Page 76 of Belgian Betrayal

“I know nothing about a disk. But if it was accessed at my IP address, Blackhurst must have used my laptop while I was asleep or in the shower. What was on it?”

“The names of the buyers and suppliers of the weapons Stanhope, Blackhurst and Sykes were brokering,” Ace said.

Catya turned to Ace. “Were you able to record their conversations from my listening device?”

Ace shook his head. “Fearghas thinks the rooms you were designed to block radio and cell phone reception. However, the device itself should have retained the recordings.”

“Thank goodness.” Catya pulled the small device out from where she’d placed it near her left breast and handed it to Ace. “Anyone call for police support?”

“They’re on their way,” Sadie said as she joined them. She gave them all one of her mega-watt smiles. “Another successful outcome for the Brotherhood Protectors and friends.” She slid her arm around Hank’s waist and leaned into him. “This team doesn’t even have an office, and they're already kicking ass.”

Hank kissed the top of her head. “Because they are the best.” His gaze fell on Catya. “We could use more skilled warriors on the team. Would you consider joining us?”

Catya looked from Hank to Fearghas and back. “But I’ve primarily worked as an assassin, killing people, not protecting them.”

“You’re more of a protector than you think,” Fearghas said. “You tried to protect Gia Rosolino.”

“And failed,” she reminded him.

“And you were there to get Madison to safety and stayed with her and her father until Hank and Sadie took over.”

Catya nodded. “Still. I have enemies.”

“We’ve all made enemies. It comes with the territory,” Fearghas said. “The difference is that we have each other’s backs.” He took her hand. “Think about it. Hank only hires the best.”

Catya looked at Hank. “You really want me?”

Hank nodded. “You more than proved yourself on this mission, and you weren’t even working for the Brotherhood Protectors.”

Fearghas pressed his lips to her ear. “Say yes.” He held his breath, sending a silent prayer to the heavens.

Catya drew in a deep breath. “I’ve always worked alone, but to hell with that. Yes. I’d be honored to be a part of the Brotherhood Protectors. I promise to do right by the team.”

Fearghas swept her up in his arms and spun her around, joy filling his heart.

When he finally set her on the ground, she looked up into his face. “We make a good team.”

He nodded. “A damned good team.”

Epilogue

Nine months later

* * *

“Do you have my go bag?” Catya asked as she waddled toward the car, clutching her swollen belly.

“Check,” Fearghas said.

“The baby’s diaper bag?”

“Check.”

“Did you call the team?”

“Ace, Dmytro, Atkins and Lucie. Check. They’re on their way.”

“They don’t have to come yet. This might be another false alarm.” As soon as she said the words, a pain radiated across her abdomen. She doubled over, grunting. As the pain subsided, warm liquid rushed down her legs.

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