Edge of Surrender by Laura Griffin Page B

Jones,” Ryan said. “Jake said he’s a CIA asset in the Philippines. The name ring a bell?”
    â€œNo.” Emma searched her memory banks but came up with nothing. “Sounds like an alias, though. Is that really his name?”
    â€œDoubtful,” Ryan said. “Anyway, he passed along some surveillance footage a few months ago showing a meeting in Quezon City outside Manila between Avedo Senior and Oscar Guinto.”
    â€œWho’s that?”
    â€œGuinto’s the local leader of the Asian Crescent Brotherhood, which has ties to Al Qaeda. We don’t know what the meeting was about, but we’re starting to get some ideas.”
    â€œWhen was this meeting?” Emma asked.
    â€œTen days before your plane went down.”
    Emma focused on the road, trying not to react. She couldn’t believe Richard Conner, someone she’d actually considered a personal friend, had ties to such people. Not just ties—it sounded like he was actually in business with them.
    â€œAvedo passed Guinto a thumb drive. We don’t know what was on it, but it could have had something to do with the attack on the plane. Guinto controls militant groups that operate from many of the southern islands, including the one where the crash happened.”
    â€œRichard Conner was supposed to be on that trip with us,” Emma said. “He canceled at the last minute because he got tied up at some meeting in Singapore. At least, that’s what he said.” The sign appeared for the Coronado Bridge. Emma checked the clock. “How are we doing on time?”
    â€œGood.”
    â€œI’m surprised he wants to meet so close to the naval base. You said he’s CIA?”
    Ryan adjusted the side mirror. “Private contractor. My guess is he used to be spec ops, maybe a frogman. A lot of SEALs go into private work after they get out.”
    What did Ryan plan to do when he got out? She doubted he wanted to leave the Navy anytime soon. He obviously loved his job. Thrived on it. What would it take to make him settle down? “So . . .” She cleared her throat. “They go into private work because they miss the action?”
    â€œYeah, sometimes. Or sometimes they need the money. Other times they get injured, can’t return to combat.”
    Emma’s blood chilled. She hated thinking about all the dangers he faced in his job. She had spent weeks worrying about him after they’d parted ways in the Philippines, and they hadn’t even been a couple then. They still weren’t. She didn’t know what they were exactly, but just the thought of him leaving again made her stomach hurt.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” he asked. “You look upset.”
    â€œI’m just . . . worried.”
    â€œWe can bail on this if you want,” Ryan said. “The feds are already gathering evidence against Conner. This meeting could speed things along, but you’re not required to help with their investigation.”
    â€œI want to help. What do you think they need me to do?”
    â€œThis guy Jones has some surveillance pictures to show you. Mays will be there, too, and she wants to determine if you recognize Avedo Senior or Oscar Guinto from anywhere, if you ever saw them in the presence of Richard Conner. This guy Guinto, he’s high up in the ACB. If they can link him to the ambassador, it would be a major break in the investigation.”
    â€œBut I may not recognize him. I mean, I spent a lot of time with the Conners, but it’s not like I knew every one of their associates.”
    â€œOdds are you know something or saw something, and it could be something you’re not even aware of,” Ryan said. “What Renee Conner knew got her killed. I wouldn’t underestimate how badly these guys want to eliminate anyone who poses a threat.”
    The words hung there in the truck as Emma drove. With every minute that ticked by,