In Dakota’s office, a laptop the only indication anyone even worked there.
As Dakota brought Carrera around the corner, he said, “This doubles as ALPHA’s safe house. We’ve got a stocked kitchen, a family room, several bedrooms with private bathrooms.” He stopped in front of an open door. “This is our surgery center.”
Carrera was taking everything in stride, rolling with all the new information.
They finished the tour in the conference room. Sin had set out utensils, plates, serving spoons.
“Fancy setup,” Carrera said as he eased into a chair.
“I don’t use plastic utensils or paper plates,” Sin said. “Bad for the environment.”
“At parties, I’ve seen him searching a kitchen for a glass,” Dakota said. “He won’t use plastic cups.”
“Those are the worst,” Sin said.
Dakota shook his head, and Carrera chuckled.
During lunch Dakota offered up a deep dive on BLACK OPS’ first international rescue mission, in the Middle East.
After they finished eating, Dakota said, “We’ve got some leaks in the Bureau. No idea how many or how long it’s been going on.”
“That’s why ALPHA has always been in its own building,” Sin added. “People can’t keep their mouths shut, so at least at ALPHA, it stays within ALPHA.”
“How did you find out about the leaks?” Carrera asked.
“Luciano,” Dakota replied.
By the end of their briefing, Carrera was convinced there was more evil in the world than good.
Sin rose. “I’m taking off.”
“Help clean up,” Dakota said.
“You clean up,” Sin pushed back. “I picked up lunch.”
Dakota laughed. “You didn’tmakeit.”
“Fuck you,” Sin said, and the brothers laughed.
After the guys cleaned up, Sin extended his hand to Carrera. “If you get pushback—fromanyone—call me immediately.”
“I could use a ride back,” Carrera said.
The brothers laughed.
“You’re getting a specialized vehicle,” Dakota explained.
After Sin left, Dakota escorted him back to his office and sat behind his desk. Carrera eased onto the sofa.
“You’ve been brought into the inner circle for several reasons,” Dakota began.
Here it comes.
“You’re very smart, well-connected, and well-liked at the Bureau and at ALPHA,” Dakota said. “You’re also a solid team player. We know Luciano will listen to you. His demons have turned him into a ruthless killer, but there has to be some balance. He can’t be killing men who’ve pissed him off. We’rechasing the guilty, not the ones we have personal grudges against.”
Carrera released a growl. “I thought this was an earned promotion, but if I’m being used to get to Luciano, I’m out.”
“We have a direct line to Luciano,” Dakota said. “He and Sin have become good friends. They work well together. Everyone wants to take out the bad actors. The problem is, we don’t want to make mistakes.”
