Page 45 of Security Breach

Eli walked into the security room. “All set,” he told David. “We’ll use one of our safe houses. I’ll give you details on the way.”

Caleb pushed away from the monitors and stood. “How are we doing this, David?” He glanced at Eli and said, “No offense, but you aren’t blood kin.”

Wolf Pack’s leader inclined his head. “Understood.”

“Has this room been scanned?” David asked Eli.

“It’s clear.”

“How far away is your safe house?”

“Thirty minutes. Maddox wanted to make sure your brothers could offer assistance when we need it.”

Emma’s heart sank. They sounded as though they were planning for a war, and, perhaps, they were. “He’s one man,” she said. Could the killer outwit and outgun ten highly-trained men?

“He’s evaded the FBI,” Eli reminded her. “If we’re overreacting, you’ll have bragging rights about two teams of black ops agents protecting you.”

“We assume the Butcher is one man,” David said. “I’d rather have more protection than we need in case we’re wrong.”

She flinched as something flashed into her mind and disappeared too quickly to grasp.

“Emma?” When she swayed, David gripped Emma’s upper arms. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. What was wrong with her?

“Why don’t I believe you?” he murmured.

Because she didn’t believe it herself. Was she losing her grip on reality after holding herself together for so long? “Something popped into my head, then disappeared.” Emma frowned. “I know it was important. Why can’t I remember?”

“Don’t push. The memory will return.” His thumb brushed over her cheekbone, his confidence in her evident in his eyes.

She wished she had as much faith in her memory as David did. Emma kissed his palm. “Thanks.” For his support, his care, for more things than she would name with an audience listening to each word. Did David suspect how much he meant to her? If she lost him, her life would be meaningless.

He crushed her close, then glanced at his brothers. “I’ll contact you when we’re at the safe house. For the moment, two of you need to be on duty at a time. You’ll need more officers to share the load, so I’ll swear in Rafe and Cal as deputies since they’re former law enforcement. I’ll help with shifts.”

Elliot shook his head. “You need to stay with Emma. We’ll make it work. You know the part-timers will step up. No one will question why you’re working remotely, David.”

Caleb squeezed David’s shoulder. “Take care of Em.”

David gave a short nod. “I owe you.”

A quick grin from his brother. “You may regret saying that when we collect.”

“Go,” Elliot said, his voice barely above a growl. “If you run into trouble, call.”

“Ready to go?” Eli asked, his gaze taking in Emma’s bag.

“I need to grab my gear.” David dropped a light kiss on Emma’s mouth.

“Need a cup of tea to go, Em?” Caleb asked. “We have several to-go cups.”

She smiled. The Montgomery brothers were serious coffee drinkers. “Thanks, Caleb.”

“Sure thing.” He left the room.

“How do you feel about log cabins?” Eli asked her.

Her eyebrows soared. “I love them. Why?”

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