Page 54 of Soldier, Tailor, Spy

“I understand. Until next time, Hachidori.” He hugged Fawn one last time before exiting the room.

“Thank you,” Fawn murmured, wiping her eyes. “Thank you so much, Daddy.”

“Anything for you, baby girl.”

Jake stepped back into Asher’s C&C in the basement of his home. It’d been two weeks since he brought Fawn to see Kiyoshi and since AJ, Tex, and Scotty started fixing the base so they could move back in. As much as he loved being in a house with his family, he also didn’t like the itch at the back of his neck saying he was way too exposed out there on the cove.

As for the congressional investigation and any proceedings coming from such, they had been suspended because of the sensitive nature of the case. It would seem, even the Director of the FBI did not know Oscar was assigned to spy not only on R.O.O.T. but also run the external operation to bring down the Yamamoto Syndicate. Then there were the pesky text messages exposing Oscar to the syndicate. However, what blew the case apart for the FBI and the congressional committee was the fact Oscar tried to sell Fawn, Declan, and Ginger to Kiyoshi. To say there were a few red faces on the panel would be an understatement. For the moment, R.O.O.T. had been returned to full active status, pending an internal investigation of what had happened within the FBI.

Because of the digging Tex and AJ done, they now had files, as did the committees, on the individuals who had attacked their team. As of that moment, warrants, domestically and internationally, were being drawn up for those involved. Jake still couldn’t believe it. The entangled web of deception grew by the day and had now ensnared the FBI in its sticky tendrils. The federal government, along with their agencies, had mud on their face. They’d been drawn into a vendetta without knowing who was behind it. If the rumors were true, and Jake suspected they were, the head of the FBI was going to be asked to turn in his resignation soon or face being relieved of his duties.

“I’m glad this will be the last time we meet down here,” Asher said. “It’s getting cramped. With that said, I have good news for everyone. We roll out for the base at oh-five hundred tomorrow morning.”

“About damn time. Working from home with kids isn’t ideal,” Noah muttered.

Jake chuckled. “I don’t know. I’ve enjoyed having Fawn and Declan with me.”

“Speaking of which,” Asher said, cutting his gaze to Luca. “We have an update for your situation, too.”

Jake blinked. “You do?”

Luca nodded. “Yes. I have worked out a deal I think will benefit all of us.” He produced the contracts from his jacket. “These are for Kiyoshi Yamamoto, Daisuke Yamamoto, and Itsuki Itadori. The CIA and an amiable FBI agreed that keeping Mr. Yamamoto in business could be beneficial to both agencies. It appears the Yakuza’s foothold in the sex trade and trafficking arena is growing stronger by the second. If we can plant moles within the organization to take them down from the inside, well, it would be a win-win for both parties’ interest.” Luca cleared his throat. “With learning what Oscar had been willing to do to your family, Jake, and the subsequent help from the Yamamotos, we also firmly believe your family was saved that night. Their previous actions don’t negate every law they’ve already broken, but this is a start.”

Jake grunted. “I’m assuming you’d like me to pitch the agreement?” He’d do it if they wanted him to. He owed it to the old man to be up front about what was going on and the chances of them either reducing their sentences or wiping out their charges. In the long run, it would be a risky win-win, but a win.

“Actually, I would like you to facilitate the meeting before everyone leaves for the base. If I can have these agreements signed, Mr. Yamamoto, Kiyoshi, and Mr. Itadori will go back into their lives.”

“You’ve already planned out what’s about to happen,” Asher pressed. “You’re that sure they’ll agree?”

Luca gave a humorless chuckle. “Asher, the situation was ripe for the picking where the CIA was concerned. The FBI was practically begging for us to form this alliance.”

Jake liked it, but he also didn’t. A niggle of worry itched at the back of his mind. “What happens if the current FBI Director is ousted? What’s saying the contracts would be upheld?”

“Yeah,” Asher agreed. “I’m not saying I don’t trust you have something worked out, but if the truce, in this case, is broken, what is the likelihood I’d have to worry about members of my team having targets on their backs again?”

“Ironclad,” Luca said. “A prevision has been put into the contract to address such happening. In that case, the CIA would assume full responsibility.”

“Running ops on US soil?” Tex whistled.

“You act like it hasn’t been done in the past,” Luca said with a shrug. “Call it a nuclear football. The last resort. Obviously, we’ve been assured no matter what happens, our partnership won’t dissolve.”

“You’re really making me leap for this,” Jake said, “especially after everything we’ve learned.”

“I know,” Luca sobered. “Your family—all of your families—have been FBI pawns in some twisted fucking game. I can only give you my word nothing will happen to your family or any of your families.”

“That’s good enough for me,” Asher said. “Jake, go with Luca and make the introductions. Make sure all three men understand what this mission will pertain to and what the likelihood of death is, if they should be unmasked while undercover.”

“Roger that,” Jake said.

“As for the rest of you, get your shit together. Once we’re back at the base, we’ll be hitting the ground running. I want drones up and I want our favors called in. We’re going to find all those bastards responsible for coming at us before the FBI and Interpol can.” Asher gave Duncan a considering look. “You’ve been cut loose and given a new name. Your family is free to do as you want, but I am offering you a chance to come back. If you want to hunt your brother down, I will do my part to protect your wife and your lover, along with your children. The choice is yours.”

“I’d like to request I be placed with Duncan if he chooses this path,” Thomas said. “I believe together we’re more effective than apart.”

“Thomas,” Duncan murmured. “Are you sure?”

“More then. I know you feared what would happen to your brother if your father got his hooks in too deep. Now, I worry you might be too late to correct the path he’s on,” Thomas said.

“Then it’s settled,” Asher stated, taking the choice away from both men. “Thomas, you and Duncan will receive the up-to-date information on Liam’s whereabouts by the morning. As for Bella, she will be at the base with Enzo, EZ, and Valentina. Rae will monitor her and the baby for the next couple of days before we find another safe house where we can keep them hidden.”

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