Page 69 of Thaddeus

“Just got a call from Tex, then from the POTUS. Tex confirmed Harry Landry is in the U.S. He was sighted in Los Angeles. Anderson gave the stand-down order. For the moment, Landry is untouchable.”

“What the fuck?” I snapped. “Why would President Anderson protect Landry?”

“I asked. Tom’s answer was that I should trust him. If Tom Anderson asks you to trust him, you trust him. What you don’t do is question his intelligence. And I said ‘for the moment,’ not indefinitely. Which means you’ll get your shot at him, just not right this second. Which works for us, because you got shit to sort down there. Garrett’s latest SITREP has narrowed properties, but he amended his report after Emerson’s information. He punted the intel to me, and I agree with Emerson—Manicore is the best shot at taking out Paul.” Zane stopped for a moment than added. “That and he’s been spotted in the area. Is Emerson ready for transport?”

“Change of plans,” I told Zane.

“Of course there has been. Pray tell what that change is.”

“She’s staying with us until we eliminate the threat.”

“Declan?” Zane called.

“Right here.”

“Funny, I haven’t had those boxes of donuts or the bottle of Knob Creek delivered that you keep promisin’. You okay with this shit, or has a member of your team run away with his dick and forgot to inform his team leader?”

“His dick seems firmly attached to his body, which is to say he’s thinking with it and his goddamn brain has taken a hike,” Declan answered.

“Fuck you. And you know I’m right. We can protect Emerson. She’s safer with us than locked in a safe house somewhere.”

“Because she’ll take off and—”

“No. Because no man will protect her like I will,” I semi-lied.

The truthful part of that statement was that I knew no one cared about her well-being like I did, so no one could protect her the way I would. However, there was some veracity to me being afraid she’d take off. Especially now that Max had told her his thoughts on Landry, and Declan had explained the only way to free her of the shitstorm she’d created was to take out the players.

So even though I’d known before she’d had her doubts about us, she was gearing up to protect me again, and the way she did that was by disappearing. That shit wasn’t happening again.

“It’s a good thing I haven’t signed off on the final plans for the daycare center I’m being forced to build. The architect already gave me a side-eye when I told him I wanted polycarbonate windows. Can you believe the bastard tried to get me to agree on some bullshit film coating that would barely stop a .22 round? Fuck that noise. My kid’s gonna be in that daycare with my nephews. Ivy was pissed when I added soundproofing. She didn’t buy my bullshit about not wanting office noise to wake the little rug rats. So now, I got a pissed-off pregnant wife that looks like she’s carrying a Lewis, either that or there are three normal-sized kids in there. At any rate, now I’m gonna have to add more square footage for you reproducing idiots.”

Emerson looked appalled by Zane’s commentary. Declan’s lips were twitching. Kyle and Max were both smiling. And Tatiana and Brooks both looked like they were holding back laughter.

“Hope to God you’ve never told Ivy she looks like she’s carrying three kids,” Brooks joked. “She didn’t look real comfortable when we last saw her.”

“Apparently growing a human isn’t comfortable. Who knew? I mean, that chick on that TV show popped out like twenty-two. It can’t be that bad, or her and her husband wouldn’t be trying to outbreed the stupid people of the world.”

“Man, your wife is gonna kick your ass.” Tatiana laughed. “And for the sisterhood, I’m gonna help her.”

“You straight, Thad?” Zane asked, all traces of humor gone.

“Five by five, boss.”

“Right. Emerson stays with you; she seems to have valuable input anyway. And, Emerson?”

“Yeah?”

“I know you think I’m a dick and you’re right, I am a dick—a big one. Just ask my wife, she’ll confirm. But I’m a dick who keeps his word and I never make a deal I don’t intend to honor. I promised you a work-up on your sister. My man Garrett is still running some information. The team had been briefed about some highlights they needed to know. But I wanted you to know that when Garrett’s done, you’ll have the file. That is for the deal we made. However, since that time, your sister has saved one of my men’s lives. That is a debt I take seriously. And for that, Autumn has my gratitude. And for that, we’ll find her. And when we do, I’ll extend her my help. Can’t make you any promises she’ll take it, but it will be offered. And that will be payback for Declan’s life.”

Typical Zane. He liked everyone to think he was a world-class asshole. Sarcastic—yes. Demanding—yes. But under all the bullshit he was the most giving and understanding man I knew. He carried the weight of war and scars of battle, and his guilt over things that were beyond his control was palpable.

Zane took care of his men, his family, and his wife had been placed on a pedestal so high no one could touch her. I was not surprised he’d offer to help Autumn.

Though that was a double-edged sword. He’d offer help and Autumn would deny that hand and Emerson would be crushed.

“I appreciate the offer. Even if I still think you’re pretty much an ass. You had no problem blackmailing me.”

“You call it blackmailing, I call it using everything in my arsenal. You left yourself vulnerable and I exploited it. Can’t blame a man for out-playing you.”