“We’re friends.”
“You want to tell me what provoked you to put me in that choke hold?”
“On my way here, I stopped by to surprise her and got one hell of my own. She’s having a masked sex party.” Maverick shoved off the sofa, but he couldn’t shake that image. “I saw her with two men.”
“That’s rough.”
“It was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen and I can’t get her doing that out of my mind. How long has she been having these parties?”
“Ask her. She’s your friend.” Sinclair grew silent for several seconds. “Ready for your surprise? I’ve got a few lovely ladies lined up who are very interested in taking care of your wildest needs.”
“You have fun with them.”
“I’m not the hometown hero, you are.” Rubbing his whiskered chin, Sin studied his brother. “You chase skirts like the apocalypse is around the corner. What is up with you?”
“I’m too pissed off to enjoy myself.” Maverick opened the door. “I’m sorry I almost beat the crap out of you.”
Sinclair’s lips curved. “You didn’t stand a chance.”
“No way you’d win.”
“Fortunately, we’ll never know, will we?”
“I hope not, for your sake. That’s a pretty face. I’d hate to mess it up.” As Maverick closed the door, Sinclair’s laughter followed him into the hallway.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Maverick was the first to arrive at ThunderStrike’s headquarters, nestled behind a chain-link fence in Anacostia. He flipped on the lights and stared at the company’s motto painted on the wall behind reception.
ABOVE & BEYOND
There were days when he doubted he’d make it back to run the private security firm he founded, and manage a business he loved. Feeling a sense of pride, he strode down the hallway to his office.
He sat in his chair and powered on his computer. Despite the worn furniture and the windowless room, he felt like a king returning to his castle.
The next hour was a flurry of staff welcoming him back. At zero eight hundred, he led his regular morning staff meeting with his executive team. Gunner was more than eager to pass the torch and Maverick gladly took it. His staff went around the table, updating him on projects, missions, and new opportunities.
“One final note,” Maverick said to the group sitting around the conference table. “Senator Internado advised me that I’m going to be called to testify before the Senate Select Committee about our last mission. He claims we went rogue and didn’t follow orders. I’m not concerned anything will come from their investigation, so let’s move forward with any government-related missions.” He paused. “Any questions? Any issues I need to know about? Any problems you want to dump on me?” His focus shifted from one employee to the next.
Everyone stayed quiet.
“Last chance.”
“Welcome back, boss,” Penelope said.
As his top-ranking female, Penelope Stein piloted most every mission where Maverick had feet on the ground. She had a mind like a steel trap and took zero shit from anyone. Him included.
“Thanks for handling things while I was gone.”
“Don’t ever leave again.” She shot him a cool smile. “Running this company is way more difficult than I’d anticipated. The logistics of who was in what country when drove me nuts. Plus, that brother of yours is a total nightmare. My God, Sinclair is like your evil twin, only he barely utters a word.”
“Well, he must have said something because he wormed his way into my office and into my safe.”
Rising, Penelope threw her hands up. “Unbelievable. He told me you asked for your phone and wallet.” She shrugged. “Normally, I can detect a liar. He’s good.”
“Yeah, he’s smooth. Don’t sweat it. I trust him.”
“I’m glad you’re okay.”
He tossed Penelope a nod before eyeing his crew. “Good job everyone.”
