Page 69 of Dirty Justice

“They don’t totally trust me. But now I’m sure they do.” His mind revolved around his plan and whether or not Blackout commanders would enact it.

He went on. “Because Raheem took credit for the outdoor market bombing, Amaya will have to do something bigger here in the States.”

“Something bigger and badder,” she said slowly.

He nodded.

“You’re certain Blackout will listen this time?”

“Not a hundred percent but the chances are good. Sparrow seemed to understand the urgency of my news.”

“And Con? Where does Blackout Charlie stand on this?”

“They’re out of the country. Alpha’s on standby.”

“This sounds too important. If Amaya really has plans to make a big display of power…”

“I know. It could be devastating. And enough lives have already been lost to this fucking group. We thought cutting off the head of the snake would be enough.”

“And two snakes popped up in his place.”

“Exactly.”

“So whatisyour plan?” she asked after a beat of silence.

“That we don’t wait for Amaya to move. We get in there and finish it by wiping out the entire cell. Now. Before anybody else takes up the banner and leads more attacks.”

“I don’t see any other way.” She captured his gaze. “Thank you for sharing this with me, AJ. I know I don’t have clearances to hear most of what’s going on. But I’ve helped you before, and I want to again.”

Studying her beautiful face, he lifted a hand and brushed a lock of her thick hair behind her ear. “Maybe we should form our own team, separate from Blackout and The Guard.”

She gave him a soft smile.

“There will always be a Team Us, no matter where you end up.”

Knowing that she supported him in whatever he chose left him with the feeling of peace he’d been searching for.

At last.

“I talked to Brown about Robert.”

Her declaration was like a bomb dropping.

“And I didn’t think there was anything that could make me stop dwelling on Abubakar’s cell.”

She stared down at her hands. “He’s in agreement with you that I don’t like difficult conversations.”

He nodded. “Go on.”

“I’m not interested in Robert. He was just a placeholder for those nights I wanted company. Nothing happened between us, as I’ve told you. But it’s unfair for me to wait for him to get the hint. I have to come out and state my position and feelings.”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tugged her close. She rested her head on his shoulder.

“As soon as I’m back at work, I plan on having that conversation with Robert.”

Brushing his lips across her temple, breathing in her scent, made him relax a little.

Then it hit out of nowhere.

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