We usually work in combat environments, Duff said. Mingling with the rich and famous might be a bit out of our league.
Again, Fontaine said, I dont know who else I could trust. When we took down the assassin after Oscar Melton, we found a mole in the CIA orchestrating some of the assassinations. We dont know how deep into our nations security the problem exists.
Montanas fists clenched. They were all supposed to be on the same side. When the organization had bad seeds within it, people lost faith, and the infrastructure of that entity crumbled from within. After all theyd been through in Cancun, and the multiple attempts on his friend Sawyers life, he would be happy to see this operation to the bitter end. Im in.
* * *
WHY ME? KATE faced Royce. Im with the CIA. As far as you know, I could be as rotten as the deputy director you brought down.
Her friend Becca stepped forward. I vouched for you. My father and Oscar only had good things to say about your work and your integrity. They trusted you.
Kates cheeks heated. Even after my demotion?
Becca nodded. Especially after. You couldnt know your partner was a double agent. Im betting you learned a valuable lesson from the whole affair.
Out of the corner of her eye, Kate saw Montanas face jerk toward her.
Well, to hell with him. People made mistakes. Unfortunately, shed made a double-whammy mistake. Falling for her partner was bad enough. Not doing her homework to learn the man she was sleeping with was actually a Russian double agent was worse. Kate was lucky she hadnt been kicked out of the CIA. Being demoted from field agent to desk duty had been bad, but not the end of her career.
With a sigh, she pushed the past behind her and glanced at Mica. Ill need to get inside your head and know your moves, expressions, likes and dislikes, as well as who your friends are, and known enemies.
Mica smiled. I like the way you think. Her smile faded. But if I am a target, and you take my place, youll become the target. She shook her head and turned to Royce. I cant put Kate in that position.
If it helps uncover whos after you, Im in, Kate said. Hell, if it gets me out of desk duty, Ill do just about anything.
Royce glanced at Montana. What about you, Raines? Are you up for playing dress-up and body-double?
Montana shrugged. As I said, Im in.
Mica Brantley nodded. Thank you both. I hope nothing bad comes of the yacht club fund-raiser. Its supposed to be all about the children and raising money for them.
Our aim is to make certain nothing happens, Royce assured her.
Then Ill see you all at the event. Mica stared around the room. In some form or fashion. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I was running out of alternatives. Im hoping with your help to recover my stepdaughter.
Were looking into that. Geek and Lance have been searching the internet and backtracking through all the footage of the marathon.
Micas eyes widened. Anything new?
Royce shook his head. Nothing yet, but were not done.
Her shoulders slumped. Thank you for all youve done thus far.
With a dip of his head, Royce squeezed her hand. Until tomorrow.
After Mica left the room with Rex, Royce returned his attention to the group. Any questions?
Her mind already ten steps ahead, Kate raked her gaze over Montana. Well need clothes and shoes.
I have clothes and shoes, Montana said.
Royce grinned. Trust Kate. Youll need new clothes and shoes. And they wont be cheap. Dont worry about budget or what to buy. I have one of my agents on standby at a local high-end clothier. Shell guide you two on selections and then arrange for your makeover.
Montanas brows dipped, and the SEALs around the table chuckled.
Going preppy on us, Montana? the man Royce had introduced as Jace Hunter asked.
Dont go hookin up with some rich hoochie mama, the one nicknamed Rip said. Your country needs you as a SEAL, not a bonbon-eating gigolo.
Rips comment had all the guys laughing.
Kate got a strange amount of enjoyment from Montanas discomfort. At the same time, she couldnt wait to see the big man decked out in a suit and tie. Then again...if she thought he was ruggedly handsome in jeans, with a T-shirt stretching tautly over his massive chest...she might have palpitations over this SEALs magnetism in a suit or tuxedo.
Get a grip.
Kate squared her shoulders. When do we start?
Theres a company car pulling up to the back of the building now. Royce turned to the others in the room. We could use some help clearing the building and moving to our disaster recovery site.
Everyone rose at once, talking and moving toward the door.
Kate went through first.
Becca caught up with her. Ill show you the way out the back.
Once Montana joined them, they headed along the hallway, dimly lit by emergency lighting. Becca opened a door to a stairwell and they descended to the ground level.
When Becca reached for the exit door, Montana covered her hand with his. Let me go first.
Becca snorted. At this point, were all tactical. Male or female, were trained in urban warfare.
You and Kate might be trained in urban warfare, but Ive survived urban warfare. And if thats not good enough, my mama taught me to open doors for ladies. He winked and stepped around her.
Kates heart skipped several beats at the sexy wink.
Becca turned to her friend with a smile. Oh, hes smooth, that one.
Montana exited the building, closing the door behind him. A moment later, he opened it and held it for the women.
Becca stood back. Im not actually going with you. I need to help move operations to the backup location.
Kate hugged her. Thanks for thinking of me.
Her friend squeezed her tightly. I figured you were perfect for this job. Stay safe.
I will. Kate released Becca.
Montana stood beside a long, black, chauffeur-driven car, holding the door for her.
Kate gave him a crooked grin.
I told you, he said. My mama taught me to treat the ladies right.
Your mother would be proud, she said, and slid into the backseat, scooting over far enough to allow room for Montana.
So this was it. The start of a potentially dangerous operation, with a hunk of a SEAL as her sidekick, and a chance to redeem herself if things turned out okay. She couldnt help but cross her fingers and pray this mission went off like clockwork, they nailed the persons responsible for the hits and brought the Brantley girl home alive.
Chapter Three
Montana hated shopping. After trying on the fourth set of trousers, the fifth button-down shirt and the third suit jacket, hed had enough. Whats wrong with this one? he asked. Other than hed probably rip the damned thing when he went after the bad guys. One right uppercut and hed bust out the stitches.
SOS Agent Nicole Steele, who preferred to go by her nickname of Tazer, shook her head. We need to go another size larger. You cant move in that jacket. Good Lord, Ben, what do they feed men in Montana? She waved to the attendant and asked him to bring another size larger. We have a seamstress on standby to make the alterations quickly.