Page 4 of Dustin
He sighs.
“Since the agency has no contacts in Portugal, I need you to assist the agent we send over. You live there, and fortunately, you came home just in time to help. You don’t need to do much. Just show him the ropes. Help him with accommodation, language, blending in, that kind of thing. Also, after scoping out the situation there, we realized that you’ve had contact with someone that’s extremely vital to the case.”
I raise an eyebrow at that.
“Who?”
My dad shows me a picture on an iPad. It’s a woman with blue eyes, brown hair and a formidable smile.
“She’s married to Alexis Vierra. Powerful people. They’re connected to the case?” I question.
“Yes, extremely vital. Which is why we need your help. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important, sweetheart.”
I nod again.
“All that works with me…no problem. But the other part,” I prompt.
“The agent we’re assigning to Portugal is Dustin Rowell.”
“Hell no,” I say immediately again while shaking my head. “No way. I’ll take Lucas, Sam, or Ethan, anyone but him.”
“Maddie,” my dad says with a sigh. “I need you to be okay with this.”
“I am, but it doesn’t have to be Dustin,” I retort.
“Honestly, darling, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let this happen. But the decision has been made. His other teammates are going to different locations because of their skill sets. Dustin's going to Portugal, and that’s not going to change. I’m asking you to help because I know it will otherwise be difficult for him. But if you don’t want to, it’s fine. I can’t very well force you.”
“So I can say no?” I ask hopefully.
“Yes, but I’m urging you to say yes,” he says with a smile.
I roll my eyes. He’s basically telling me to say yes. I know my father, and if he wants something done, he’ll get it done.
“Dad, he hates me,” I point out while chewing on my bottom lip.
It’s a nervous habit, and I’m officially nervous because I know I’m going to have to accept. Which means Dustin and I will be spending time together. Things couldn’t get worse.
My dad’s hazel-colored eyes narrow.
“I’d like to believe agent Rowell is a professional who can keep his personal feelings out of his work.”
I’m sure he is, but I doubt that applies when it comes to me.
“It’ll be okay, Madison. I trust you’ll handle things well,” my dad states.
This is how I find myself in a board room filled with five other men and my father as he briefs them on their new mission.
“Yes, Lucas?” my father prompts, permitting him to speak when he raises his hand.
When I lived in the U.S., I had a good relationship with the Thunder Elites. They worked closely with my dad, which was how I got to know them. Before Dustin and I got entangled, we were all friends. We had hang-out sessions, where I would complain to them about my fashion line not taking off, and they were always really supportive.
In the past few years, we’ve drifted apart for many reasons. That’s understandable. It didn’t stop them from hugging me when I walked into the room, except for Dustin, of course.
“Permit me to say this, sir, but the last time we tried a solo operation, it went terribly wrong,” Lucas states.
“I am aware of that, which is why you’re all under strict orders not to engage this time. No matter what happens. If a problem arises, contact us first and foremost, and we’ll inform you how to proceed. Is that clear?” he questions.
Choruses of yes sirs ring out from all five men.
