“If you see a guy with real stupid hair, he’s definitely abad guy,” Garrett said.“You know the kind that looks messy, but the dude spentthree hours making it look that way?”
Taggart nodded as though this was important information.“Yeah, I call all those guys Adam.Yo, the new guy here wants us to take outthe competition.I’m feeling generous today.Kill the dude with the douchebaghair.”
A dark-haired young man stood up from where he was helpingan older guy with some equipment.“You say I have douchebag hair.”
“Because you do, Landon.You got it from your dad,” Tag shotback.
“My dad was a Navy SEAL,” Landon complained.
Tag nodded.“Thanks for proving my point.”
Tessa cursed under her breath.“Boss, do you remember when Imentioned we should recheck the heat detector since it fell when I tripped andyou said we didn’t have time?”
Taggart’s eyes closed.“Fuck me.”
“What does that mean?”Garrett asked.
Keane was worried he knew what it meant.“It means theycan’t figure out how many people they’re dealing with and where they are.They’ll be going in blind, which means Olivia is in real danger.”
“I believe I mentioned that scenario,” Gigi interjected.
“I can’t be sure they won’t kill her out of pure spite,”Taggart admitted.“I can take that house no problem, but without eyes, I can’tpromise Olivia will come out of it safe.”
“I have some extra comms units,” the man named Landon said.“We could send in one of the civvies and let him tell us.It’s dangerous, butI’m going to be honest, boss.The drone footage only showed one car.I’mbetting we’re not dealing with more than four or five.We could put one of thehigh-level trackers on him along with the comms.We would know exactly where heis, and he could tell us what’s happening.”
“That sounds like an excellent way to get shot,” Mirandapointed out.
“I’ll go,” Gigi announced.“They won’t shoot me.”
Tag’s arms crossed over his chest.“They won’t shoot you.Ifthey figure out you’re the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the world,they’ll kill Olivia and take you instead.”
Gabe moved in and in a heartbeat had Gigi over his shoulder.“I’m locking her down until this is over.I do not trust her to stay in oneplace.The minute we turn our heads she’ll walk right up to that door and getherself taken.”
“Hey!”Gigi shouted.“I was not going to do that.”
“She was,” Miranda admitted.“She was going to use her stungun and save Olivia.”Tears rolled down Miranda’s cheeks.“I’m sorry.I can’tlet you do it.”
“Thank you for being sensible,” Taggart said.
“I forgive you,” Gigi shouted as Gabe marched toward hiscar.“You have a soft heart.But Gabe is an asshole.I will never forgive himfor this.”
“She will,” Taggart said.“They’ll be fucking in the SUV ifwe don’t get this done soon.So I’m pretty sure they’ll shoot the dudes infatigues.And chick.Sorry, Tessa.You look like you belong on the set ofNinjaWarrior.We need an obvious civvie, and one they recognize might have afew minutes while they figure out what’s going on.”
Keane stepped up at the exact moment that Garrett did aswell.“I’ll do it.”
“I think I should do it,” Garrett argued.“I’ve hadself-defense training.”
“And I spent years in prison and I came out alive,” Keanecountered.
Taggart pointed his way.“Prison wins.Extra points if thecrime was violent.”
“He was released because he was innocent,” Garrett pointedout.“I should be the one.He’s suffered enough.”
Keane turned to him, giving him his sternest look.He wasthe Dom.This was his job.“I am not asking you, Garrett.I am explaining toyou as your Dom that you will stay here.You will help as much as you can, butyou will not put yourself in danger.If we were alone, I would let you comewith me, but we’re surrounded by competent people.I will not risk you.”
“But, Master,” Garrett began.
“Yes, Master.That’s who I am.What is our agreement,Garrett?I don’t run your life.I love that you and Olivia are smart andcapable, but I’m in charge in two places and two times.What are those?”
