Page 79 of Shadow Undercover

“The president asked Fortress to take the lead and plan the op. My source says the feds have a leak in their ranks.”

“What a surprise,” Ben muttered. “Which team is Maddox dispatching?”

“Two teams. Bravo and Texas. The Texas unit was at PSI for a training session with Blackhawk.”

Trace studied his team leader’s expression. “What else?”

“Because we now know who the buyer is, the feds are pushing up the timeline to take down Wallace and Tennessee Valley.”

Dread curled in Trace’s gut. “How long do we have?”

“Three days. That’s as long as Maddox could get us. The feds will do their best to take over and launch the mission early. St. Claire and Weaver will have to hold them to the timeline.”

In other words, they had less than three days to find Ruth and the chlorine gas. If the feds launched early, Hugo would know his security had been breached, and Trace and Bridget were the only new interlopers in his orbit. The lives of the Monihan sisters and Trace were literally hanging by a thread.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Bridget walked hand in hand with Trace along the sidewalk toward the restaurant recommended by the hotel clerk. Remy and Lily were already seated at a table at Los Compadres as backup in case of trouble.

She’d been right in her assessment of Remy Doucet. The Cajun was a charmer and good looking to boot. Not as attractive as Trace, though.

Lily had a good sense of humor and was well-liked by the other operatives. She oozed self-confidence. Remy’s wife owned the room when she entered it. From the way she carried herself, Lily could handle anything. What Bridget wouldn’t give to be that capable right now. Unfortunately, despite Trace’s tutelage, Bridget defense skills weren’t equal to Lily’s. She hoped she wouldn’t be a liability to Trace if they had to fight their way out of a dangerous situation.

“What are you thinking about?” Trace asked.

“Wishing I was as skilled as Lily.”

“If you were, our setup wouldn’t work.”

“Why not?”

“She’s trained and it shows. Your honest, untrained reactions make you less of a threat.”

“I’m afraid I’ll be a hindrance instead of a help to you.”

“Don’t second guess yourself. Hesitation at the wrong time will have deadly consequences for both of us.”

“Veronica said something similar.”

“Take her advice.” He opened the door to the restaurant and ushered her inside. The hostess greeted him and, after a short conversation, led them to a table at the back, next to Remy and Lily.

The operatives sat with their backs to the wall. Must be a security measure. Should she do the same? No, she was supposed to be the innocent civilian. If she needed to sit positioned like the rest of them, Trace would insist she move.

He seated Bridget near the corner of the table with her back to the wall and took the seat beside hers, Remy to his right.

Looking at the arrangement, Bridget realized Trace and Remy would be able to communicate easily without seeming to talk to each other. Clever and efficient.

After the waiter took their orders and hurried off, Trace lifted Bridget’s hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “How many tangos are eating dinner with us?” he asked Remy softly.

“Three that we’ve identified. Near the front door, far right corner, and the male dining alone in the center of the restaurant.”

Bridget kept her gaze glued to Trace, acting the part of the besotted lover. The idea of three men watching them made her skin crawl.

When she shuddered, Trace squeezed her hand. “Not unexpected, Bree. Ignore them and focus on me.” He kept her engaged in light, easy conversation until the waiter brought their food.

She picked up her fork but hesitated.

“What’s wrong?”

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