“After I discovered Breana and Evan were in on my abduction together, I started asking questions. You’re not going to believe it, but Echo Team’s hijacked GPS was all part of their plan. Like we thought, it was a test. Not solely about the viability of the code, which I’m sure they planned to sell for a hefty price. But also, about my reaction time and whether or not I could find the men. They were testing me as well.”
Liam squeezed her hand. “I talked with Director Walsh last night. She’s digging up your report and promised to take action.”
“Good.” Jade closed her eyes. Fatigue had settled in, but there was more she wanted to know. “What happened to Breana and Evan? And the men helping them.”
“Ah, well, Breana is spilling the tea and throwing the blame on Evan. Who, of course, is blaming her.” Dax shook his head. “The men working with them have all been rounded up—at least those still alive. Contracted hired muscle. Nothing more.”
“And what about Mexico?” Jade shivered at the mere thought of her time in the hut.
“The theory, which I believe is true, is those men thought they could get more money by prying the information from you. What they didn’t realize is that they assumed wrong about the why of your abduction.” Liam lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “The bottom line. The threat is over.”
“Over.” That word had never sounded so good. “Anything else I need to know or questions I need to answer?” She met each one of their gazes.
“I think we’re good.” Xander snapped his fingers. “Wait. There is one more thing.”
Her stomach dropped. She just wanted it to be done. “What’s that?”
“We might have an issue. We don’t know where you live. And the government might not hire protection for that big brain of yours, but we are not letting your six flap in the breeze.”
“Oh. I live in Benton Harbor, Virginia. And I know you all live in Colorado Springs, so that might be an issue.” Kind of like the problem of her not wanting to be separated from these men.
“Tsk tsk tsk, Miss Raven. I thought you were smarter than that.” Boone smirked.
“What did I miss?” She searched her brain and came up empty.
Liam stood and brushed the hair from her forehead. “What Boone is not so eloquently saying is that we started transferringBlackKnight Security to Virginia a couple of months ago. The week before you went missing, we finished moving in. We,” he gestured around the room, “live and work in Virginia now.”
“Not far from you, actually.” Xander smiled.
“Um, wow. So, I get to see you more often then?” Oh, please let them say yes.
“Honey, you’re not getting rid of us.” Liam kissed her cheek, then leaned in and whispered, “If I have my way, you’ll always be by my side.”
Rafe tapped the back of the chair. “On that note, we’ll let you get some rest.”
Each one of Charlie Team gave her a gentle hug, promising they’d see her later.
“Bossman, that goes for you too. Rest that pea brain of yours.” Boone laughed as he waltzed out the door.
“They’re…” She couldn’t find the word to express how she felt.
“Ridiculous. Annoying.” Liam deadpanned as he reclined and tugged a blanket over himself.
“All that and more.” For the first time since she’d left home for Mexico, she could breathe.
She relaxed and closed her eyes.
God, thank you for protecting me and sending those men to save me. And for the man by my side.
A future with Liam was no longer a fanciful wish. Maybe, just maybe, it would be a dream come true.
Clearfield, Virginia – New BlackKnight Security Headquarters
Saturday – 1300 Hours
Call Sign: Charlie One
Several days later,after Raven’s release from the hospital and the trek back to Virginia, Liam stood on the front porch of his house and leaned against the rail. The new headquarters compound sprawled in front of him. When the team decided to move the business to the East Coast, they all agreed that having one location for living and working would be ideal. They weren’t on top of each other. Something they’d all insisted upon. The six houses they’d built dotted the massive spread, each secluded in a cluster of trees. One per man, and an extra for, well, times like now. Plenty of space so everyone would have privacy. The main office served as a focal point from the lane onto the property. And to Xander’s enjoyment, the location had an airstrip and hangar along with a gym, gun range, and storage for all theirtoys.
