Page 48 of Cooper's Command

Bellamy inched forward. “Let me get this straight. There’s another ledger hiding in the one place we can’t go because it’s still an active crime scene. Will probably be an active crime scene until they finally catch our asses.”

“It wasn’t my first choice, but beggars and all that. Though, based on the fact we’re all still breathing, I’m hopeful Simmons hasn’t found it either because if he knew we only had one, he would have destroyed the cabin.”

“But since it’s been a week, he knows you’ve had plenty of time to stash one or both and he needs you alive so he can torture that information out of you.” Bellamy shook his head. “I’m not sure if you’re brilliant or crazy but…”

“My money’s on both. Though, it does give me an idea.”

Cooper groaned, still keeping the boat on track. “Why do I get the feeling this is going to be some insane plan with you in the crosshairs?”

“Because you know there’s only one way we’re going to catch Simmons. And that’s to give him what he wants. It’s time we went on the offensive.”

CHAPTER 15

Nova pacedacross the floor of the old Wilson factory, checking her watch for the fiftieth time since they’d put phase one of their plan into action. Not that it was risky. But knowing their entire mission hinged on this one aspect being carried off without a hitch gnawed at her nerves. Because despite how the past ten days had played out — how she would have been killed several times over if it wasn’t for Cooper and the entire Brotherhood mentality — she still had a hard time allowing others to take risks that should be hers.

The by-product of failing Tate, she supposed. The guilt that never quite ebbed. Like a tide that defied the pull of the moon. Always lingering in the background.

Strong hands wrapped around her waist, stopping her when she went to turn before tugging her against a massive chest.

Cooper brushed his mouth across her ear, sending shivers of awareness skittering along her flesh. “You’re going to wear a groove in the floor if you keep pacing.”

Nova sighed, allowing him to bridge some of her weight. Not because she was dizzy or her side was acting up. But because it calmed her. Helped her focus on how to move forward. “She’slate. What if Simmons caught her trying to slip that burner phone into his pocket?”

“Nova. Sweetheart. Emery’s a pro. She’s got this. Besides, she said it would take several minutes for her to track Simmons down then distract him long enough to get the job done. Just give her a bit more time.”

“Time isn’t a luxury we have. Especially when we’re out in the open like this.” She shivered. “I feel exposed.”

“That’s because you’re accustomed to dealing with cartel assholes who could open fire on a city street in broad daylight and get away with it. This place is remote.”

“The cabin was remote, and they still found us there.”

Cooper twisted her within his grasp. “This isn’t about if this place is remote enough or if those mercenaries are going to bust down our door. This is about Emery taking a risk you think you should burden alone.”

“I can’t be the reason anyone else gets hurt. Or worse.”

“I’m not going to reiterate how Tate’s death wasn’t your fault because I get it. We all have blood on our hands, real or imagined. But Emery’s going to be okay. Even if the worst happened, and Simmons caught her shoving a burner cell in his pocket, nothing bad will happen. He’s not going to shoot a fellow detective at the precinct. So, relax. You’re still the one taking all the risks.”

“Ifthis goes according to plan. And now that we’re here, it feels like a pretty big if.”

She was counting on Simmons wanting the ledgers back more than he wanted her dead. Which was starting to feel like wishful thinking.

Until Cooper’s phone rang.

He released her, answering the call and placing it on speaker. “Talk to us, Emery.”

“The mission’s a go. It took me a bit longer to track the bastard down, but I swear I could have stolen his watch, his wallet and his damn nine mil and he wouldn’t have noticed. Slipping the phone in was easy. So, whenever Nova’s ready…”

“Excellent. And Emery… Thank you. I’m not sure what we would have done if you hadn’t put your faith in us.”

“Crashed and burned. Stay sharp. We’ll be waiting in the wings. And Cooper, this time, try not to blow anything up.”

Nova grinned as the line went dead. “I dare say you’ve got yourself a reputation.”

“As Bellamy already pointed out, we didn’t blow up your car or the shed, but… I’ll see what I can do. You ready?”

Ready? This was the part she’d been waiting for. Where she finally felt as if she had some control over the outcome. Because one way or another, Simmons was going down.

Nova smiled, slipped her hand behind Cooper’s head and dragged him down for a hot, soul-searing kiss. She wiped her thumb across his mouth, then grabbed her burner cell and hit the number before she reconsidered — reran all the reasons she should just grab Cooper and get lost somewhere no one would ever find them.

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