Page 36 of Weston’s Treasure

“You think DHS is gonna pull the plug?” Nixon asked.

Alec didn’t look pleased when he answered. “Possible.”

Weston’s gaze swung to Silver—posture ramrod straight, face pale, eyes round. He understood her fear, she was relying on them to keep her safe. But what she didn’t understand was she had their protection, and the government contract had fuck-all to do with it.

“Doesn’t change a damn thing, Silver,” he told her.

“But if Homeland decided they don’t want to pursue the case, then everything changes.”

“Not a damn thing changes,” he repeated.

“But—”

“Babe, do you think for one second we’d let you swing? Do you think I would? The answer is, fuck no. Contract or no contract, doesn’t matter. DHS pulls out, we go it alone. Either way, you’re protected. Alec knows how to cover his own ass and knows how to play the ridiculous games the government likes to play. That doesn’t touch you.”

“But—”

“Trust me.”

Weston held her eyes, hoping like hell this was not one of the times she decided to throw her attitude and get stubborn. He was quickly learning how to talk her around, but didn’t want to have to do it. He wanted her to trust him instinctively—trust that he would keep her safe.

“Okay.”

Thank fuck.

One step closer.

“A word in private,” Alec said, and Weston turned to see the man was speaking to him.

With a nod, he stood and headed to the sliding glass door. They’d have privacy but he could still keep his eyes on Silver. She may’ve acquiesced but he wasn’t stupid enough to think she wasn’t still scared.

Alec joined Weston on the back deck and turned his back to the window. Whether it was because the other man had sensed Weston’s need to keep an eye on Silver, or if he didn’t want the others to read his lips, he didn’t know and didn’t care.

“What’s on your mind?” Weston prompted when Alec didn’t immediately speak.

“You sure about this?”

Weston’s body jerked as his muscles coiled at Alec’s question. His eyes also narrowed, not liking where the conversation was headed.

“Not sure that’s your business.”

“You’d be wrong, it is. Silver Coyle is caught up in some serious shit. She’s in danger and it’s my job to make sure she’s safe.”

“Wrong. That’s my job. Your job is to clear the way so I can make that happen.”

“This isn’t the sandbox, friend. You’re on US soil.”

Weston didn’t appreciate the reference. He was very aware they weren’t on the battlefield on a sanctioned mission overseas.

“Your point?”

“My point is, the rules of engagement are different. The unfriendlies you take out are American citizens. So, it is my business when I’m the one cleaning up the mess.”

“What the fuck, Alec? You talking about the three dead drug dealers? Three men who kidnapped a woman, planned on killing her, dumping her, then putting one-point-five million dollars’ worth of product on the street to kill hundreds more people? You talking about that fuckin’ mess? Cause I gotta tell you, it was us cleaning up a mess taking out three enemy soldiers who were a direct threat to American lives.”

“Hell no, I’m not talking about Silver’s rescue. I’m talking about you going rogue and making a mess I cannot clean up. I see you’re all fired up to go all-out to protect her. So what I’m asking is, are you sure you wanna put your ass out there for a woman who, last I knew, you could barely tolerate?”

“Told you, shit’s changed.”