Page 5 of Redeeming Meg

“The Black Swan Division was put out to pasture for a reason, Loch Ness. Why does Solomon want to resurrect us?” Solomon was Flynn’s call name—the former codename he’d used while undercover in the field.

“More importantly,” Spence added, “if Declan is still Swanny Two, does that mean I’m Swanny One now?”

He never could be serious.

Del’s exasperated sigh could be heard in Russia. “Above my pay grade, Two. I’m here to keep you guys alive and moving. And no, Three, your status hasn’t changed. You’re meeting Swan One in Bucharest. She’s en route as we speak. She’ll be lead on the mission, just like always.”

Lead?Spence seemed to echo Declan’s shock, his brows hitting his hairline.They’re bringing Meg back? he mouthed.

Declan nodded. Spence used his hands to simulate the top of his head exploding.

Right there with you, buddy.

Del continued, “You have a limited window before the embassy goes tits ups, and you’re back on US soil. Twelve hours from the meet-up. That’s it, gentlemen. Retrieve the drive, locate Tommy if possible, and meet Pegasus for extraction at the rendezvous point. Coordinates will be sent closer to extraction time. Don’t be late. You will be left behind.”

“Easy for you to say,” Declan grumbled under his breath. That cushy chair in Langley had never seen Del be late in his life, but then Del had a reserved parking space and plenty of amenities to make his job a cakewalk compared to theirs. Hespoke louder this time, emphasizing his words. “Is Swan One stable?”

The hum of the engines made Del’s hesitation even more obvious. Spence shifted uncomfortably where he stood, avoiding Declan’s eyes this time.

Finally, Del responded. “If you have questions, I can put Solomon on the line.”

Del said it almost as if it were a threat.Which meant what? Declan bit down on his tongue to stop his flippant reply. Like hell, Flynn would discuss Meg’s mental status with them. They were about to be in the trenches together against Hagar and his death squad. Of course, he would say she was capable. Stable.

But is she? Or was Flynn up shit creek and had no one left to turn to? Declan’s pulse raced beneath his skin. Probably the latter.

“Beggars can’t be choosers, eh?” Spence quipped.

Del didn’t acknowledge him. “You’ll be running dark once we terminate this connection until you’re reunited with the rest of your team.”

The rest of the team equaled one member—Meg.

“If things go sideways, what’s our contingency plan?” Spence asked, no joking now.

“Just like old times. You’re on your own.”

Declan sighed. It was probably better that way. Outside contact usually had a way of making things messy. But this felt wrong. Off. Not unusual for Black Swan missions, but still. This was off like the leaning Tower of Pisa-off.

Training and experience had a funny way of honing one’s sixth sense. His gut never lied.

Del’s voice squawked over the earpiece. “Any last questions?”

He had plenty. “You saw her last eval. Give it to me straight. Is she going to be a problem?” Declan needed Meg in top form.If she was off the deep end, she could put them all at risk, intentionally or not.

“Anyotherquestions?” Del’s voice had an audible eye roll in it.

“Yes, but you won’t answer them,” Declan growled in frustration.Maybe Flynn should get on the line.

“Look…those evals are classified. I haven’t seen them.”

Bullshit.Del could access anything he wanted, classified or not. He was the best of the best. There was a reason Flynn used him. “Like hell, you haven’t.”

Del paused again. His voice came out lower. Declan could barely him over the plane noise. “She’s Orange, but passed every one of her last tests.”

Fucking. Hell.The color labels were a classification system Flynn used for evaluating competency in the field. Regardless of what tests he’d put her through, she was orange…

She shouldn’t even be allowed out of Langley.Fucking Flynn. Fucking Black Swan Division. Fuck.

“As I recall, she quit. How did Solomon get her back?”

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