Page 22 of Covert Mission

“Detective Dixon, I’m Brent Maddox. What should I know to better protect my operatives and you?”

“I can take care of myself.”

“You need someone to watch your back and that of your partner. Like it or not, someone seems to be on the take. We can help if you let us.”

“We work with law enforcement agencies around the globe,” Teagan added. “We know how to work within the confines of the law when necessary.” They just preferred to work outside those constraints.

He was silent a moment. “All right.”

Brent chuckled. “How much did that hurt?”

“Felt like a mule kick to the gut.”

“I bet. Teagan, Fortress resources are at your disposal. If we can help, we will. Report in every six hours, and watch your back.” He ended the call.

Seth slid his hand under her shirt at her waist and stroked her skin. Goosebumps surged across her body. Whoa. Seth Dixon was dangerous.

“Second call, babe,” Seth murmured, sounding as though he was nearly asleep.

Right. Teagan called her team leader, Iona Byrne.

“Talk to me,” Iona said.

“You’re on speaker with Seth.” To Artemis’ leader, Teagan gave an abbreviated report. “Seth and his partner have a meeting at 9:00 tomorrow morning. We’ll make a plan after that meeting.”

“Opinion on the meeting?”

Teagan frowned. “I don’t like that it’s in Seth’s precinct. If one cop in his house is dirty, he and Noah will be targets, as will whoever meets with them.”

“Seth?”

“My opinion matches Teagan’s. I don’t like it.”

“Can you and Noah have this meeting somewhere else, somewhere neutral?”

“Maybe. You have a suggestion?”

“Fortress Security. No way will anyone get to you or Noah at our headquarters. It’s neutral territory which should make whatever agency is compromised a lot happier. Until today, you haven’t been associated with Fortress. No one would expect you to be on the Fortress campus. What do you think?”

“It’s a good idea. Give me a few minutes to contact Noah and our LT. Teagan can let you know as soon as we have an answer from the lieutenant.”

“Sounds good. I’ll expect to hear from you soon. Teagan, I’ll be at Seth’s in an hour with supplies. Stay alert.” Iona ended the call.

Seth pushed the hem of Teagan’s shirt up just enough to press a kiss to her waist. “I need my phone.”

She scooped his phone from the nightstand and handed it to him.

After a quick conversation with his partner, Seth said, “Noah will contact the LT and get his approval for the change in the meeting place. If we get it, my partner will text.”

“Good.” Teagan squeezed his forearm. “Rest, Seth. The most important thing you can do for yourself is rest.”

“I should hunt down Pico’s killer.”

“Realistically, you’re in no shape to go hunting. Sleep. When you’re ready, I’ll help you.”

Seth inched closer and tightened his grip on Teagan. “I’ll sleep for a couple of hours. No longer.”

She’d take that for now. Hopefully, she and Violet could convince Seth to take the night to recharge. “Rest,” she murmured. “I’ve got you, Seth.”