Page 20 of Undercover Savior

I wasn’t certain Sullivan would care. Somehow, I instinctively knew it was the investigation and its outcome that mattered more to her than the glory of being the one given credit for it. “What about Periscope?” I asked.

“Good point.”

“I don’t believe it will take long for her to hang herself,” Con commented. “Then, talk to Typhon about Sullivan working under him.”

“Unit 23 doesn’t conduct investigations.”

All three men raised their heads, but only Con spoke. “Since when?”

“Not official ones,” I responded.

“Who suggested this would be official?” Tag said more than asked.

“Let’s circle back to this later. Tell me about Eric Weber,” I said to Con.

“I’ve not much yet. The man is shrouded in layers upon layers of mystery. As is Tower-Meridian. At least anything of substance. On the surface, they engage in global shipping and logistics. Given the resources the Crown Herald must’ve put behind Sullivan’s investigation in terms of man hours alone, they must’ve discovered something.”

“The most obvious would be human or weapons trafficking,” said Tag.

“What could she possibly have on them that would be worth the risk of killing her?” My question was rhetorical, not that any of us would have an answer anyway.

“To be honest, I can’t decide whether I’m glad I turned him down as a client five years ago or if it was the worst decision I ever made.”

The unsavory part of Con’s work was a sore spot for Tag, me, and Gus, who was being unusually quiet. We’d collectively agreed to a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy before Tag and I joined Unit 23.

Had he signed Tower-Meridian, the moral dilemmas he faced would’ve been great indeed. It was a fine line he walked. One I wasn’t cut out for.

Con shook his head. “I can tell you this much; whoever he did end up hiring has done a damn good job of keeping him well hidden.”

“Are you actually admitting someone is as good as you are?” said Tag.

“I didn’t sayasgood; I just said good.”

Given Con was better than anyone else at SIS, he had every right to brag. I was once again reminded that I’d have been outed years ago as the Duke of Ashcroft if it wasn’t for him working his magic.

“What are you thinking, Gus?” I asked, drawing him into the conversation.

“If she’s as good as her boss is saying and Con is concurring, then it might serve you better to come clean now rather than wait.”

I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees. My gut was telling me it was too soon to reveal that Ashcroft was entailed to me. As much as I respected Gus’ opinion, I had to follow my own instincts.

“Does Fallon know Sullivan is under SIS protection?” Tag asked.

“Negative. I plan to tell her tonight.”

I raised a brow. “Tonight?”

“She’s coming to Blackmoor.” Con leaned forward like I was. “This is your call, Ash, but I think you should let Sullivan work while she’s here.”

“Itisn’tmy call. I’m the glorified bodyguard.”

All three men laughed, Gus harder than the other two.

“Admit to yourself this is personal,” said Tag.

“Whether it is or not, I’m not in a position of deciding how much access to the outside world Sullivan has. As you’re all well aware, it’s for her protection.”

“And you know bloody well that Con will be monitoring it as well as blocking anyone from finding her,” Tag added.

---