Page 70 of Shadow Undercover

Bridget swallowed a few sips, eyeing the two men. She sensed tension between them that hadn’t existed before she showered and changed. “Anything wrong?”

Ben glowered at his teammate. “Nothing a good knock on Trace’s head won’t cure.”

“Keep it up, frog boy, and you’ll be eating those words.”

He smirked. “Truth hurts, doesn’t it?”

“Care to share with the class, Trace?” Bridget narrowed her eyes. “The answer to the question is yes, by the way.” He’d learn not to mess with librarians-turned-researchers.

“Ben says I’m an idiot for not standing up to the boss and refusing to take you into Hugo’s territory.”

She turned to the EOD man. “If Trace doesn’t take me, he won’t have anyone on the inside to locate Ruth while he’s applying for a job as a killer for hire. The faster we find Ruth, the sooner we get her out of there, and Shadow and Phantom can complete the president’s mission.”

“Trace doesn’t need you in harm’s way. He can locate your sister and handle Hugo without assistance.”

“How do you propose to free Ruth without her raising a ruckus? Trace is supposed to be a ruthless murderer. Why should she trust him?”

“She doesn’t have to trust him. Trace can knock her out.”

Outrage flooded Bridget. “You’re suggesting that he hit her?”

Ben flinched. “Of course not. Sam can give Trace meds to use on Ruth.”

“No way. Too much risk to Ruth and Trace. Sam doesn’t know how much medicine to give her plus my sister would be dead weight and slow Trace’s escape. It’s safer for Ruth and Trace if she cooperates.” Bridget tilted her head to the side. “Why don’t you admit the real problem? You don’t think I can handle the danger.” She would do whatever it took to protect her sister and Trace.

Another scowl from Ben. “It’s not a crime to want to protect a civilian.”

At least he was smart enough not to lay the blame for overprotective instincts on the fact that she was a woman, untrained or not. “I appreciate the concern, Ben. I trust Trace and the rest of you to keep me safe.”

His eyes darkened. “Sometimes that isn’t enough.”

Bridget finished her slice of pizza in silence, mulling over what he’d said and what he hadn’t. What could she say? He was right, but for her sister’s sake and Trace’s, she was willing to face the risk.

She listened to the men discussing approaches to the mission as she nibbled on another slice of pizza and sipped the soft drink.

By the time she was finished with her meal, Sam and Joe arrived. Sam’s assessing gaze skimmed over Bridget’s face. “Trace wanted me to check your ribs. Did you fall?”

Bridget smiled. “Over and over. Trace worked with me on self-defense tactics this afternoon.”

Joe’s eyebrows rose. “Yeah? How’d you do?”

“Ask my teacher.”

Joe shifted his question to Trace. “Well?”

“Not bad for a rookie. She’s fast and in good shape with great muscle tone. She’s stronger than I anticipated. Bridget might not have Sam’s skill in hand-to-hand combat, but she’ll make a man wish he’d picked on someone else.”

Her skin heated at the compliment accompanied by an approving glance her direction.

Joe grinned. “Good job, Bridget.”

“I had an amazing and patient teacher.”

“Come on.” Sam motioned for Bridget to follow her. “Let me check your ribs. Save me some pizza, Joe.”

He gave her a smart salute, prompting the medic to blow him a kiss as she left the kitchen.

“How long have you and Joe been married?” Bridget asked.

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