Page 2 of Secrets and Lies

Mitch shook his head. “Nah.”

Gage looked relieved—briefly.

“They’re hitting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Totally different thing. Some heirloom got donated by a scorned ex-fiancée, and Leo wants it back.”

Gage muttered a curse under his breath, rubbing his forehead.

Mitch chuckled. “Don’t worry. I made them prep escape plans for three different prisons. And Dani’s staying in the van, nowhere near the action.”

Gage glanced at Dani’s belly. “Good. I’d rather the mother of my child not end up behind bars.”

“When is she due again?” Mitch asked.

“Couple of months.”

Mitch waved that off. “Plenty of time. If she gets arrested, we’ll have her out by then.”

Jake chuckled. Life with the Callahans was never dull. “So, what’s so urgent that I had to fly across the Atlantic on zero sleep?”

“We’re short-staffed,” Gage said bluntly. “Too many ops, not enough people. And a few arrests. Plus, the flu.”

Mitch looked oddly pleased. “It’s a good problem. Means we’re killing it out there.”

Jake sighed. “You want to throw the new hires into the mix?”

Mitch nodded. “Wanted your take.”

Jake rubbed his face. “Honestly? No. They need more time. We’re not a plug-and-play outfit. Let me put them through the wringer first.”

“Fair enough,” Mitch said. “But in the meantime, we need help reworking the staff layout. Get your insight on expansion and hiring.”

Jake narrowed his eyes. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Gage hesitated. “Jameson Drake needs a bodyguard. Temporary.”

Jake groaned. “How temporary?”

“Week. Maybe two.”

Jake shrugged. “I’m not in the field anymore, guys.” He’d felt obligated to point that out, but really, he was jumping for joy, or would be if he’d had the energy. The constant paperwork was taking its toll on him. He needed some action. Time in the field sounded just about perfect at this moment in time. Well, after he’d had a solid twelve to fourteen hours of sleep.

“We know. But Drake is Drake. High profile. High maintenance. You know him, and more importantly, he knows and respects you. You’re perfect for it.”

His elation was followed by a sudden wave of doubt. It had been a while since he’d done fieldwork. Had all that paperwork dulled his skills? Had he lost his edge? “And if I say no?”

“You’re not going to say no because you’re a stand-up guy and we need you. But, we also want to talk to you about European expansion,” Gage added. “And a stake in the company.”

Jake blinked. “You’re serious.”

“You’ve earned it,” Mitch said simply.

Jake leaned back. That was… unexpected. And tempting. A piece of the pie was more than he’d dreamed of. It would be amazing. He knew that Gage was right, and he was going to say yes regardless. He also knew that even if he turned down the assignment they would still offer him a piece of the company and an expanded role. The Callahans were men of their word.

“I’ll do it. But only two weeks. And I’m picking my own team. I will also have to check with Monty because she will have to pick up the slack.”

Mitch grinned. “Monty’s already on board.”

Jake rolled his eyes. “Figures.”

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