Page 35 of Security Breach

Elliot snorted again. “So much for cooperation,” he muttered.

“You lost four agents this morning,” David said. “You expect me to believe that any evidence linked to the Butcher won’t have top priority? Twenty-four hours, Jordan.”

With a ripe, low-voiced curse, the special agent in charge stalked from the room with his two cohorts trailing behind.

As Wells reached the kitchen threshold, he paused with his hand on the doorjamb and glanced back at Emma. “Think about what I said. You deserve peace. Montgomery can’t provide that, but I can. Please, let me help you.” With that parting shot, he hurried to catch up with his co-workers.

No one moved until the front door closed behind the agents, then Caleb said, “Can you believe that garbage? They act like we’re rednecks with peashooters instead of men trained by the greatest military in the world to take on the most heinous terrorists in existence.”

“Their opinions don’t matter.” David turned and cupped Emma’s face between his palms. “If you change your mind at any point and want FBI protection, tell me and I’ll arrange it. The same condition applies, though. If you go into WITSEC, I’m going with you. We’re a team. Teams stick together through good times and bad. I’m not leaving your side, Emma.”

Out of the corner of his eye, David saw his brothers glance at each other, but neither made a comment. Good. He wanted their support, but he’d go into WITSEC without it because the alternative was leaving Emma vulnerable. That was never happening again.

He looked at Caleb. “When are Levi and Owen off shift?”

“Fifteen minutes ago. They should be here any minute.”

“Good. Brew a pot of coffee. As soon as they arrive, we’ll talk.”

As the coffeemaker finished the brew cycle, David’s remaining two brothers walked into the kitchen and came to a sudden stop when they saw Emma.

“Em!” Levi hugged her. “I’m glad to see you. Where have you been?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Have a seat.” David grabbed mugs and poured coffee for his brothers. “We’ll have company soon.”

“Who?” Owen asked as he took a seat across from Emma. He watched her, wariness and unasked questions in his eyes.

“Wolf Pack.”

The brothers exchanged glances. “Do they need to use the house again for a principal?” Elliot asked.

“They’re here to help with Emma’s protection.”

Levi and Owen looked at her. “Sounds like you’ve been busy while everyone thought you were dead,” Owen said.

“Owen.” David stared at his brother. “You’re digging yourself a hole, bro. Listen to her explanation before you dig the hole too deep.”

“I want to know why one of you didn’t tell us that Emma was back.” Levi folded his arms. “Since you’re obviously not dead, Em, how about telling us why you disappeared from David’s life for over a year and left him to grieve your loss.”

“I was in witness protection,” Emma said.

Owen and Levi were silent a few seconds, then Levi blew out a breath and said, “This relates to your family’s murder. Tell us what happened, Em.”

She launched into her explanation as David set a mug of tea in front of Emma, then sat in the chair beside hers. He rested his arm across the back of her chair and watched the play of emotions on his brothers’ faces. As she spoke, his brothers’ expressions morphed from disbelief to anger on her behalf.

When she lapsed into silence, Owen dragged a hand down his face. “I’m sorry you went through all that.” He frowned. “Why didn’t you call us, Emma. We would have helped you.”

“I didn’t know you were out of the military, or I might have been tempted to do just that despite Agent Jordan’s warning. Believe me, I wanted to contact David.” Her voice thickened. “I hated hurting him.”

“You should have heard the feds trying to convince Emma to return to WITSEC,” Caleb said. “They’re desperate to have her back in protective custody.”

“She’s the only witness to survive the Butcher,” David said.

“Some witness.” Emma sipped her tea. “I can’t remember the killer’s face.”

Owen leaned forward. “You saw him?”

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