“We need a secure place to work, but this is too far to drive every day. Where do you live?”
“Arlington.” She knew where he lived, so she stayed silent.
“I’ll take it you know where I live…or you don’t care.”
“Don’t care.”
His lips twitched at the corners. “How’d you find me? My home address isn’t listed in The Dungeon’s database.”
“I followed you home one night after you left your office.”
He paused for an extra beat. “I’ve got a black site we can use that’s closer to D.C.”
Hmm, a black site?
“Let’s meet at my Tysons office around noon and we’ll drive there together.”
They each shouldered their computer bag and headed down the hallway. She’d been flying solo for so long, it felt freeing to work alongside someone who knew about her secret life. She didn’t have to pretend with Dakota. Didn’t have to change the subject the second someone asked how things were going at work. Despite their rocky start, Providence liked partnering with him, a lot.
She slowed in front of Luther’s office. “I’ve got to pick up my service weapon.”
He regarded her for a few seconds, as if trying to decide what to say to close out their day. “Drive safely.” He strode toward reception, taking his fiery energy with him.
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she tapped on Luther’s door.
“Come in.”
Like earlier, a warm smile graced his face. “How was day one with ALPHA?”
“It went well, in spite of my stubborn partner.”
A deep chuckle rolled out of him. “Sounds like Dakota. Have a seat.”
As Providence eased into the chair, Luther set a small leather duffle on the edge of his desk. “Handling Dakota is going to be the most challenging part of your job.”
“I don’t doubt it.” She eyed the bag.
“That’s yours,” Luther said. “Open it.”
Providence unzipped it and peered inside. “What the—” She pulled out four different badges. FBI, DEA, ATF, and DHS. All had the name Elaine Jones with her photo. Providence smiled. “A perk of ALPHA?”
“The IDs allow you to interface with law enforcement and the public. I recommend to my new operatives that you useoneper case, so Elaine Jones with four different agencies doesn’t start popping up everywhere.” He chuckled. “Years ago, I hired a seasoned DHS agent. He used a different badge every time he talked to someone for the same damn case.”
Providence smiled. “Thanks for the heads up.”
“I know you might want to return to the FBI after this case, but it’s the ALPHA starter-pack, and I treat all my new hires the same. Everyone gets one, and that includes you.”
“Thank you, Luther.”
Then, he handed her two Glocks. “Strap the smaller one to your ankle.”
“Understood.”
“Two more housekeeping items before you head out. First, I sent you a text. Add me into your phone book as Luther. No last name.”
She pulled out her phone and completed that task. “And the second?”
“If you want to learn about current or former ALPHA operatives, you can access their files through ALPHA.net.”
