“They’ll call themselves whatever is necessary to cover their asses,” Ben said. “But you said filing, so they’re not protected yet.”
Kat shook her head. “That makes our position even more precarious. They could start making noises about a government organization attempting to intimidate them into dropping the filing.”
“That means more slow-rolled warrants and subpoenas, doesn’t it?” Pasco asked.
“It does,” Kat answered.
Pasco groaned. “Man, sometimes I miss being on the other side of the law.” He smiled at Kat. “What are the chances you’d look the other way for a couple of hours and let me go rogue?”
This time, Lang answered. “About the same as the chances X would save your ass from indictment a second time.”
Ben and I glanced at each other. That sounded like a war story we’d like to hear. Unfortunately, it was probably sealed in the metaphorical vault, like most of the HEAT agents’ exploits.
“I could use a drink,” Ben said.
I glanced up from the spreadsheet I was studying. “It seems a bit early, but I feel your pain.”
“I’d settle for some strong coffee.” He pushed back from the table. “I’ll start a fresh pot.”
“Could you also bring back some snacks?” Ryan glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “Please and thank you.”
Ben flashed a fake smile. “Sure.”
“I’ll help carry things,” I said. I also wouldn’t mind stealing a few kisses and maybe a grope while the coffee brewed.
Five minutes later, the front door of the building opened, and Mai strolled in. “Hello, Elite Forces Team!” she called.
“What the hell did you call us?” Lang called from the conference room.
“Just a name some of us are trying out.” Mai spotted us in the kitchen and waved.
“Well, cut it out,” Lang said.
Mai shrugged in our direction, then greeted Kat, who stepped out of her office.
“She’s not going to drop in at our condo all the time to monopolize your attention, is she?” Ben whispered.
“She definitely is,” I whispered back. “Jealous?”
“Nah. As long as she doesn’t get to take baths with you, we’re good.”
“Thanks for providing an extra set of hands and eyes,” Kat was saying to Mai. She pointed to the conference room. “The team is set up in here. Ben and Savannah are on snack duty.”
“And they’re taking forever!” Ryan called. “I suspect they’re making more than snacks.”
“Ew,” Mai said. “Keep those thoughts to yourself. He’s still my brother.” She walked toward us. “Just kidding. I think you’re adorable.” She entered the kitchen and hugged us both at once, then held on to my arm. “Look at us. The dynamic duo, together again.”
Ben shook his head and pointed his finger between him and me. “Pretty sure we’re the dynamic duo.”
“Fine,” Mai said. “Maybe the three of us can be the terrific trio.”
“That’s an objectively terrible name,” Ben said.
“Is this why snacks continue to take so long?” Ryan strolled into the kitchen and wrapped Mai in a hug. “Because this asshole is harassing my friend?”
Kyle came in behind him. “Hey, Mai. You joining our team?” He glanced at Ben and Ryan. “We could use some good tactical ops around here.”
The four of them devolved into raucous banter. I smiled and only half listened. I was trying, and miserably failing, to get inside Devlin’s head. He’d told me to go on the run. Then he, or someone working with him, had taunted me in the hopes of pushing me deeper underground. A week and a half later, not only had I come out of hiding, but I’d walked right into one of our office buildings with what seemed to be a tech expert and hired muscle and walked out with servers that exposed the shady financial moves he’d made withourmoney.
