Page 49 of Relentless

“I know you’re anxious to have answers. Don’t strike out on your own to get them. If I can’t work it out for Liam and Simon to leave the area, I’ll send another Fortress team with you.”

Liam’s jaw clenched. No. He didn’t care who the boss had in mind, they weren’t Liam and Bravo. He trusted his teammates to have his back and Piper’s.

“Wouldn’t going to Hartman with a team of operatives draw attention? My uncle hasn’t threatened me, and Gavin only implicated Barone.”

“Barone has a lot to lose. He’s already rid himself of one problem. He’ll be desperate to eliminate the remaining ones.”

“Me and Liam.”

“Trust me and Bravo or the alternate Fortress team. We’ll protect you while you find this evidence. If we help the feds lock up Barone, you’ll be safe. This will be a long, tough fight and cost more than you realize.”

Piper looked at Liam. “As long as Liam and the rest of Bravo as well as their families are safe, I don’t care about the cost to me.”

Liam kissed the back of her hand. She might not care about the cost to herself but he did. If they didn’t destroy Barone’s organization, the cost to Piper would be unbelievably high.

He glanced at his teammates and saw that they were aware of the consequences as well. Liam had preparations to make in case Fortress failed in Hartman.

A sleepy child’s voice came through the speaker. “Daddy?”

“Did you have a bad dream?”

“I heard voices.”

“I’m sorry, Alexis. I was working,” he said to his daughter. “Tell Trent hello.”

A soft gasp. “Hi, Mr. Trent.”

A smile formed on Trent’s lips. “Hi, sweetheart. Sorry to wake you.”

“Is Grace there, too?”

“Not this time. When I see her, I’ll tell her you asked about her.”

“I wish I could talk to her. She’s nice.”

“She likes you, too. Would you like her to call you later?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you, Mr. Trent.”

“You’re welcome.”

Maddox broke in. “I need to tuck Alexis into bed. Give me a few hours, Liam. I’ll get back to you as soon as I know something.”

“Yes, sir.”

The call ended.

Trent stood. “We’ll let the boss work his magic. In the meantime, we should set up watch shifts.”

“I’ll take the first shift.” Liam was too worked up to sleep.

Cade scowled. “Not happening. You didn’t sleep at the hospital last night and neither did Trent. I’ll take the first watch. You can join the rotation tonight.”

“I’ll take over at four o’clock,” Matt said.

Trent moved toward the suite door with Matt a step behind. “We have the two rooms across the hall if you need us.” With that, he and the medic left the suite.

Simon turned to Cade. “Wake me if you need someone to spell you.”

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