Within his first week as part of Lawson's administration, Diego managed to establish a routine. As Edward Lebold—Eddie to some acquaintances he made—he inspected the telegraph office to make sure it was running and receiving messages from all over Concordia and beyond. He also did some archival work in the courthouse and City Hall when possible, and if Mister Lebold made a habit of attending church every spare waking moment, then that was his one quirk. In this routine, Diego acted as a spy for the resistance; archival work allowed him access to the regime's documents, which he copied and left behind in churches for Katherine or any other resistance member to receive. The documents held by the Justice Corps, courtesy of being on friendly terms with the officer he met, who happened to be the Justice Corps' leader, Inspector General Jaubert, were especially useful. He also managed to telegraph the capital to reach Mister Johnson, the Assistant Attorney General, and learned that he had managed to bring Florence Samuels before the state court to appeal her sentence. In his role, he also discovered that the late Judge Takakura requested copies of certain documents—arrest records, civil plans for Concordia created by Lawson…Diego had no doubt these were the papers the old judge bequeathed to Mister Johnson. The one document he found that had him baffled was a stay of execution for two convicts, Bart McMullen and Tommy Fletcher.

"Why would Lawson spare anyone?" Diego asked himself. "He doesn't believe in mercy, or redemption." It was something to think about; the names on the order sounded familiar to him. On the other hand, this document was a stay of execution, not a pardon, which meant that their deaths were delayed for some reason, and Diego didn't think the stay was for legal purposes. Indeed, the stay had their executions scheduled on a specific day, June 18, but a year wasn't noted. He continued his routine, and today, he saw Jaubert and Officer Smythe talking. Diego frowned—Jaubert was fanatical to the point of having no real thoughts of his own; all Diego had to do was quote the damned guide and inject cheer and praise for the regime into his speech and Jaubert would say almost anything. Smythe, on the other hand, was more skeptical, though no less devoted to the regime. Diego had to watch his back with that one, less his cover was blown.

"Good morning, Eddie!" Jaubert called out. "It's a good day for justice!"

"It is indeed, Inspector General!" Diego replied. "Mayor Lawson shall never falter!"

"It would be a better day if Beatty hadn't screwed up." Smythe muttered. Diego blinked to show confusion. He remembered reading something in the New Truth about a man named Beatty, arrested for murder and put to trial with that harpy Umbright presiding, Lawson having assigned her a judgeship to replace Takakura.

"Ah, but what is one screw up in the light of our illustrious Mayor's bringing Concordia to the light of justice?" Diego asked. "At least this Beatty has gotten his just desserts!"

"That is true. Beatty has paid for his failure to capture the resistance, and for losing one of his underlings to them."

"But the Flying Squad is on our side!" Jaubert said. "I for one can take comfort in that."

"Are they?" Smythe asked. "They did have that crook del Lobo on staff, and they claim to have no idea where he's gone since he left."

"Mayor Lawson ordered them to sever all ties, Smythe, so they would have no idea. I did speak with (Rank) (Name) about it and they swore that del Lobo left town."

"They could be lying." Smythe then turned to Diego. "Lebold, what's your opinion?"

"Me? Well…" Diego said.

"Come on, I know you've been doing archive work, so you had to have seen del Lobo's file. Do you think (Rank) (Name) is telling the truth when they say he left Concordia?"

"In my humble opinion…yes." Diego said. "I did look over del Lobo's file, and my opinion of him is that he is an opportunistic coward."

"A coward?" Smythe asked. "Really?"

"The cad was a forger, who chose to use whatever talent for art he had to copy great works rather than take the chance of coming out as an artist in his own right. It should be logical to say that when the heat is on, he goes running."

"And unfortunately, he is good at slipping out of tight spots, since we never did find him at the docks. I also find him spiteful as he destroyed a viable piece of police equipment and stole a badge."

"We never even caught him until (Rank) (Name) came to town." Jaubert said. "Still, we'll keep looking—it's just as likely he made it look like he fled the city only to circle back."

"That is very wise, Inspector General." Diego said, feeling warm. So (Rank) (Name) was trying to protect him the only way they could, by claiming he left. A year ago, they would've been right—the man he was would have left for greener pastures the moment Lawson was inaugurated.

"Eddie, if you're not busy, do you think you could make a stop at the Concordian Telephone Company?" Jaubert asked. "I'm hoping to add a telephone line to the telegraph office!"

"I'll see what I can do, Inspector General." Diego said. "We must remain steadfast, for tomorrow belongs to justice!"

"That it does, Eddie, that it does!" Diego waved good-bye and went on his way. He was glad to learn the Flying Squad was defending him the only way they could, but not surprised that it didn't work. The goons were still looking for Diego del Lobo, wanted for sedition, aiding in the escape of a prisoner and destroying police equipment. He stopped by the Oak Park Cathedral during a break, and looked on the altar, the place being all but empty at this time. Diego looked around, made a show of kneeling before the altar and felt the message under the cloth, which he managed to slip out and into his jacket. Diego didn't dare pull it out until he got to a front pew, where he could slip it into the bible he picked up from the shelf. It was in the code Concordians used to send secret messages, a code Lawson himself outlawed and Diego memorized so he could read without a cipher.

"Amen, I say to you, for today you will be with me in Paradise." the message said on its front. Katherine used the quote to mark the message as meant for Diego, the quote of what Jesus said to Saint Dismas as they both waited for death on the cross, after Dismas asked Jesus to remember him when He went to His Kingdom. Diego checked his surroundings again, and in the guise of reading a bible passage, unfolded the letter.

"We lost a resistance member, and our headquarters." The letter read. "The Flying Squad knows of us, and are helping us as best as they can. We've relocated to Prospect Gardens. We also have a sanctuary at the Crystal Palace, and need a place for a secure telephone line. Any word from the state?"

"Finally, there's unity between the resistance and the Flying Squad." Diego said as he took out a blank piece of paper and wrote. "Florence Samuels has reached the capital, Attorney General Johnson appealing sentence as we speak. Johnson also has copies of arrest records since Lawson's inauguration as well as his plans for Concordia. I will see that a secure line is installed at the Crystal Palace. Stay safe."

"And I have a telephone line to install at the telegraph office." Diego said as he folded his note, then wrote on the front "Remember me when you come into your kingdom" before hiding it under the altar cloth. The note from Katherine, he burned at the prayer altar where the votive candles were kept. He stayed there until the note was burned to ash, then he left and headed towards the Concordian Telephone Company. Charlie had owned it, and while Diego had a part in its founding, he wasn't a partner; it was the only reason the Justice Corps hadn't seized it. He had just entered the building when a voice called out to Diego.

"Excuse me? Sir?" Diego turned and saw Charlie standing there. "Can I help you?"

"Ah, yes." Diego said. "Edward Lebold, my good man. I was sent to establish a secure telephone line for the telegraph office."

"Is that so? Well, Mister Lebold, I happen to be the owner of the company, so if you'll step into my office…"

"Oh, thank you very much, Mister…"

"Dupont. Charles Dupont." Diego followed Charlie to his office. It was what Diego would describe as "organized chaos", similar to his lab on the airship. Charlie shut the door, locked it and made sure all the blinds on the windows were closed.

"I see you already drew up plans for a secure line." Diego said, looking at the papers.

"Oh, yes, I did." Charlie answered. "A private order for someone who didn't want to deal with the paper trace of the telegraph."

"I see. You are aware, of course, that the current administration likes to keep track of the doings of the citizens."

"I am. But I also believe in maintaining a person's privacy, as is their right."

"A right that becomes a privilege in these troubled times."

"Troubled times that Lawson is using to justify his overreach! I suppose you wish for me to report every detail to the Justice Corps; I hear Officer Blanton has been particularly vigilant in his duties."

"Not vigilant enough, as for his failure to apprehend a dangerous criminal, Georgie was reassigned to guard duty." Too late, Diego realized he gave himself away as Charlie stared at him wide-eyed.

"Oh, mon Dieu…" Charlie whispered. "Diego?"

"I…I don't know what you're talking about!" Diego said. "My name is—"

"Diego del Lobo. I suspected as much, but didn't know for certain until now. No one else calls Officer Blanton "Georgie", and your voice—I thought it sounded familiar." Diego sighed, and took off the disguise.

"Yes, it's me. Charlie—" Before he could continue, Diego felt himself pushed back when Charlie slugged him in the jaw. "What the hell was that for?!"

"That was for making me lie to the Justice Corps!" Charlie cried.

"I didn't make you lie, Charles, as you couldn't tell a lie to save your life. I helped you speak a portion of the truth, there is a difference."

"The Justice Corps—the administration—believe you destroyed the DNA Machine, because of what you had me say to them!"

"That's what I counted on. You told the Justice Corps the truth—I was in your lab when the DNA Machine was destroyed, what they assumed afterwards is not your responsibility." Charlie just looked at him. "Charles, if I didn't take the fall for you on that, it would've been for Florence Samuels. Or anything else. Lawson would have done something to me no matter what any of us did, I just made sure you didn't go down with me."

"If I had known you would have risked yourself—"

"It's done, so it doesn't matter. Charles, I only have myself to worry about; you're a married man with a baby on the way." Charlie was quiet for a moment, then sighed.

"I don't like that you set yourself up," Charlie said. "But I understand why you did."

"So, you recognized my voice." Diego said, changing the subject as he placed his disguise back on.

"I heard nuances in your voice, as though you were disguising it so I was suspicious. I didn't know for certain until you slipped about Blanton."

"I'll remember to watch that. Now, a little bird told me you were planning a secure line for the resistance; the telegraph office is a good place."

"It could be. I…can you tell me something, and I want the truth from you."

"If I can."

"Did you love Madeline?" Now it was Diego's turn to look at Charlie.

"Where is this coming from?" Diego asked.

"Did you love Madeline, yes or no?" Charlie asked. "I won't hit you again for it, if that's what you're worried about."

"I don't want to ruin your marriage, Charles—"

"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't want to hear the answer. Did. You. Love. Madeline?" Diego gave a sigh, then decided to tell the truth.

"When I first met Maddie, I was attracted to her. I've always admired spirit in a woman, and I confess to having a weakness for gingers. I can admit to lusting for her, at first. But over time, as I got to know her—all of you—I began to see her courage, her convictions for the badge, for justice. She is a woman any man would find attractive, if they weren't threatened by her unconventional ways and the fact she had a brain and used it, and wasn't afraid to stand up for anything or anyone. Then again, any man who believes a woman has to be a ninny to be considered suitable for marriage isn't really a man, but an insecure boy who wants a doll to play with and mold. I've learned a long time ago never to underestimate what a woman is capable of, even if society has its own ideas on that. Did I love Madeline? Yes, I did fall in love with her, but you have to remember, Charlie, that I stopped pursuing her when the two of you went steady."

"You could have continued your pursuit of her." Charlie said. "Kept after her even after our attachment."

"I could have, but as much as I had loved her, she loved you more." Diego said. "I couldn't challenge her decision and still call myself a gentleman, or your friend. In the end, she chose you, Charles, and I could do nothing about it except get out of the way. Right now, my passions for her have cooled and the love I feel for her is what I feel for a sister."

"That…that is good. Not what I expected, but good. I am sorry to make you uncomfortable, but I needed to know your feelings for Maddie, because I need to ask you something."

"Anything within reason."

"We are in perilous times, mon ami, and we can not say who will survive, and who will not." Charlie said. "You are the most likely to survive this, so I must ask you, Diego, that you will take care of Maddie and the baby if anything should happen to me."

"Charles…" Diego said, but Charlie gripped both his hands and looked at him, pleading.

"Please, Diego, watch over my wife and child if I can not." Charlie said. "I can't…we made some arrangements, but…please!"

"I promise, Charlie. If anything, God forbid happens, I'll take care of them."

"Thank you." Diego took his hands away from Charlie, and glancing at the door, resumed his persona.

"No, Mister Dupont, thank you, for offering to establish the secure line at the telegraph office." Charlie got the gist, and nodded.

"My pleasure…Mister Lebold. I'll keep you posted on how the work progresses." Diego nodded and left the office.