“Hate to break up the girl talk,” Adam says, his voice coming through the earpiece low and urgent. “We’ve got movement inside. Looks like they’re getting ready to roll.”
“Okay, men. You know what you have to do.” That’s Liam’s motivational speech before things kick up a notch.
We’re not the law, so we have to ensure we keep to this side of it…most of the time. Our role in this mission is to get the evidence and turn it over to our FBI contact. The rest of it is their problem—including the paperwork that no one likes to do.
I don’t envy them that.
I move into position, keeping low to the ground, my dark skin allowing me to blend into the background.
Gunshots echo through the forest.
“What the hell?” Liam says. “I thought everyone was accounted for inside.”
I don’t have time to respond. The unsettling crack of a twig behind me puts me on high alert. It’s the sound a twig makes when someone slowly creeps through the forest, not wanting to give away their location.
It’s too close for comfort.
I attempt to shift my position, to escape notice.
I’m too late. The sound of gunfire echoes once more through the forest. A burning pain rips along my arm.
Shit.
3
Isabelle
I leaveGranny’s house soon after discovering a potential way to prove I’m capable of being an operative with Liam’s team, and drive to work. Mojo sits happily in the back seat, watching San Francisco go past his open window.
“I wonder what kind of information was possibly stolen from the guest at the resort,” I say to Mojo. Excitement bubbles inside me like an overly shaken soda bottle as my mind riffles through the possibilities.
Possibilities that range from top-secret, government-level information, to something I’d rather not consider, such as an illicit love letter to a mistress.
Mojo barks his reply.
My phone rings and I accept the call without checking who it is first.
“Are you heading to the office?” Liam’s deep voice powers through the car speakers.
“Yes, I had to talk to my grandmother, so I’m running a little late. But I should be there shortly. Are you guys back already?”
“We’re in San Francisco, but we had to take Jayden to the hospital. He’s been shot.”
His voice doesn’t sound overly concerned, but that doesn’t stop the sudden chill surging through my body. “Is he okay?”
“His upper arm is pretty banged up, but it could have been a lot worse. He’s on medical leave—for the next three weeks at least, while his arm recuperates.”
I’m sure that news went over well. Jayden has a serious authority complex when it comes to following physician’s orders.
“I can take Mojo to him after work,” I say, “unless he can’t handle being separated from his dog a moment longer.”
The dog in question barks at his name.
“Yes, he would like that—but in his words, sooner rather than later, please. I’ll drive him home once the doctor’s finished with him. The rest of the guys are going home to shower before heading to the office.”
I shake my head even though Liam can’t see me. I wouldn’t be surprised if none of them have slept in over twenty-four hours, yet here they are, eager to get back to work.
Eager to kick someone else’s ass ASAP.
