That was it, no logo or graphics. It was the e-mail address that caught his attention: Labs-Anders Corporation.
Forte opened up a new e-mail window and quickly typed out an update message for Ky including the client names Sophie had shared with him the prior afternoon. Then Forte added a request for Ky to look into a connection between the client names and Labs-Anders Corporation. It looked like Beckhorn had hit on the right organization. He also copied Rojas and Cruz on the e-mail so they’d be aware of the communication with Ky.
The e-mail address he was using to send the e-mail was different from his personal address. This was one of a set only he, Cruz, and Rojas used. Now Ky had it.
He wasn’t actually surprised someone had found him. The personal e-mail address was available to the public and easy to find. It was what his family used, and the e-mail he provided when prompted to give one for interacting with the local community or businesses around the kennels.
But being contacted told him there was interest in him from an unusual source. The timing was too convenient for it to be unrelated to Sophie’s situation.
“Hello. Labs-Anders Corporation. How can we help you?” The voice on the other line was female and bored. Or it sounded bored.
“This is Brandon Forte.” It didn’t hurt to give whoever this was his full name. Whoever had contacted him knew it if they’d tracked down his e-mail.
“I’m sorry, unless you have a specific reason for calling or know who you are trying to reach, I’m not sure I can help you.” The woman’s tone was flat and extremely unhelpful.
“I’m calling in response to an offer I received via e-mail.” This could be a sign, countersign procedure, but the e-mail hadn’t indicated any specific phrasing. Most likely, it was receiving the e-mail at all that would get him through the next security check.
There was silence on the phone for a moment, then the woman’s cadence turned crisp. “Are you having car trouble? Spent time in the hospital recently? Or maybe experienced a recent break-in at your home? Our attorneys can help you get the money you might deserve.”
Well, that was a triple coincidence.
“Yes, I’ve had some car trouble in the last couple of days, had to spend time in the hospital after that, and someone broke into the apartment I was in this week, too.” The appropriate phrases were pretty obvious in this situation.
“All right, sir, I’ll transfer you to someone who can help you right away.”
Not the most formal sign, countersign procedure he’d ever experienced, but it was pretty organic as conversations went.
“Zerta.” A male voice picked up the line. “Thank you for calling us, Mr. Forte.”
Forte wasn’t in the mood for word games. “This is starting to sound like a cheesy spy movie. What are you offering me?”
There was a pause, then a slow chuckle. The man on the other end of the call cleared his throat. “I apologize. I hope my laugh didn’t add to the B-rated movie theme. To be concise, we’d like to offer you a position with our private organization. We’re prepared to make the same offer to both of your partners. We feel each of you would be a valuable asset.”
“Why do you think I would be interested in private contracts?” Forte had had the option, even been approached by one or two other private military organizations. He didn’t have the same negative opinion of mercenaries as others might, but it hadn’t been what he’d wanted for his future.
“You haven’t lost your edge, Mr. Forte. Not even after five years of retirement from active duty. We need seasoned, experienced leaders of your caliber. Your knowledge of military working dogs would also allow us to broaden the range of services we can provide to our clients.” The man on the other end of the line delivered his reasoning smoothly. He probably wasn’t lying, either.
But Forte had the distinct desire to up his personal fitness regimen immediately and maybe get in some extra training on a few skill sets. Whatever he could manage on his own out here. Because this organization had financial means to send more than just one hitter after a target. They were going to be harder to discourage than a single stalker would be. No. This was going to have to be a thorough takedown.
Either way, it was time to end the call before it could be traced. Cruz had a redirect set up for the disposable numbers so it’d given Forte a few extra minutes and they probably knew he was on the continent. But he needed to drop off before they figured out the time zone.
“I’ll think about it and call you back at this number.”
The other man chuckled again. “Excellent. Please don’t take too much time. We’ll be waiting.”
Chapter Fifteen
The chef responsible for the meals sent so far was equally good at presentation and flavor. Right in the middle of the afternoon, Brandon had intercepted the proprietor coming down the road from the main house to deliver a large picnic basket.
He’d been distracted today, though, and only laid out the food without asking her what she thought about it.