Page 34 of Shadow Undercover

“Something else to have the installation crew take care of.” The risks she and her sister had taken with their safety made Trace’s gut knot up.

Brent’s eyebrows rose. “Bridget’s hiring Fortress to evaluate her security?”

“She and her sister need a security system. They don’t have one at the moment.”

Trace’s boss grabbed his phone. “What’s your address, Bridget?” He sent a text with her information. “Zane is setting up an evaluation.”

She glanced around the jet, gaze lingering on some of the amenities. “I’m guessing you’re expensive.”

A grin. “Very. We’ll cut you a deal, though, since you may be working for me soon.”

“Glad to hear that,” she said, her tone wry. “Otherwise, you’ll have to take installment payments for the next twenty years to settle the bill. High school librarians don’t live the high life.”

Sam stared. “You’re going to work for Fortress?”

“If Brent doesn’t think I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”

“Will you be an operative?”

“No way.” Trace folded his arms across his chest. “Bridget’s not going into the field.”

“I could do that?” Bridget sounded too interested to suit him.

“No,” he and Brent both said at the same time.

“Don’t listen to them,” Sam said. “If you want to be on a team like ours, you could go to our training facility in Otter Creek. We have the best trainers in the world.”

“Knock it off, Sam,” Joe warned. “Bridget’s not an Army grunt like we were. The training would be difficult. Besides, Trace isn’t in favor of the idea.”

That was an understatement. “She’s a librarian. Her research skills are invaluable to us and the rest of the teams.” He looked at Brent to confirm his statement.

“He’s right,” Brent agreed. “I need her behind a computer, not behind a scope. I invited her to apply for a job as a researcher.”

“A research analyst is right up my alley, Sam.” Bridget smiled at the medic. “While I wouldn’t mind if you or Trace wanted to pass along self-defense information, I’m not cut out to be on a team like yours. Besides, someone needs to answer the phone when you and your teammates need information. Shadow needs accurate information fast and I can’t wait to help support your efforts.”

Satisfaction gleamed in Brent’s eyes while relief loosened Trace’s fists. Thank goodness. He couldn’t stomach the thought of her going up against terrorists, trained or not. If that made him a Neanderthal, so be it. “She’ll be an excellent asset.”

“How do you know?” Joe asked.

“Bridget and I researched Hugo. Screens were flying by as fast as they do when Zane’s working on a project.”

“Find anything interesting?” Brent asked.

“Hugo is allergic to shellfish and determined to best his father’s record as a supplier of equipment to the criminals of the world,” Bridget said. “Based on what we saw a few hours ago, he’s no longer content to dominate the South American continent. He plans to establish a market presence in the US, supplying weapons to the highest bidders. He’s already amassing supplies to start his campaign and throwing out lures for customers.”

“Anything else?”

“I think he’s going to use his father’s drug routes to ferry his cargo into the US.”

“Tell him about the organizational structure changes,” Trace prompted.

Brent’s gaze sharpened. “What changes?”

“Hugo is getting rid of the older people loyal to his father.”

Ben whistled. “He’s cleaning house.”

“Interesting,” Joe said. “Can’t say I blame him. Some of those men are ambitious enough to want to take over the organization for themselves. Junior never showed interested in his father’s empire and doesn’t know squat about the weapons business. If Pedro’s cronies stick around, Hugo will be dead.”

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