Page 32 of Brooks

Oh, shit.

“Come here, Doll.” Brooks broke the silence.

I shook my head not wanting to get too close. “What’s going on?”

“Word is Al Issa retrieved the tablets from the Bitoos. The auction has been cancelled.”

“Shit. What now?”

“Abort. Regroup. Reengage.”

“And where does that leave me?”

I hated that I sounded so uncertain. If Zane wasn’t going to approve me joining the team, I needed to get to work. Finding someone to take me into Saudi Arabia wouldn’t be difficult but it would cost a mint. I’d need a day or two to get the money sorted. I’d also need to hurry and start setting up a support network. I still had contacts I’d used before but they’d need to be mobilized. And that took time.

Before Brooks could answer, Declan stood and held the phone in my direction. “Here.”

I took the phone and placed it to my ear. “Hello.”

“Tatiana Jones. Long time.”

“If it isn’t the pain in my ass, Zane Lewis,” I returned.

His chuckle reminded me that he, too, thought I was a pain in the ass. The last time I saw him was on a Russian op when I was still in the CIA. The mission was fucked. He and one of his operatives, Laura Bennett, now known as Jasmin Parker, were captured and almost killed. I liked Laura. I was the one who had scrubbed her records and had given her a new identity. I’d also worked with her husband, Lincoln Parker, on a human trafficking case. He, too, was a good operative.

“I heard you retired when you got hitched to that douchebag Monroe.”

God, I hated to be reminded of my monumental lapse in judgement.

“You heard correct.”

“Glad you got shot of his ass.”

That may’ve been the nicest thing Zane had ever said to me. The man shared and showed no emotion.

“Yeah, me, too. So, you have concerns with me joining your team on this op?”

“I did. I spoke to Leon Brown. We cleared some shit up. He offered your help. Tex confirmed the information he gave us. But before I clear you, I have some questions.”

“Wait. Leon gave you information? What he’d tell you?”

“Not at liberty to discuss that with you.”

What the fuck?

“Come again?”

“Don’t bitch at me, woman. You’re the one that took the job. If you have the need to know more, ask.”

Did he think I hadn’t tried that?

“What are your questions?”

“You gonna be able to keep your shit wired tight, you get close to Al Issa?”

“If you mean, will I be able to not put a bullet between his eyes, then no. You asking if I can be professional and have the team’s back, then yes.”

“Heard about that, too. Have to say, what you went through—”