“I met her when I was working undercover at her father’s estate. I decided she would be a more valuable asset than what I’d been planning to steal.”
“You misunderstood my question. Why would a rich girl date a gardener, and how did you ever convince her that Oren could afford a place like this anyway?”
“I told her I’d recently received a large inheritance from my uncle.”
“You’ve only told her lies. She doesn’t even know your real name.” She nodded. “That was good thinking. If Ramsey has been in contact with Rose, your lies will probably end up saving you.”
Keira was right – I’d never trusted Rose. We’d been doomed from the start. She had every reason to turn on me.
“Richard, retrieving the money was only part of the job, and there is no way Ramsey would have convinced Rose to kill you, not someone like her – that’s my job. We need to make it look like I killed Oren Johnson. It’s the only way you’ll be safe.”
I narrowed my eyes. “No, we’re talking about your safety. However, I believe we can come to an agreement. If Elaine Ramsey believes Oren Johnson is dead, she may leave us both alone.”
-Scott-
Introducing Elaine Ramsey
I was 16, the age of Eligibility, when I joined the military. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t completed my traditional schooling. The military took care of its own, and all training would be provided. I knew it would be a lifelong commitment to a Gov I didn’t agree with most of the time, but given the circumstances, I couldn’t really think of a better option.
Those who enlisted were given special tests. The doctors were pleased with my results. They said I would be an asset to the realm and registered me for the special operations regiment.
I left home with high hopes. I would have a job. I would be able to contribute to society. Better yet, I would be able to help my family. Members of the SOR received extra provisions. I’d immediately requested that my extras be sent home to help my sisters who always had so little.
***
A few weeks ago, Mrs. Elaine Ramsey requested a meeting with the Lieutenant General. She also requested that I sit in as a witness. It was a common practice, though why she requested me specifically, I had no idea, and I didn’t ask. No one ever questioned the head of Ramsey Corps, a tall and thin yet foreboding elderly woman. Near the end of the meeting she shared a personal concern.
“General, I’m embarrassed to say that I was recently robbed.”
The general glanced at me and seemed to consider his words carefully before he spoke. “I hope whatever was taken wasn’t…invaluable.”
“No, but it was a lot of money, and I would like it back. I was thinking maybe we could send in some of the soldiers, discreetly.”
“If our office gets involved, I’ll have to report it as part of the public record. Would you still like our help?”
“No, thank you,” she replied as she shook his hand. “I’ll find another way.”
“Right this way, Mrs. Ramsey.” I held open the door for her. “I’ll be happy to escort you to your car.”
After we’d left the building but before we reached her car, I continued quietly, “I know someone who is in the business of solving problems discreetly and off the record.”
“I’m interested.” She smiled.
“There would be a cost for her services.”
“Cost is not an issue, soldier, if the work is of good quality.”
So I gave her Keira’s alias and told her she should expect to hear from Madeline within the next few days. I’d never approved of my sister’s choice of occupation, yet I tried to help her out whenever an opportunity presented itself.
-Keira-
Getting Out
“Richard, retrieving the money was only part of the job, and there is no way Ramsey would have convinced Rose to kill you, not someone like her – that’s my job. We