Page 67 of Shadow Blind

Mackenzie grunted. “Intelligence makes sense, explains how Wolf always has up-to-date SAT images and resource reports.”

“Agreed.” Zane nodded. His voice turned thoughtful. “If O’Neill has contacts in the CIA or NSA, it makes sense why Wolf hasn’t canned his ass, even though he clearly wants to.”

Rawls shook his head, his face doubtful. “Don’t think so, skipper. Wolf’s crew was already piped in—intelligence wise—long before O’Neill planted his boots on base.”

Aiden barely caught a yawn. Man, he could sure use some damn coffee. Those nightmares were playing hell with his sleep. “What’s O’Neill’s full name? I’ll have Dev check him out.”

Cosky’s eyebrows bunched. He shook his head and shrugged. “Never heard another name. Just O’Neill.”

Aiden glanced at the others, receiving head shakes or shrugs. “Is O’Neill his last name?”

More shrugs greeted his eyes.

Hell, he’d have to ask Wolf. His brother must know O’Neill’s full name. Maybe he even knew where the dude had crewed prior to arriving at Shadow Mountain.

“I’ll see what Wolf and Dev know,” Aiden promised, wiping a hand down his face to hide a yawn. “Now if that’s all—”

Zane immediately broke in. “Anything new from the lab tests?

“Not that I’m aware of.”

Did Zane honestly think he wouldn’t have mentioned it in the meeting, or while they’d been having their little chat earlier?

“You haven’t asked?” Mackenzie snapped, turning the question into an accusation.

“Of course, I asked.” Aiden snapped back. You jackass. “They have nothing new to share.”

Mackenzie grunted his version of an acknowledgement and swung toward the door. “Keep me in the loop.”

Aiden grabbed the edge of his tactical pants to keep his fingers at his side. He wasn’t sure exactly what his hand had in mind—a salute or the middle finger. Both were possible. Neither were appropriate.

If Mackenzie hadn’t had the back of every operator under his command, and went to bat for them repeatedly, someone would have killed him years ago.

He waited for Zane and Rawls to follow the commander out of the room before blocking Cosky’s access to the door.

“How’s Demi?”

“Haven’t talked to her much.” Cosky stopped within inches of ramming into Aiden. He took a long step back. And then another. “Don’t see that she’s missing your face, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Like the asshole would know if she was missing him. His brother-in-law wasn’t nearly as perceptive as he assumed.

“She eating? Sleeping?” He needed to free up time to hop on the Bell and fly down to visit her.

Cosky scoffed. “Do I look like her dietitian or sleep therapist? Get off your ass and visit her. Wolf will give you a badge and the Bell.”

“I’m working on it. The lab has me pretty tied up.”

Cosky’s face softened. He glanced at the inside of Aiden’s elbow. “No shit. They turned you into a pincushion. You sure the lab’s not overrun by vampires? Christ knows they’ve sucked enough blood from you.”

Aiden grimaced. He’d been asking himself the same question. Which reminded him…

“Is that damn cat still ripping Demi to shreds?” Even more importantly. “Tell me Kait healed those scratches.”

With a yawn, Cosky ran a palm down his face. Looked like Cos needed a coffee boost as much as Aiden.

“Demi wouldn’t let Kait heal her. Claimed the scratches were healing fine. As for the cat, they say he’s an angel. Taking his medicine twice a day. No scratching. No biting. Demi’s calling it a miracle.” He dropped his hand and scowled. “You know she named the damn thing Trident? For Christ’s sake, convince her to name it something else. It’s blasphemy to name a passive little shit like that after a symbol of power and courage.”

Aiden couldn’t tell if he was kidding. Probably not. Cosky took the symbolism inherent in the Trident seriously. Kait said he still had his, even after all the bullshit WARCOM had put him through.

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