Page 45 of Shadow Undercover

A soft gasp, then, “What’s happened? Is everything all right?”

“We had a visitor.”

“Who?”

“Get dressed and come down. I’ll tell you while you sip some tea to wake up.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Returning to the kitchen, Trace rummaged through Bridget’s cabinets and pantry until he found the coffee mugs and multiple boxes of tea. He filled the mug with water and dumped a bag of chamomile and a bag of mint tea into the water. By the time Bridget made an appearance in the kitchen, the microwave had finished the heating cycle.

“Tell me what’s going on.”

Trace nudged her toward the barstools. “Have a seat. Let’s talk.” He handed her the mug and waited until she’d taken a few sips before he summarized the arrival and actions of Hoodie. “We should have more information soon.”

“Maybe we’ll find Ruth tonight.”

“The chances are slim, Bridget. Hugo might have hired him to call when you arrived home. If this guy is involved with Torino, we’ll find out everything he knows.”

“If he does work for Hugo, you can’t let him walk away. He’ll sound the alarm. Will you have to kill him?”

He stilled. Would she tell him she couldn’t handle his job or did she assume he killed all his enemies? “I don’t kill all my opponents, Bridget.”

“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m sorry if I hurt you.” She reached across the breakfast bar and covered his hand with hers. “I don’t want you to have to kill on my behalf.”

“If your life is in danger, I won’t hesitate,” he said, voice soft.

“I understand. I just hope it’s not necessary. That’s all I meant.”

The knot in his stomach untied itself and Trace placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “Finish your tea. We’ll leave when we receive enough information to track down this guy.”

“You’re taking me with you?”

“If one of my teammates was available to protect you, I wouldn’t. I can’t let Ben go without backup in case Hoodie is connected to Hugo and has friends close by. You’ll be safe in the SUV. My vehicle is reinforced and has bullet-resistant glass.”

Ben walked into the kitchen. “Got the plate information. You and Bridget ready?”

Bridget rose. “Give me a minute.” She grabbed a travel mug. After pouring her tea inside and securing the lid, she said. “Ready.”

Trace checked the lock on the back door, then escorted Bridget out the front with Ben leading the way.

When Bridget insisted on riding in the backseat, Trace opened the door for her. “Buckle up in case we run into trouble on the way to the location.”

“Yes, sir.”

He grinned and dropped a quick kiss on her luscious mouth. Bridget Monihan was a smart aleck. He liked it. He liked her.

Trace climbed behind the steering wheel and cranked the engine. “Where are we going, Ben?”

“315 Stratford Avenue.”

“That’s across town,” Bridget said. “I’ll have time to finish my tea before we get there.”

“Should have gotten some coffee,” Ben said.

“I like my stomach lining intact.”

Trace and Ben laughed. Thinking back on it, Trace had laughed more since knowing Bridget than he had for the past month. Wasn’t much to laugh about since Shadow had been deployed to a series of difficult and gut-wrenching missions for the past six weeks. Although they were overdue for another break, Brent had asked them to work another two weeks.

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