Page 53 of Shadow Undercover

Bridget carried her empty mug to the dishwasher. “Would Brent allow me to work on your computer again, Trace? I need to do something or I’ll go crazy with worry.”

His cell phone rang. Trace glanced at the screen and answered, putting the call on speaker. “You’re on speaker with Shadow and Bridget.”

“Perfect,” Zane said. “I have news. First, Bridget, Maddox had me do a deep background check on you. He reviewed it before six o’clock this morning and said to tell you that you’re now on the payroll. Have Trace bring you to Fortress headquarters and we’ll complete your paperwork and get your ID tag completed.”

“Wow. That was fast.”

“The boss doesn’t waste time when he wants to hire someone. You impressed him. You should also submit your resignation to your employer today.”

“I’ll take care of it. Brent didn’t mention the salary for a beginning researcher.”

Zane named a figure that had blood draining from Bridget’s face.

“Are you serious?” she whispered.

“Yes, ma’am. Fortress wants the best employees and they’re willing to pay to hire and keep them.”

“You have a phone for her?” Trace asked.

“It’s ready. I’ll give it to her when you bring her in.”

“What else do you have for us?” Nico asked. “By the way, the installation team is here. They’ll be in and out for a while.”

“No problem. Rumors are surfacing about Hugo arranging a large weapons sale soon.”

Trace frowned. “Where is he getting them?”

“That’s the question, isn’t it? Nobody seems to know. Not sure if he inherited his old man’s stash or if Hugo has another source.”

“Any idea where this sale is happening?” Joe asked.

“Not yet. Still scanning the Net.”

“What about chemical or nuclear weapons?” Ben leaned back against the kitchen counter. “I’m not seeing anything online about missile sales or their payloads.”

“A chemical plant was hit in Mexico overnight. They specialize in chlorine.”

Bridget frowned. “Chlorine can be used for good things.”

“Sure. Chlorine can be used as a bleach in paper and cloth. It can also be used in making pesticides, rubber, and solvents. The problem is it can be turned into a gas and used as a chemical weapon.”

She sat again. “You’re sure this is Hugo’s handiwork?”

“Not sure, no. I’m suspicious, though.”

“Why?” Trace asked.

“Someone snapped a photo of a man who looks like Hugo in Mexico a few hours ago.”

“Mexico.” Nico closed his eyes a moment. “Don’t say it, Z.”

“Sorry, Nico. Looks like Hugo is in the Chihuahua province of Mexico.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Bridget looked from one member of Shadow to another until she focused on Trace. All of them looked grim and resigned. “What’s significant about the Chihuahua province?”

“Fortress is not popular in that area. We’ve had several run-ins with drug cartels and human traffickers. They lost every skirmish and would love nothing more than to see us dead.”

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