“What about the death of their men?” Fuse asked. “Plus the arrest of four others. Their rep is they continue until they’ve gotten what they want.”
“Hell, Fuse. They don’t care about those who died.” Wrangler, who’d remained silent until now, swiped a bottle of water from the counter. “The Russians have one goal, given to them by the head of Butovo Bratva. If they don’t grab Brittany, their lives won’t be worth shit. Their cruelty extends to those inside the Brotherhood if they fail.”
Deke held up a hand. “All right. So we know the identity of the wounded Russian. Ethan says the other three are known members of the Devils. All will go to trial. We believe Brittany is still in danger. Do we all agree this is still the best place to protect her?”
Fuse had been thinking about the same for days, even considering getting her far away from here. Grayson could send a plane to a small airstrip outside Liberty Lake, taking them out of state.
“She’s safe here.” Surprised he’d spoken, Fuse couldn’t deny it was the correct choice.
The rest agreed, settling the issue without discussion. “I’ll let Kell and Wrath know.” Deke withdrew his phone. “There’s no reason to rouse Brittany. Let her sleep. Last night had to be hard on her. For now, we monitor the camera feeds, hunker down, and wait for Viktor and Vulture to make a move.” Deke retreated to the office to make his calls, leaving the others to get breakfast.
Gunner headed to the refrigerator, setting out cartons of eggs, packages of bacon and sausage, butter, and a half-gallon of buttermilk for pancakes. He knew how much these guys could eat, plus they had men outside guarding the perimeter.
Fuse poured another cup of coffee, looking at Ghost over the rim of the cup. “Do you know if Grayson has heard from the FBI director about threats to the other two senators?”
“From what Wrath said, the FBI moved their families to safe houses. U.S. Marshals have been called in to help with protection. You heard anything more, Rock?”
“Wrath told me the same. Grayson believes it’s up to the CIA to bring down the leader of the Butovo Bratva. The odds are it won’t happen in time to help us.”
Mitch grabbed a cup of coffee. “The answer is disruption. Last night was a small example. If Viktor had been killed, it would’ve had a major impact on the Bratva.”
Fuse set down the cup, gripping his phone. “Wrath? We’ve got an idea.”
Brittany woke to a bright, sunlit bedroom and an empty bed. Turning onto her back, she thought of last night, the horrible scenes at Fuse’s home, the way he’d made slow, sweet love to her until they’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms.
It would be easy to tell herself their passionate lovemaking had been the start of a possible future. As she thought back, a knot formed in her stomach. It had felt more like a goodbye instead of an invitation for more.
Plodding into the bathroom, Brittany took a longer than normal shower, giving herself time to think. The hot water sluiced through her long hair and down her back, easing some of the tension. A video of the last two weeks played through her mind.
Shopping for a car with Mitch, the explosion in her apartment, being whisked away to Fuse’s home. The knot in her stomach grew, knowing she’d never see it again.
Increasing the heat, she continued the memory, recalling their conversations, the attack, the times they’d made love. Last night. The movie ended as tears streamed down her face.
Turning off the water, she grabbed an oversized towel, draping it around her. Wiping away the tears, Brittany told herself they came from exhaustion and constant fear at what might happen. Telling herself they had nothing to do with Scott and all they’d lost, she dried her hair and body.
Slipping into panties and a bra, she drew the brush through her blonde hair, stunned at the dark circles underneath her eyes. Bending over, she splashed cold water on her face. Lifting her head, she frowned at the same tiny bags.
Giving up, she moisturized her face and brushed her teeth before drying her hair. Foregoing makeup, she briefly wondered about the silence in the house. This late, she’d expected someone to wake her.
Dressing, and at the urging of her stomach, she headed to the kitchen, hearing voices in the office. Fuse sat with several others, sketching on a piece of paper. He didn’t notice her approach.
“Good morning. At least, I think it’s morning.”
Everyone except Fuse acknowledged her, smiles on their faces. Her stomach clenched, until he stood, coming to her. Bending, he brushed a kiss across her cheek.
“How about breakfast?” Fuse checked the time. “Or lunch?” Placing an arm around her shoulders, he walked with her to the kitchen. Instead of letting her go, he turned her toward him, crushing his mouth to hers.
Brittany’s arms went around his neck, holding him to her. After a minute, he lifted his head, breathing hard and still wanting more.
“How are you feeling?” Dropping his hold on her, he stepped away.
Honestly, she didn’t know how she felt after his greeting. Before leaving her bedroom, she’d been certain last night was a goodbye of sorts.
“Probably a lot better than you. What time did you get up? Must’ve been early.” Heading to the counter, she made a cup of coffee. “Ah…that is sooo good. Any eggs in there?” She nodded at the refrigerator.
Opening the door, he motioned inside. “Another dozen. Wrath is sending a bunch more food later today. There’s bacon, too.”
“I’ll make scrambled eggs. I know you need to get back to the others. Seemed you were in some sort of planning session.”
“We’re expecting a call from Wrath. Not sure when.”
“About last night, Scott?”
“In a roundabout way.”
Breaking three eggs in a bowl, she added a small amount of milk, along with salt and pepper. Whisking them together, she glanced at him.
“Do you mind if I sit in?”
Shaking his head, he placed his hands on his hips. “Not this time, sweetheart.” He shot her a meaningful glance, seeing understanding on her face.
“No problem. I have work to do, and hope to take a walk later this afternoon. You’re welcome to tag along.”
Fuse walked to the hall, turning to look at her. “I’d love to walk with you, babe.”
It had taken three hours, but the time proved worth it. Fuse had started the conversation, Rock and the others offering their ideas and opinions.
Wrath had made the call to Grayson, who contacted the Secretary of the Navy and Director of the FBI. SECNAV had agreed after a few questions, wishing the men luck. The FBI director stalled, not wanting to be upstaged by those under Grayson’s command. In the end, he’d grudgingly given his approval.
They were all on a video call, working out the details at what had originally been Fuse’s idea.
“I’ve studied the sketch and notes you sent,” Wrath said. “There are some details to work out and Intel to gather. Grayson trusts us to put the mission plan together and be ready to go within hours of obtaining the location. Gentlemen, this is great work. We’re going to end this once and for all.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Brittany typed back a message to her hacker friend, Chels, getting more excited as the time ticked by. They’d been communicating since she finished breakfast, going over the pros and cons of Brittany’s idea.