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“Despite us having the best record in agency history when we worked together,” Kessler said. She nudged Li’s shoulder. “Although my new partner and I are catching up. You must have someone in mind.” She glanced between TJ and X.
TJ turned in my direction just as I’d been about to raise my hand to remind them, hello, Green Beret in their midst. Walking into enemy territory was second nature to me.
“You’re possibly blown, too, after your weekend escapades,” TJ told me. He looked past me to Bennet. “But we do have another Green Beret.”
“Sure, if you want an older, rustier model,” I said, probably a bit childishly.
Bennet, not one to take offense to very much of anything, laughed. “They call that a classic, son. Ready for duty any time, TJ.”
“Dr. Sloane is on his way back to Chicago as we speak. He and I will be with Alder in the mobile HQ.” TJ said. “X will be dialing in. Jensen, with such a far-flung team, I want you here in the building with your entire room of screens being my backup eyes and ears. Prescott, you’ll be with Jensen, using your ops skills to catch things an IT genius might miss.”
“Got it,” Jensen said.
“On it,” I added.
Red cleared her throat. “Since Jensen and Prescott will be here...”
As happy as I was to have Red farther away from the action, the disappointment on her face as everyone else received their assignments tugged at my heart. If I’d had any standing on the team, I would have jumped to her defense. I fought that urge, too, because under the circumstances, I’d be seen as a totally biased party and might do more harm than good.
X and TJ exchanged a glance. She shrugged, obviously deferring the decision to him as the commander on the ground.
“Boss,” Kessler interjected, “speaking as the goose who could be served up on a Carbonados silver platter, I’d feel more comfortable with Bond involved.”
“All right, Bond, you’ll be with Jensen and Prescott,” TJ said. “You’re still suspended, so you’re on listen-only mode. The only team members you’ll able to speak to will be Sloane and me. Clear?”
Red frowned, but she nodded. “Crystal clear, sir.”
TJ ignored her baiting him. He spent the next ten minutes handing out our assignments for mission preparation, then called an end to the meeting.
“Mr. Bennet, might we have a word?” X asked.
Bennet and TJ followed her out of the SCIF.
“Prescott, you’ll join the logistics meeting starting Monday,” Penn quietly told me while Kessler talked to Red. “Enjoy some time off this weekend.” He glanced at Red. “Maybe cheer up our favorite doc.”
I lingered with her until the rest of the team filtered out of the room, then slid into the seat beside her. I took her hand. “Hey, you okay?”
She shrugged. “It could have been worse. You have your marching orders. Penn will want to start reviewing building schematics with you and Jensen.”
“We’ll start Monday.” I kissed the back of her hand. “So I have some time on my hands, and I’d love to spend it entertaining you.”
“Sorry. I have some work to do. Sloane rearranged some of the inventory in the medical bay which I have to put back in place, and I’ve been meaning to order more supplies.”
“Of course.” I hoped my tone conveyed support and not the disappointment I felt. “You have a job to do, and your team counts on you being the best at it.”
She frowned. “I’m not going to lie. It hurts to be sidelined for what is probably my last mission with them.”
“That soon?” I asked.
She released my hand and stood without answering. “Catch up this evening?”
“Sure.” I followed her out of the SCIF and watched her as she walked to the medical bay. Every overprotective instinct shouted at me to run after her and hold her, but for now, she needed her space. And goddammit, I would be evolved enough to give it to her.
