Page 76 of Shadow Undercover

Trace’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously?”

“Want a demonstration?”

“Later, on the jet. Told you Zane is an extraordinary hacker. Why did you go into massage therapy?”

“To pay my way through college. I enjoyed giving friends shoulder, neck, and back massages through high school. Mom encouraged me to get my license to help with expenses. Looks like her advice paid off this time, too.”

Bridget was a constant surprise. Her skill would be the perfect cover. “I’m looking forward to that massage.” He shifted his attention to the computer screen again. “I’ll memorize your background while you memorize mine. We’ll quiz each other until it’s time for you to go to bed.”

As they worked through the information, Trace became more optimistic. Maybe, just maybe, he and Bridget could pull this off.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Trace sucked in a breath at the sight of Bree walking toward him, still surprised every time he saw the change in her appearance and clothes. Whether she was Bridget or Bree, the woman made his heart turn over in his chest. Yeah, he was a goner. “You ready?”

“I’m ready to find my sister and escape Mexico. I’m ready to start work at Fortress headquarters. I’m definitely ready to take down Hugo, the scumbag. More than anything except finding Ruth, I’m ready for our first official date.”

He chuckled. “Remember, when we leave the jet, we’re on stage at all times until we’re back in the air.”

“I won’t forget, Trace Rawlins.”

Trace stopped her in the jet’s aisle before they reached the door. “I have your back, Bree Ramsey. Nothing and no one is more important to me than you and your sister.”

“Bridget.” Sam hurried up the aisle. “Take this.” She pressed a pen into Bridget’s hand.

“A pen?”

“It’s a pressure syringe loaded with a drug strong enough to drop a 250-pound man in seconds. There are two doses in here. Press the top of the pen, and the needle springs out and the medicine is injected into the body. Make sure the bottom portion is flush to your target’s skin.”

“Thanks, Sam.”

“Keep it with you at all times.” The medic squeezed Bridget’s hand. “You can do this. Trust Trace.”

“Trust all of us,” Nico said before turning to Trace. “Adam checked in. Phantom is at the hotel. We’ll leave the jet in a few minutes. Wait until you hear from me before you and Bridget leave the hotel. Hugo’s people will be around the hotel to make sure this isn’t a trap.”

“Yes, sir.” He pressed his hand to Bridget’s back. “Time to go.”

She paused at the stairs as he’d instructed her earlier. Trace hefted his Go bag to his shoulder and wrapped his hand around Bridget’s. Although he longed to hustle her into the jet, Trace led her down the stairs.

Dressed in a steward’s uniform, Joe followed them while carrying Bridget’s rolling suitcase. On the tarmac, he set the bag by her feet and raised the telescopic handle. “Tangos at ten, twelve, and two,” he murmured to Trace. “All three armed.” He smiled at Bridget and winked. “Thank you for flying the friendly skies with FS Airlines.”

She grinned.

Trace scanned the area as he and Bridget continued toward the terminal. Three thugs hovered in the shadow of the building. The trio stared at them. He eyed each in turn.

“Instructions?” Bridget asked.

“Act as though you don’t realize they’re watching. You’re my girlfriend. In their eyes, you’re arm candy.”

“Right.”

Trace escorted Bridget to the door of the terminal, keeping tabs on the men. He trusted Ben behind the scope. The EOD man had exited the jet earlier dressed as a pilot, carrying his bag and a second bag with Trace’s rifle inside. He’d found a good vantage point before informing Shadow that he was in place. If the thugs made an aggressive move, Ben would assist Trace in eliminating the threat to Bridget.

Once he and Bridget were safely inside the terminal, they walked to the car rental counter to pick up the keys for their vehicle. Trace would check the SUV for electronic devices and explosives before he seated Bridget inside. Unfortunately, Bridget would be in the open and vulnerable while he secured their ride.

He noticed two more men in Hugo’s employ. Hard to mis them. Hugo’s paranoia was in full swing. Five thugs to one shooter was overkill. One well-placed bullet would drop Trace and end the perceived threat.

Trace made prolonged eye contact with each man as he strode with Bridget to the counter and collected the key fob for the SUV. After completing the paperwork using his alias, he and Bridget located their vehicle in the lot. He stopped her several feet away. “Wait here. I need to check it.”

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