Page 29 of Her Last Hope
“You’re a civilian, and this a federal operation.”
“Being headed by a private civilian team,” Nick said. “One you agreed to work with.”
Leandra appreciated him coming to her defense, but she didn’t need him to.
“I didn’t agree to working with a PI who has no background in law enforcement.” Fielding raised his chin.
“Yes, you did,” Nick said, but she stepped in front of him.
“I’m not going anywhere but in that warehouse as planned, so let’s just move forward, shall we?” she asked.
“Happy to, as soon as you leave.” Fielding pointed to the SUV she’d rode in.
Leandra opened her mouth, but Nick spoke before she could.
“She’s an integral part of our plan.” Nick stood next to her, his hand pressing against the small of her back. He stared down at Fielding. “If I walk in there without her as my business partner in this deal, the entire plan falls apart, and we’ll have a shitstorm on our hands, and I’m not good with that. We stick with the plan we presented you.”
“Your plan, not ours, and we’ve made some changes.” Fielding rolled on his feet, as if to make himself taller.
“What kind of changes?” Leandra asked, fisting her hands.
“We’re not at liberty to share with you, so please, we need you to leave so we can discuss the new plans.”
“Like hell,” Nick said. “She’s—”
Leandra raised her hand, covering Nick’s mouth. “I’m the sole reason you’ve got anything on Ramos’ trafficking. I’m the one who brought these fine men and their teams in, so back the fuck up. I’m going in with Nick, and you can’t stop me.”
“Yes, I can,” Fielding said with a stupid grin. “I’ll arrest you.”
Dylan laughed. “Try it and I’ll have my boss call your boss, and I think we know how that will turn out.”
Nick tugged her hand from his mouth, dropping their entangled fingers to the side. She should pull away, but she wouldn’t.
Or maybe she couldn’t.
“Look, fellas,” Nick said, giving her hand a good squeeze. “We invited you into this sting, and you’re welcome to stay and play, but we’ve got operatives in the field, with a plan, ready to go.”
Fielding shook his head, shoving his fists in his pockets. “This one is a dangerous woman with a death wish, and our agent tells us she’s a loose cannon.”
“That’s bullshit,” Leandra said behind gritted teeth. “Whoever your agent is has only seen or known me for less forty-eight hours and doesn’t know dick about me.”
“Who’s the agent?” Nick leaned forward, forcing Fielding to look up at him.
Leandra bit back a smile, enjoying that a little too much.
“I won’t compromise my agent’s cover.”
“You mean her cover,” Logan said as he took the five steps from the government car. “The one you had send all the intel we have right now to Leandra.”
“Alicia?” Leandra mentally went over every encounter she’d had with the woman, which wasn’t many.
Logan nodded. “Just heard back from Mia.” He pointed to Fielding. “Why would your agent send us intel from Nick’s alias and a bogus email?”
“That’s where you got the blueprints of the warehouse?” Fielding took a slight step back but still held his ground. “What makes you think we sent anyone an email?”
“Because my fiancé is the best ethical hacker in the world, so she knows her shit,” Logan said with a protective tone.
“Why the hell would you do that without telling us?” Nick shook his head.
