Page 35 of The Hunter's Empire

Erin folds her arms slightly. "You are certain?"

"Yes."

One of the older security consultants near the far side of the table clears his throat carefully. "With respect, Ms. Krogen, if the Keegans realize who is investigating them, Ireland becomes extremely unpredictable territory."

"I am aware."

"There are safer ways to oversee the operation."

"There are slower ways." I correct evenly. "And slower gets people noticed."

Silence follows briefly.

Nobody openly challenges me after that, but I can feel the hesitation lingering around the table anyway. Not because they doubt the danger. Because they doubt whether I should personally be near it.

I have spent years learning how to recognize that look.

Before the tension can settle further, movement near the doorway pulls my attention up.

Sebastian steps into the room. He is dressed impeccably as always, calm and polished enough that most people would miss the shift in his posture when he realizes exactly what stage the meeting has reached.

His gaze moves briefly across the screens. The maps. The security layouts. Then finally settles on me.

"So," he says smoothly, "we are already planning field logistics."

The room grows subtly quieter.

Sebastian already knows about the Keegan operation. But judging by the look in his eyes, he did not expect the operation to progress this quickly. Or involve me this directly.

I close the file in front of me carefully. "We are finalizing preliminary movement plans."

His gaze sharpens slightly. "Including your travel arrangements."

Not a question.

I hold his stare. "Yes."

Then Sebastian walks farther into the room. I know him well enough to recognize irritation beneath the calm exterior.

"With respect," he says, addressing the room more than me, "there are professionals trained specifically for direct operational work. Zora’s position requires strategic oversight, not physical involvement."

The phrasing is careful. Professional. Which somehow makes it more irritating.

One of the analysts lowers his eyes immediately, pretending to focus on his screen.

Sebastian continues smoothly, "If something goes wrong overseas, the consequences extend beyond this assignment. We cannot afford unnecessary exposure at the executive level."

I rest my elbows lightly against the table. "You say exposure. I hear control."

His eyes return to mine instantly. "That is not what I meant."

"No?" My tone remains calm. "Because it sounds very similar to every conversation where someone explains why I should remain behind a desk while men handle the complicated work."

A faint tension appears along Sebastian’s jaw. "Zora, this is not about capability."

"Then what is it about?"

"Risk assessment."