Page 72 of The Brigadier
Danny was switching from one oversized screen to another, the number of computers and satellite equipment easily rivalingany military operation. I stood with my hands in my pockets, scanning one screen to the other. The other piece of technology that was advanced, not something a typical operation would have, captured noise from a significant distance.
Given the rather private location of the house, the dunes and the ocean waves, being able to cut through the natural din had kept a group of assassins from advancing on the property.
That had been years ago, three months after purchasing the house.
I hadn’t remembered the event until now, mostly because fighting whatever enemy who’d gotten pissed off had seemed normal up to this point. Even fun in a manner of speaking. Perhaps I’d enjoyed exploiting the more violent side of the organization too much.
“Nothing is going on, boss. You don’t need to worry.” Danny sat back, pulling a mug of coffee to his lips. “Although there is significant activity in the Atlantic. From what I can tell, a storm is brewing, a coastal gale.”
“When will it hit?”
“Days from now. But something to watch. The weather patterns are becoming unpredictable. Could be a gale washing in a couple days from now.”
One thing I’d learned a long time ago was that enemies valued and utilized any cover. Night. A busy restaurant. A storm. Whatever it took to hide their approach if possible was worth being concerned about.
“Just keep watch,” I told him. “A meeting has been set up with Bernardi and his men.”
He swung his chair in my direction. “Do you really think we’re dealing with the Cosa Nostra?”
“At this point, anything is possible. Coordinate the guards, but you, Maxim, and two others will head to town with me. I also had Tanner track down Chantel’s cousin.”
“I forgot about the warning. You’re going to grill her.”
“Warnings aren’t usually given freely. Something tells me some entity put her up to issuing the warning. I need to know who and why.”
Danny grinned. “You’re in a mood to erase scum from the earth.”
“You have no idea. As I said, make certain there’s enough coverage here. We’re leaving at ten tomorrow morning, back around five or six.”
“We have enough men,” he told me. “Stop worrying.”
I shook my head. “It’s in my nature to worry.”
He sat forward. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
“So do I.”
“There’s something we’re missing.”
Sighing, I glanced at the screens again. “Changes are coming. I feel it in my bones.”
“Maybe for the better.” His smile meant one thing. I was being teased about Chantel.
The truth was that my men had never seen me with anyone. I had a feeling it was quite the shock. “Then let’s make certain and keep it that way.”
“Two questions. The first. Why do you smell like strawberries?” His grin was goddamn mischievous.
“Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to. Second question.”
He laughed, once again swirling back and forth in his chair. “Heavy firepower tomorrow?”
“It should be nothing more than two meetings but as usual, we’ll always be prepared.”
“Understood. We will be.”
Why did I have the feeling we would need to be?
It was difficult not to think about the concern and need for heavy firepower as I headed up the stairs to Damien’s room. I heard him talking and my heart felt heavy when it shouldn’t be. But right now, the ugly realization that living this life could take more of a significant toll was something I couldn’t avoid thinking about.