“Most everyone is more by-the-book than you are, Silas. Other than Shadow. Must be part of the training manual for all spies to break the rules as much as possible,” Reaper retorted. “Speaking of, have you heard anything about our boy? Even through unofficial channels?”
“Not yet. I’ve got his analyst, Steadman, and my analyst, Chris, watching him on satellite as much as possible. He put himself and Nick at more risk by going in as quickly as he did. I’m concerned it’ll backfire, and they won’t be able to handle the backlash from it.”
“Agreed. Are you on your way here now?”
“I’m heading to the airport now and will be in LA County soon.”
* * *
“What didHeadbanger want to talk to you about?” Shadow asked as Nick climbed into the van, sparing no time.
Nick rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the tension and stress accumulating in his muscles. “Your initiation—he was impressed with how you handled yourself, so he wants to replace Spider with you as an officer.”
“How’s Spider going to take that news?” Shadow chuckled.
“He won’t. That’s the other news he sprang on me. The way you’ll earn your top rocker is to kill Spider, the thorn in his side.”
“What’s the problem? I can take him out easily.”
“Seriously? What is wrong with you spooks? You can’t just kill everyone.” Nick openly gaped at Shadow, incredulous at his blasé attitude toward taking another man’s life.
“I most certainly can. I’m a trained soldier. I protect our country every day, from all kinds of threats. Sometimes Ihaveto be the bigger threat to get the job done. Spider is a dangerous man who takes lives indiscriminately—innocent people, defenseless women—and he does it for pleasure. The more he gets away with it, the worse he’ll be. Taking him out of the game is a public service.”
“I’m genuinely concerned you’re missing the entire point of this conversation,” Nick deadpanned. “You do remember I’ve been undercover for two fucking years, right? I’d like to actually arrest someone for all my trouble.”
Shadow glanced over his shoulder at Nick, understanding his angst. “Undercover life is hard. I know. Truly, I get it. You want to see someone pay for all the time you’ve given up of your own life. You want the satisfaction of putting them behind bars for a very long time, knowing it was your dedication to your job and country, and that time has been repaid.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ll be sorely disappointed with the due process. The lawyers, the trials, the delays, the deals. Years of your life already spent collecting irrefutable proof, only to have your every past mistake paraded through court to discredit you. The slap on the wrist they get for being ‘brainwashed and coerced’ into being part of this gang. You’ll wish you’d killed him yourself when it’s all over.”
“It’s a good thing we only have to kidnap another Hollywood starlet in the meantime,” Nick replied dully.
“Do we have a plan for this abduction? Shall we surprise her, or give her a heads-up before we grab her off the sidewalk and pitch her in the back of our Chester Molester van?”
“Does the CIA require regular brain CT scans? Check for changes or anomalies? Seriously, Shadow.”
He threw his head back and released a deep belly laugh. “Man, it feels good to laugh again. It’s been a long time. I’m joking about the kidnapping. While you were chatting with Headbanger, I made some calls on my secure cell to make the arrangements. She’s being briefed and convinced to cooperate as we speak.”
“Who’s prepping her?”
“Bull and Rebel—they’re demonstrating how the GPS injected in her arm works regardless of where she is, assuring her that the two big, scary guys sweeping her off her feet are both undercover agents who will take care of her, and we’ll return her home, safe and sound, as soon as possible. Reaper went to pick up Silas at the airport.”
“We can’t possibly guarantee she’s safe while we’re not around. We have no idea what they’re doing to them,” Nick protested.
The temperature in the van dropped instantly when Shadow turned his gaze to Nick. Or maybe it was from the chills running up Nick’s spine when he recognized the dark, lethal expression on Shadow’s face.
“Shadow, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t even think… Besides, I don’t think they’d hurt them. They’re planning something else for them, I can feel it. They want more money. Manufacturing meth, selling for the cartels, and running guns isn’t making them enough for some reason.”
Before Shadow could reply, his secure cell began vibrating in his pocket. “Talk to me, Bull.”
“Lori Hensley is ready for her chauffeured ride,” Bull replied. “She’s been tagged and is ready for an extra special surprise visit.”
“She does understand what’s really happening, right? You didn’t trick her into thinking she’s going on a blind date or anything?”
Bull chuckled. “I’m giving you the one-finger salute right now, in case you’re wondering. I know how to do my damn job. Just come kidnap the girl. We’re waiting on the lot, just outside the sound stage door. Let me know when you pull up. I’ll step back inside.”
“Copy that. See you soon, princess.”
“Bite me.”
