“The outcome’s unclear. From what I’ve heard, the CIA’s pretty pissed. Something about bad publicity. But, we knew it was a possibility. However…I talked with Jericho’s uncle. Admiral Jonathan Hastings. He’s let the superiors at the Agency know that if anything happens to you or Colt, he’ll personally see that every bit of evidence you collected gets plastered all over CNN. Needless to say, they’ve personally guaranteed your continued safety.”
“They don’t know McCormick.”
“And he doesn’t know us.” He paused, scrubbed a hand down his face.
Ellis groaned. “Whatever you’re trying not to say, just spit it out.”
Cannon sighed, glanced at Brett, then back to her. “They also wanted me to tell you, they’ll be contacting you regarding a position in their counterterrorism center. Apparently, they’re very impressed by your stats.”
Ellis lowered her arms, stepping away from Brett. “I’m sorry, but I thought you just said the CIA wants me to stay? Join the CTC?”
“You’re a talented field agent, Ellis. They’d be stupid not to offer you a position. An official one, this time.”
She looked away. This was just too…surreal.
Brett nudged her. “If it’s what you really want, you know I’ll support you, right? Whatever your decision.”
“But in case you’re looking for other options, we’d love to have you officially on the team.” Cannon grinned then winked. “Thinking you could put those ninja skills to good use.”
Ellis laughed. “Become a bounty hunter?”
“We prefer the term, Recovery Agent. But yeah. You’d be one hell of a hunter. Or bodyguard. Bet you could break into almost any facility. Make us a million in security consulting fees, alone. There is one possible issue, though.”
“What’s that?”
Cannon thumbed toward Brett. “You’ll have to team up with Colt. Guy can be a pain in the ass.”
“Don’t I know it.” She giggled when Brett picked her up. “Fine. I’ll work with mother hen, here.”
Brett held her close. “If you’d like that to beyourcode name, then keep on saying it…”
Cannon shook his head. “Afraid she already has one of those, buddy. One she’s kept hidden. Isn’t that right…Phantom?”
Her feet hit the floor then her back the wall as Brett loomed over her. “Your callsign is Phantom?”
God the way he was looking at her. She wanted to stop time. Memorize it. The guy was irresistible when he was all serious. “McCormick gave it to me.”
“Why Phantom?”
“Why Colt? You never did tell me.”
Cannon moved over to them, swatting Brett up the backside of the head. “You never told the lady?”
Brett shrugged. “It didn’t seem important.”
Cannon shook his head. “You know that saying? God made man?—”
“But Sam Colt made them equal?” She inhaled looked at him. “Is that what you do? Make the playing field equal?”
“And he doesn’t even need a gun. So, you’re turning the CIA down, then? Joining us?”
Ellis cinched her arms around Brett, again. “That sounds about right.”
“Hell, yeah. I’ll go call Jack—Admiral Hastings. Have him relay the news. Let them know they won’t get a very warm welcome if they come snooping around. And I’ll rally everyone. We’ll make a convoy down to Vegas.”
“Think that convoy can hold off for thirty minutes?”
Cannon groaned. “You’ve got twenty-five. But don’t make me walk in on anything.”
