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Maybe if she knew that he knew, it would change things.
Until then, though, he was a jumbled storm of sadness, shame, and wistful frustration inside. But to everyone in the briefing, he was just Tank. Reliable, strong, and unshakable. With resting murder face.
At the front of the room, Ryder was giving the update to the entire BTS staff. He’d been on the forefront of the campaign to dismantle the Syndicate ever since the crime conglomerate had targeted Fiona Raven. Yes, that Fiona Raven, America’s cooking sweetheart and the younger sister of Black Tower co-founder Flint Raven.
It wasn’t often that the entire staff of Black Tower was assembled in one space. Nearly thirty people crowded the conference room. The wall that divided the space into two smaller meeting rooms had been removed. Operatives, analysts, and even the finance and legal departments were here.
“We know that Senator Collins is pushing hard for this new appropriations bill. It includes a defense contract for Citadel that is seriously unparalleled.”
There was a low rumble in his chest at the mention of Citadel. Even if Strickland hadn’t pointed the finger at them when they interrogated him, they’d crossed paths with Citadel enough for him to know that they were ruthless mercenaries who didn’t care who or what got in their way. Their guys were always moving drugs and weapons in the Middle East, their private contractor status obviously making them feel above the law.
Not all military contractors were bad news. But anytime Tank had run into a problem with one, they’d been from Citadel.
Marshall took the opportunity to fill everyone else in. “Our friend Damien Strickland told us that Citadel is the key to everything and that once they are in position, the whole plan moves forward.”
“So what’s their blasted plan then?” The frustrated outburst came from Jackson but was quickly echoed by several others. Tank’s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. Jackson didn’t usually get riled up, but the further they got down the Syndicate web, the bigger effect it was having on everyone.
Ryder held up a hand. “We don’t know everything. We know Patrick Derulo from QuinTech Missiles was using Damien Strickland and the Marshand Chemical Group. The chemical plant was permitted to produce a phosphorus compound for fertilizers. But that doesn’t explain Derulo’s interest.”
Ryder’s gaze swept the room slowly. “Our working theory is that Derulo and the Syndicate are illegally processing chemical weapons. The new defense contract for Citadel will grant them near-zero oversight from anyone as far as weapons procurement, unprecedented access to secure military bases, and huge latitude for engagement with the US military taking full responsibility for Citadel actions.”
If Tank was still the type to say curse words, he would have exhaled a string of them. Instead, he filled in the gaps for anyone who might not have connected the dots yet. “They’re setting us up for war.”
Ryded nodded. “We’re still working on all the pieces, but we need all hands on deck. We have to prevent this appropriations bill. If all else fails, we’re confident that Coulter will use his veto power. But we all know that just paints a huge target on his back. So, here are your assignments.”
Miranda started handing out manilla folders to everyone in the office as Ryder continued to explain.
“Joey and Stephen and the analysts have prepped dossiers on every member of the defense appropriations committee. We’re going one-by-one and doing whatever it takes to get them on our side.”
“And if they’re part of the bigger problem?” The question came from Jackson again, and Tank noted the flash of anger in his eyes with approval.
“Then it is up to us to solve it. Rules of engagement for this campaign are included in your folders. We have a pile of money sitting in a political action committee fund you can use for bribery–I mean, lobbying. At this point, all options are on the table. Blackmail, intimidation, bribery. Shoot, if they want to be owed a favor from Flint, I think we can make that happen.” Ryder smirked at their boss who simply shrugged in response.
That was all but an endorsement of that action plan from the big man.
Tank flipped open the assignment he’d been handed. Senator Collins. As the chair of the defense appropriations committee, he was also one of two senior senators they had already confirmed were in the upper echelon of the Syndicate. Senator Katrina Morris being the other.
There was no way he’d get Senator Collins to back down. The man was in way too deep. Ryder dismissed the meeting as Tank flicked through the dossier on Collins. He was already familiar with most of it. He glanced up to find Ryder making his way over to him.
Tank gestured to the file. “Got any ideas?”
Ryder grimaced. “Collins is so dirty he makes the Hudson River look pristine.”
Tank grunted his agreement with Ryder’s assessment.
His friend laid a hand on Tank’s shoulder. “After Fiona was attacked and I found out that Senator Morris was behind it, I paid her a little visit.”
Tank felt his eyes widen. He’d never heard about this. “And?”
Ryder shrugged. “I scared her into submission, at least for a little while. I’m not saying it’s the only option for Collins, but it’s certainly one option.”
Tank nodded. “Thanks.”
Someone called for Ryder across the room, and he left Tank there to consider his words. Before he could think on it too long, his phone buzzed. He frowned at it for a moment. Everyone who texted him had just been in this room.
Kaylie: Thank you again for everything you did the other day. It never should have happened, but I’m thankful it was at your house and not another client. I came by this afternoon and got everything back in order.
He was so dang elated that she’d finally reached out, he couldn’t even hold onto the tug of jealousy he felt at the mere idea of her relying on some other person to care for her when she was sick. Or being so vulnerable with anyone but him.
