Page 10 of Deadly Alliance

Beatrice sighed. “It was the first option I discussed with Zack when I reached out to him about this and we disagreed.”

Zack nodded, grim-faced. “Bea wanted to put herself on the line, but I think it would be a mistake.”

Lucy frowned. “Why? She’s the ultimate prize. We could gather the entire team and catch the killer on a silver platter.”

Shane answered. “If he’d been able to get Bea, he would have already. If she suddenly appears out in the open and vulnerable, he won’t take the bait.”

“This means offering him fresh meat, aka me.”

The way the girl smiled as if it would be a walk in the park made Shane almost grind his teeth to dust. “This is no joking matter, Miss Wallace. Women are dying. And not taking this seriously could endanger you or members of your team and put civilians at risk.”

He felt the Fortis team closing in even if nobody moved. Shane had to admit he may have gone a little far. But part of him couldn’t take the risk of letting that bastard go. The autopsy report came to mind, as well as the picture of Misty—pale, her beautiful hair in a mess and very dead on the slab.

Ignoring everybody in the room, Emme came to stand in front of him, and Shane stood in response. Barely reaching his shoulder, Shane had to admit that she had a significant dose of courage behind the fire in her eyes.

“Do you think I’m an incapable fool who would put my friends—my family—in danger? Do you think I’m incompetent or unskilled?”

“How many missions have you done? How often have you put your life on the line to save your teammates or an innocent’s life?”

“Oh, so you’re keeping count? Courage is defined by body count and the amount of blood you shed?”

“This is not a game!” His voice boomed way stronger than he’d intended, but the girl didn’t flinch, and even shouted back at him.

“No, it’s not a game. People are dying!”

Lance shuffled in his seat. “Well, they’ve got the lover part down perfectly. It’s like they’ve been together for the last fifty years. Your plan is doomed, Rhodes.”

Zack raked his blond hair in annoyance, his gaze went to Beatrice who shook her head. “Listen, Shane. You don’t know us. I get that. But I wouldn’t have suggested Emme if I didn’t believe in her skills and talent. You know my team’s reputation, and Beatrice is a friend. Like you, I’m one of the people who want this madman to be stopped quickly. I also know that it’s personal for you, so I will let that insult go. That is if you’re ready to give Emme a chance and she’s kind enough to forgive you your insult.”

The Fortis leader might have a point, but Shane still had serious doubts. However, he knew when he had been outnumbered and chastised. Sighing deeply, he uncrossed his arms and looked at the petite ball of anger simmering before him. “I’m sorry if I was out of line. I’m ready to give you a chance as Zack speaks so highly of you.”

Shane heard Lucy snort but didn’t look away from the fury in front of him. She looked like she debated whether to stomp her foot or punch him in the face.

“That doesn’t even qualify as an apology.”

“That’s the only one I can give you right now.”

Her chocolate brown eyes turned to deep embers, but she kept calm. The girl had self-control after all.

When he looked up, the expressions on the rest of the Fortis team’s faces were hard, but they kept their thoughts to themselves.

“So, if we’re using Emme as a decoy, you'd better have an impressive plan, Mr Rhodes.”

The barely veiled threat from Zack was evident and Shane only nodded before sitting again. “As going to Bagram would be a pain, and our last resort, we’ll try the UK first.”

Lucy looked at him, a frown on her face. “What do you mean?”

“We found the same as you did when we searched the background of each of the British servicewoman. The killer never attacked them on base. Another common point, a few hours before the kill, they all attended an official military event, or a family outing for service people, but one that was open to the public. And all the women advertised it on their social media too, telling everyone they were going to attend. I think we use that.”

Jace exhaled loudly. “This isn’t going to have a fairy tale ending, it’s more than a long shot to think that this psycho will stumble onto Emme’s Facebook page and turn up to whatever event you’re talking about.”

“I totally agree, that’s why we cover all our bases.” Shane turned to Emme, her dark eyes were on his, analysing his every word. “We activate you in the system as back for active duty, reporting in two weeks after getting married to an American and returning to live in the UK with him. We make a fuss about it, spreading it on social media as much as possible, maybe even the local media. We make sure you look as much like Bea as we can, and we go public.”

“But I was never actually in the army.” Emme replied.

“No, but Dee or Will can go in and fix that and build an entire backstory and record for you that will hold up under scrutiny.”

Zack seemed to be considering what he was saying. “And where exactly will this take place?”