25
Ridge
I lean against the wall outside of Robyn’s office, arms folded, watching the elevator.
The two males arrive right on time, which is a good start. I head over there when I see them coming. Smoke is at the front, with the new male behind him. Both of them have earpieces.
“Commander.” Smoke stops in front of me. “This is Brutus.”
I nod at each of them in turn.
“Sir.” Brutus inclines his head.
We move to the small alcove next to the staff kitchen.
“You’re Dr. Keller’s security detail until further notice,” I say. “Dr. Keller does not leave this floor without you on her. If she goes into surgery, one of you needs to be outside that theater door. If she leaves, you tail her. You need to have eyes on her at all times.”
“Understood.” Smoke nods.
“I’m not expecting her to go anywhere unusual today. She has a full schedule that should keep her here. But I want eyes on her, regardless. Smoke, you’re my point of call and the mainsecurity detail on this case. Brutus, you stay back and keep point. We’ve already had a break-in attempt at her apartment. I am not assuming we’re done.”
“Got it,” Brutus says.
“You report directly to me until further notice. Are we clear?” I tell Smoke.
“Crystal.”
“Good. I need to get to Security Central…” I look at my watch. “I will be in touch before the close of business today with further instructions.”
“No problem, Commander,” Smoke tells me.
Brutus heads for the stairwell to do a sweep of the floor. Smoke heads for reception, since Robyn isn’t in her office.
For a second, I consider seeking her out to say a personal goodbye, but I decide against it. We’ve said all there is to say to one another.
It’s done.
I take the stairs down to the parking lot.
Once I’m in the SUV, I pull out my phone and dial Reed. It goes to voicemail. I leave a message telling her that I need to speak with her and that it’s important.
The drive to Security Central is quick. I almost don’t want to go in there and face Magma, but I have to tell him that I’m stepping away from the Keller assignment. It’s face him, or he will suspect that something is up. He probably already does. I won’t be able to tell him what is going on, and it’s killing me.
I’ve been quieter than usual since Reed pulled me out of Security Central. I haven’t been by his office. We’ve barely spoken. I’m struggling with this.
It eats at me that I can’t tell him the truth.
I park in my usual spot near the side entrance.
Reed isn’t going to like what I’m about to tell her either. I haven’t been able to think of a way around it. If I try to give hersome shitty excuse, she won’t allow me to step away from the assignment. I have to tell her the truth. It’s the only way.
She is going to have my hide and then some.
I can’t say I blame her.
I get out of the SUV and head inside.
The lobby is full. There are three officers at the front desk pulling visitor passes, two males in tactical gear waiting to be cleared through, and a small group of analysts.
