Fuse coughed out a laugh at the notion. “He’s an ISIS deputy. You do understand that any information the FBI obtains will be a major accomplishment and will not be passed on to any other agency.”
Ghost groaned, massaging the back of his neck. “The sonofabitch will die or be sent to GITMO before he talks.”
Wrath rested his arms on the desk, jaw set. The current FBI director was part of the few people who knew about Eternal Brethren. He disliked the military, especially those who could deploy on American soil. A man who wanted to dismantle the undercover motorcycle club.
“I understand your concerns. You both have family in Texas. The FBI has never provided Grayson with feedback, and the current director is not our friend. Let me remind you, our ops include deep-cover reconnaissance, high-value target extraction, hostage recovery, and destruction of enemy forces posing a threat to our citizens. We have no right to expect anything once we’ve completed our mission.”
Wrath’s office door shoved open, Rock and several others entering. “What did we miss?” Rock took a seat next to Ghost, setting a to-go cup of coffee on the table.
“Nothing you’re not used to hearing,” Wrath said. “The FBI has closed ranks. They’re not providing anything to Grayson.” When the grumbling began, he held up a hand. “Let me remind everyone, being read-in on their interrogation is outside our pay grades. We did our job and completed it without incident. Which means we have a stellar record. Focus on what’s important, gentlemen.” He walked to the door, opening it. “Fuse. I need you to stay. The rest of you head out to the lake for training.”
Fuse stayed seated, his mind going over possibilities while the others grinned. All the men preferred training time in the water over anything except an actual mission.
Closing the door, Wrath studied Fuse as he returned to his chair. “How are you doing?”
He sat up straighter. “Me? Fine.”
“No issues outside of the team?”
Brows bunching, Fuse leaned forward, eyes locking with Wrath’s. “I’m solid. Are you going to tell me what’s going on with the questions, Prez?”
“Brittany Blackmore.”
Fuse stilled, his hands balling into fists. “What about her?”
“Did you know her father contacted Kell Kirkland at White Eagle Security to put a man on her?”
He almost came out of his chair. “Why? Is there a specific threat? Do they know who it is?”
Unfazed by Fuse’s agitation, Wrath slid a file across the desk. “Everything I know is in there. Senator Blackmore was contacted by an anonymous source. The untraceable call used a voice scrambling system, which means Blackmore didn’t recognize it. They warned him harm would come to Brittany if he didn’t support legislation as expected by further instructions. Problem is, he has no idea what types of legislation. It was opened-ended. There are votes all the time, and Blackmore has no idea which bills matter to those threatening Brittany. Truth is, he doesn’t care. He won’t yield to threats of any kind.”
“Even against his daughter?”
“That’s his stance. It could be the same group who went after her last year, or an entirely different threat. Kell and Deke are on other assignments, so Kell put Mitch McBride on her.”
Fuse skimmed the contents of the file, shaking his head. “This makes no sense. Why would Blackmore hire a firm out here when Brittany works and lives back east?”
“As of today, she’s the new chief of staff for Senator Holden.”
Fuse’s chest tightened. “From Arizona?”
“Do you know another?”
“Shit.”
Wrath waited a moment before continuing. “Blackmore requested you join Mitch in protecting his daughter. Also, he hasn’t alerted the FBI. He and the director don’t get along.”
Fuse shoved the file back across the desk. “No.”
Features hardening, Wrath leaned forward. “Excuse me?”
“Come on, Commander. We didn’t exactly end our relationship on good terms. She isn’t going to want me anywhere near her. And you can forget about her cooperating.”
“She doesn’t know Mitch is on her. Unless you show yourself, there’s a good chance she won’t learn either of you are on protective detail.” Wrath leaned forward. “Unless there’s a specific threat. Then she’ll have to be looped-in.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Fuse stared at the file Wrath hadn’t moved to take. “Brittany’s always had a sixth sense. She’ll know if I’m within fifty feet of her.”
Wrath offered a grim nod. “Then you won’t care if I have Bas partner with Mitch.”
“Hell yes, I’d mind. Broussard doesn’t know Brittany, her habits or personality.” Fuse wouldn’t voice his concern about his single teammate who was looking for a quality woman. “What about Rock or Ghost?”
“I’m not putting one of our married men on her. Plus, you damn well know I can’t do without either of them.” Rubbing a brow, Wrath grabbed the file, sliding it into a drawer. “If you’re certain, head out to the lake. Send Bas back to see me.”
Fuse didn’t move, nostrils flaring, lips thinning. Staring at nothing in particular, he allowed himself a few minutes to reconsider Wrath’s words. If Fuse truly was over Brittany, taking the assignment wouldn’t be an issue.
Someone would need to help Mitch. Right now, it would be him or Bas. He’d be damned if his teammate would be watching out for Brittany. Standing, his teeth ground together.
“Let me have the file. When should I report?”
Wrath showed no reaction. The bastard knew Fuse wouldn’t allow anyone else from Eternal Brethren to protect Brittany.
“I’ll contact Kell. He’ll arrange to put you in touch with Mitch. The two of you can work out the schedule.”
“I’d say thanks, but you already know I don’t mean it.” Heading out the door, he blew out a curse when Wrath chuckled.
Phoenix
Brittany placed both hands on her hips, surveying the two bedroom furnished apartment close to the Biltmore Golf Club. She’d latched onto it when learning about the vacancy. Located a few blocks from Senator Holden’s office, it was on the ground floor and a true find. Plus, unlike apartments the same distance in the other direction, she could afford it.
Rolling her two suitcases into the master bedroom, she slung one, then the other onto the mattress. She already knew the place didn’t come with linens. After unpacking, Brittany planned a trip to the large center a few blocks down the street.
Stashing away the last piece of clothing, she returned to the living room to grab her purse. Before opening the door, Brittany did what had become a habit. She lifted the blinds, looking out the front window before letting out a slow breath.
For the last week, she’d sensed someone watching her. She’d even mentioned it to her mother, who commented something about everyone in D.C. believing they were under surveillance. Brittany had let it go, but wondered if someone might have discovered her friend’s hacking.
Retrieving her bags at the airport and hailing a cab, she’d been certain someone followed her from the plane. Whenever she glanced around, no one appeared to care at all about her presence.