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Kendra poured coffee into Lynch’s cup. “It was Milo’s references to the FBI that you were disturbed about.” She sat down on the couch beside him. “I was stunned at the time, but then I thought that perhaps he was only trying to upset me and show me how powerful he could be.”
“And that could have been his aim, but if his megalomania is strong enough, he might have been bragging about a true accomplishment. It must be frustrating to have to hide how clever he is to everyone around him when he’s so proud of himself. Keeping that power secret is a weapon in itself.” His lips twisted. “And he’s clearly fond of weapons and being able to strike from ambush. Everything he said about the advantages he might have had by recruiting an FBI informant was absolutely correct. The more I consider it, the more I believe that there’s no reason why he wouldn’t want to make a habit of acquiring Betas to worship at his temple whenever he could.”
“That’s a terrifying idea,” Kendra said. “I don’t like the thought of some psycho running around the planet being able to manipulate people just because they don’t have the will to resist him. It’s hard to believe that could happen.”
“Because you can’t imagine it happening to you.” He shrugged. “I agree with you on all counts. I can’t imagine it either. But Jackie Gabert not only imagined, she participated as an Alpha. She must have run across any number of people she was able to dominate enough to satisfy her.”
She made a face. “Betas?”
“Whatever. That’s what she called David Spalman. I don’t think either one of us will deny that kid exhibited all the signs of weakness and submission that she claimed a subject had to possess. I don’t know what would constitute a character that could fall under domination like that, but if it exists then there could be a problem.” He was frowning thoughtfully. “Then there was Dusenberry. He was a completely different case and circumstance, but he was dominated and compelled to do what Milo wanted about the goggles.”
“And Barrett?” Kendra took a sip of her coffee. “You’re accepting all of this a little too easily, Lynch.”
“Maybe I am.” Lynch smiled. “But then Milo said I was the perfect example of an Omega. I’m finding most of this fairly reasonable. If you accept that Barrett could be dominated, then you have to accept that a powerful Alpha like Milo could do it.” He paused. “Even to the point that Milo ordered most of the killings committed by Barrett.”
“Most of them? That’s scary.”
“But you’re not scared. You were heading in that direction anyway.” He added, “And you have to keep on going if you’re going to get to what Milo said about FBI informants. Are you there yet?”
She slowly nodded. “I believe it’s possible considering the size of his ego. Since we’re supposed to be victims, he would feel safer that he could preen a bit to us.” She frowned. “And that possibility is very dangerous. The FBI knows what we’re doing at any given moment. They have to know in order for us to keep Tricia safe.” Her gaze flew up to his face. “Griffin is sending extra guards. How do we know if they can be trusted?”
“Griffin isn’t going to take chances with anyone who isn’t trustworthy. Besides, I asked Sam to call me when they got here. I’ll go down and check them out.”
She relaxed. “It’s all crazy, isn’t it? If the FBI can’t be trusted, who can be?”
He shook his head. “We trust ourselves just as we’ve always done. Beyond that, we have friends at the Bureau, and we’ll know who is rock-solid.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I won’t.”
“Then you’ll leave it to me.” He brushed his lips on the top of her head. “And perhaps Milo is full of bullshit, and it will all be for nothing. That’s not bad, either. It will be—” His phone rang and he glanced down at the ID. “Sam.” He put his coffee cup on the end table and got to his feet. “Stay put. I’ll lock you in. I shouldn’t be long, but I need to check credentials. I’ll be back to tell you who Griffin chose on this short notice.”
She nodded as she watched him walk to the door. “You’d better,” she said dryly. “After you’ve completely riddled my faith in the Bureau, I could use a little reassurance.” She smiled. “On a number of subjects. Milo was a little too enthusiastic about future contact with you. I think I’ll spend a little time until you get back looking up the definition and complete description of an Omega man.”
***
“Move over…”
Lynch’s voice, Kendra realized drowsily, soft, deep, infinitely male. She scooted over on the couch and slipped into his arms. This was right. This is what she had wanted. Why had it taken so long?
“Too long…”
“Not my fault. This is what I’ve been wanting all along.” He cuddled her cheek into the hollow of his shoulder where she liked it. “Hush. You’re still not ready and I’m good with that. You’re getting closer all the time. Go back to sleep. You’re exhausted. It’s been one hell of an evening for you. I just want to hold you for a little while before I have to shower and get Tricia to the center.”
She wanted to hold him, too. It seemed very important at this moment. “Tricia…safe?”
“Yes, though it took forever to check those FBI credentials. I’m sure far longer than it did for you to check mine as an Omega wannabe.”
“No. You’ll be surprised, you come…very close. I’ll tell you…later.”
“You do that.” He pulled her closer. “I can hardly wait to hear what else that bastard was right about.”
“You should be glad. It was good that he was right about you this time.” She snuggled closer. “Omega…I like it…”
Chapter
12
Three Hours Later
