Page 77 of Covert Operation
Everyone else chimes in, telling me what I already know. We’re wasting our time here.
I pull my phone out again and dial Isaac’s number since he’s only tapped into our earpieces when we’re active. I’m rubbing my tired eyes when he answers.
“Got something for me?”
“Nope. We’re packing up.” I blink a few times, trying to ease the lingering burn of exhaustion. “Has Intel come up with anything new?”
“Actually, yes.” Isaac’s voice lowers. “You’re not gonna believe this. Vincent emailed Heidi an hour ago wanting help with some shit that went down when he was in Nashville. She just started digging into it, so we don’t know anything yet, but there’s a chance it could be connected.”
I scrub at my face again. “If this shit is Vincent’s fault, I’m going to kick his ass.”
“You might have to get in line. And once Pierce is done with him, there won’t be much left.” Isaac snorts. “Especially if he finds out Vincent’s dragging Heidi into his mess.”
“Glad I’m not there.” There’s no doubt in my mind Heidi will help the old bastard. She’s always had a soft spot for him.
“Let me know what Heidi finds out. The odds of two separate, unconnected attacks here so close together are slim.” They have to be linked. I just can’t figure out how.
“I’ll keep you posted.” Isaac’s fingers tap against his keyboard. “You need me to book you a hotel for the night while we wait?”
“No.” I stand, stretching. “We’ve got a place.” I’m already moving for the door, motioning for the rest of my team to pack up so we can ship out. “Tell Heidi to find these assholes so I can get on with my life.”
“YOU GUYS ARE really getting together again?” I’m asking for clarification. Not because I didn’t understand what he said, but because I’m questioning his judgment.
But Christian doesn’t seem offended. He actually chuckles, slapping one hand onto my shoulder. “We live on the same street, man. Did you not think there was a reason for that?”
Technically, I’ve lived in the same building as most of the men on my team over the years, but we sure as hell didn’t get together five times a week. Not socially, anyway. “I assumed the reason was so you could look out for each other.”
That’s one of the perks of the townhomes where Savannah and her sister live. The majority of Rogue resides within the gated compound, so there’s always plenty of hands on deck in case shit goes down.
The street Christian and his brothers live on is the same way. All but one of them lives here, and nearly everyone has a wife and kids. It makes sense—especially given the past they all share—they would want as much protection as they could get.
Christian shakes his head at me. “You really haven’t made a single fucking friend in all these years?” He clicks his tongue. “That’s fucking sad, man.”
“I have Savannah.” I don’t mention her place in my life is a relatively recent development.
Christian’s brows come together. “That’s not the same thing and you know it.” He turns to the island, collecting the covered dish Lydia made. “You need friends in your life in addition to her.”
“You’remy friend.” I wouldn’t normally be so defensive. Especially not about something like this. Other people’s opinions of me and my life are none of my business. I generally don’t give a shit what they think.
But I respect Christian. And maybe I envy him a little bit. How easily he’s found people who understand him. People he can trust. People he can be close to.
I would lay down my life for the men on my team, and I know they would do the same, but that’s different. That’s not friendship. That’s about honor. The code of what we do.
Christian balances the tray on one hand as he meets my gaze. “Iamyour friend, but you haven’t seen me in years. It’s not like we were having sleepovers and braiding each other’s hair.”
I stare at him flatly. “Funny.”
“You get what I’m trying to say.” Christian grabs a wire-framed bag and hooks it over one shoulder. “You need friends who will be an actual part of your life. Not people who you knew decades ago.” He gives me a smirk as he passes. “Especially when those people live across the country.”
“You won’t live across the country for long.” I trail him as we go out the front door onto the porch. Once the door’s closed behind me, we pass down the steps and through the front gate, headingto the largest building on the street. “You better watch out, or I’ll move to Memphis and tell everyone you’re my new best friend.”
Christian laughs, the sound loud in the quiet, cold evening air. “Tate might kick your ass.” He tips his head, mouth pressing into a considering line. “Actually, his wife Piper is way more likely to kick your ass.” His eyes move down to my groin. “So you better watch yourself. I’ve seen her shove a taser into a dude’s nuts and pull the trigger.”
His story would probably shock most people. I’m not one of them. “Sounds about right.” I can’t count on two hands the number of women I know who would do the same.
The front door opens as we reach the porch of the firehouse. We’re the last ones to arrive since I was late getting back from our stakeout and wanted to take a shower before coming over. Savannah offered to wait, but I could tell she was excited to spend more time with the women of the street. There’s an additional woman here tonight, and I’m not surprised to see her plastered against Savanna’s side. I would be too.
Sensing the movement at the door, Savannah turns my way, her eyes lighting up when she sees me. She takes the hand of the woman next to her, bringing the blonde along as she comes to where I stand.