Jase hurried out and Crockett flew Horse with him. “Crack open the door,” hewhispered.
As soon as she did, he zoomed the tiny surveillance bug into their room. “You were right,” hemurmured.
Dread made her blood runcold.
24
Epic Fail
Crockett’simpending product presentationat the FBI was the gateway to the biggest opportunity for Wilde Innovations and he needed to keep his head in the game. But he’d tossed and turned all night, even with Alexandra snuggled in hisarms.
If a grown woman had to resort to biting a member, something extreme was happening at Incognito. But until they could gain access into that back room, he had to focus on the task athand.
Round Two with theFBI.
As he and Decker approached the Department of Justice on Pennsylvania Avenue in northwest DC, Decker bit out a grunt. “What’sshedoinghere?”
Crockett flicked his gaze to the entrance of the gray government building that covered most of the city block. Ruth Lizzard, Wilde’s former QA Director, chatted away on her phone. He’d terminated her employment last fall for sexual misconduct and had zero interest in speaking withher.
“Hopefully not vying for the same business we are,” Crockett replied. “Do you know where shelanded?”
“Director of Software Development for No Man’sLand.”
“That drone manufacturer has been trying to break into the federal space foryears.”
“Looks like they found the right person to blow that door wideopen.”
Ruth Lizzard ended her call and marched in theirdirection.
“Ah, crap,” Deckergrumbled.
“Hello, boys.” Ruth Lizzard did not crack a smile. “Here to wow the FBI with your littlecritters?”
“I heard you joined Chavez’s company,” Crockett said, taking control of the conversation. “How’s that workingout?”
She grinned. “Ray’s a dream to work for. We’re rolling out some fantastic products. Just between you and me, the FBI was totallyimpressed.”
But Crockett wasn’t. “Good foryou.”
“Best of luck, kiddos,” she said. “You’re gonna need it.” With a smug smile, she flicked her blonde head and strodeoff.
Lizzard made his skin crawl. She’d been an outstanding employee until she’d attempted to screw her way into an executive position. When he’d refused her, she’d gone after Decker. So, he’d terminated her and hadn’t thought twice about her. Untilnow.
Swallowing down the bitter taste, he and Decker entered the building’s waiting area. Danny Strong exited through security and shook both men’s hands. “Good to seeyou.”
“You, too,” Crockettsaid.
Both men accompanied him to the bulletproof window. “They’re with me.” Danny slid his DOJ badge through the recessedtray.
“I need to see your IDs, gentlemen,” said the securityclerk.
Crockett and Decker slipped their driver’s licenses into the tray. Once the employee had entered the necessary information, she slid their IDs back through, along with temporary badges for Crockett andDecker.
“Wear those at all times,” she said as both men clipped on the plastic visitorbadge.
“I’ll see you on the other side.” Danny walked back through the employeeentrance.
Similar to airport security, Crockett and Decker stepped over to a conveyer belt. They placed their laptops, cell phones, and Spy Flies into the plastic bin to be X-rayed. Then, both men stood in the “X” position while the security guard waved the wand over their bodies. Once cleared, they stepped through the metal detector and waited in front of a sliding glass door to one of three glass-enclosed isolationchambers.
