Page 27 of Silent Sins

“He did.”

“But?”

Bridger scratched his head. How to put this delicately. “He checked in and asked us to look into a few things, background research mostly, but he didn’t share his itinerary.”

She frowned. If her big brother were here right now, he’d be getting an earful for sure. “And you can’t chase after him blindly or you’ll risk alerting the Consortium to his location.”

Bridger tried to smile, but it fell flat. “Exactamundo. For now, we’ll just have to wait until your bro feels more cooperative.”

Jane sank deeper into the couch. Bridger could see the struggle on her face as she fought to keep her composure. “So I guess he won’t be making it to the adoption,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Not likely. But as soon as we get through this op Mason’s on, we’re going to get more aggressive about bringing Jason home.”

Jane snuggled into his side, her fingers threading through his. “I like aggressive,” she murmured, a hint of a smile in her voice.

“Figured you would.” Bridger kissed the top of her head. He’d do anything for her and Kellen. Literally anything.

But would that matter against the Consortium, or against her brother’s bullheaded determination to expose the secret society on his own?

“So, what’s the latest with Mason and his op?” Jane asked, her voice light but curious. “Kate told me he’s teamed up with some hotshot FBI agent. That doesn’t sound like Mason.”

Bridger chuckled, leaning back against the couch cushions. “No, it doesn’t. From what Mason told me, it sounds like things are getting pretty interesting.”

Jane raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. “Interesting how?”

“Well, for starters, his brother Paul is apparently a piece of work. Smart as a whip, but with a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. And then there’s this FBI agent, Avery Ellis. From the intel Paige gathered, she’s a real spitfire. Determined, clever, and not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Mason.”

“Oh, I bet he loves that.” Jane smiled. “The guy’s a boulder. Granite. Strong, silent, calm, and immovable.”

Bridger burst out laughing, his shoulders shaking. “You’ve got him pegged, sweetheart. Mason’s one of the finest men I know, but he’s not exactly a people person.”

Jane giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard the man string more than three words together at a time.”

“Mason’s a man of action, not words. He’s all about the mission, the objective. Emotions and personal relationships? Not so much.”

“Poor guy,” Jane said, her voice softening with sympathy. “It can’t be easy, living like that. Always on guard. Always needing to be in control.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “Wouldn’t that be something? The immovable object meets the unstoppable force.”

Bridger pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “There’s something about the tone in his voice when he talks about Avery. It’s … interesting.”

Jane raised an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

“If I had to guess, I’d say our boulder is intimidated.”

“Or maybe just tongue-tied. If he likes her …”

Bridger felt like he’d just been slapped upside the head.Masonand Agent Ellis?

Wee haw.

He wondered what the Lord had in store for their dedicated protector. Bridger could speak from experience when he said God had a way of knocking a guy upside the head when necessary. If the Lord had Mason in his sights, Bridger’s friend might be in for the lesson of a lifetime.

“I’m guessing the team will be off to Seattle soon.” Jane sounded thoughtful.

“Most likely.” After tonight’s call from Mason, Bridger was thinking exactly that. “But I’m sitting this one out,” he added, his voice firm.

“Not necessary.”

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