After graduating from Northwestern University and receiving a commission in the United States Marine Corps, Marnie had spent the next fifteen years moving from one duty station to the next, much of that time spent deployed overseas, in both combat and noncombat zones, flying helicopters. Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallions, to be precise. Devin knew all the details. He’d followed her career through letters and chats with her parents.
He knew that she’d been awarded the Bronze Star with “combat V” for dropping off reinforcements and evacuating wounded Marines during an operation in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, “under blistering small-arms, machine-gun, and rocket-propelled grenade fire that had repulsed all previous landing attempts.” She’d never said a word about it during any of her visits. Still hadn’t. He’d found out during a quick stop by her house to return a book her dad had loaned him a while back. They’d very proudly showed him the citation but made him promise not to tell their daughter. That was Marnie Young in a nutshell. Amazing but unpretentious.
Devin had been thrilled to learn she’d be sticking around the area for a while, which made the decision to ask her for this favor painful. It was a lot to ask of her, given the full context of the situation, which he obviously couldn’t reveal to her. If this whole thing publicly blew up on him in some spectacular way, her career aspirations in DC could be collateral damage.
Not to mention the possibility that the destruction might not be limited to just a tainted reputation. Real danger loomed over every move they made. If he asked her to do this, he’d have to level with her about the potential for disaster, however slim it might be. But was he really giving her a choice by coming clean with the hazard potential, or making it even harder for her to turn down a good friend in need? He’d help her if the roles were reversed, no matter what the stakes—and he knew she’d do the same. Just by asking, he wouldn’t be giving her a choice. He’d be making it for her. But what choice did he have? The conspiracy his mother had uncovered was bigger than all of them. He’d just have to trust that the simple act of arranging an Airbnb wouldn’t put her in danger.
“I know someone who fits the bill,” said Devin. “I’ll give her a call.”
“Her? Ex-girlfriend?” asked Berg. “Probably not the best idea.”
“No. A good friend from high school that I see every few years. A combat-decorated Marine helicopter pilot who recently left active duty,” said Devin. “I didn’t know she was back in town until she stopped by the funeral home.”
“Is she looking to continue the adventure?” asked Berg. “We can pay a good salary in Visa gift cards.”
Devin stifled a laugh. “No. I’m hesitant to even ask her to help. I don’t want her getting dragged into this any further than making the Airbnb reservation and getting the keys. It’s been four years since I’ve last seen her. Not counting my mother’s wake.”
“Did she stay long?”
“No,” said Devin.
“Have you had any contact with her since the wake?”
“No. Just a few texts back and forth about grabbing coffee or a drink.”
Berg appeared to be giving it some serious thought.
“She won’t be on their radar,” said Berg. “They probably started watching you the day after your mom’s death, looking for any suspicious contact. If you haven’t met with her, she’s in the clear. You haven’t met with her, have you? Now would be the time to fess up if you’re keeping a secret.”
“I haven’t met with her,” said Devin. “I wanted to, but—”
“Yeah. Yeah. I get the picture. You didn’t want to look too desperate,” said Berg.
“Well. I don’t know if I’d go that far.”
Berg raised an eyebrow, more or less shutting him up.
“Anyway. I highly doubt they’re watching her if the two of you haven’t met up,” said Berg.
“I feel like we’re taking a risk,” said Devin. “And putting her in danger.”
Berg didn’t answer right away. He appeared deep in thought—a pose he had apparently perfected.
“We could have the crew run an electronic sweep on her vehicle and tail her for a little while,” said Berg. “The more I think of it, the more I realize they’d be pretty pissed if I didn’t suggest it to them. Due diligence and all.”
“Can they get into position that quickly?” asked Devin.