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Yeah, but I have a buddy who owes me. He’ll be two car lengths behind them.
I should have known that Damian wouldn’t give in so easily. I give an exasperated huff. He’s not wrong, and continually being her shadow causes an unhealthy codependence. I want her to be and feel safe and keep myself sane at the same time.
Fine.
Chloe just left, and Mason is right behind her. He’ll give you a sign as he drives past.
Half an hour later, Sabrina’s on her way and Mason gives me a two-finger salute as he drives past, tailing the women. I’m not completely at ease, but I have to get to Zeke. After our call, it’s obvious that we need to show him more appreciation for his position on this team.
I grab my keys and head out.
Zeke’s already in the office when I get there, poring over the layout of the gallery and the exhibits on display.
“Brought you a coffee.” I prop it on the table, along with a white paper bag with a cream cheese strawberry Danish.
Zeke looks at the bag and turns to me. “Thanks, man. Strawberry?”
“You think I don’t know you?” I ask. “You’ve been busy this morning.”
“There’s a lot riding on this.”
“Sure. And we got your back, just like you have ours.” There it is. It’s slight, and if I weren’t looking for it, I wouldn’t have noticed. Doubt. Uncertainty. Zeke thinks we don’t fully trust him. Yeah, he’s the youngest, just hitting his mid-twenties, and sure, his forte is his technical skills, but he’s so much more than that.
His loyalty is beyond reproach. No task is too small, and he is meticulous with detail on every case we’ve worked on. He’s done basic undercover work too, and he takes that role just as seriously. He’s smart and ready for anything. Zeke’s the perfect fourth for the team.
I notice that Caleb’s at the door. He’s been watching and listening. I think he caught Zeke’s hesitation too.
Before I can say another word, Caleb says, “Zeke, got a second?” Zeke shifts his gaze to Caleb. “I need a word.”
Zeke follows Caleb to his private office, just as Damian comes into view. Without even a “hello,” he says, “What’s all that about?” He jerks his head in the direction of the two men entering Caleb’s office and the door shutting firmly behind them.
“I think Zeke doesn’t understand his worth in our crew,” I say.
Damian lifts his brows in concern. “What the fuck,” he says. “That’s insane.”
“I agree.”
“Why—” he starts, but I interrupt him.
“Think about it. He was the last one on the team. He’s got the least amount of field experience and he’s been the shadow man. Maybe he thinks that’s his job because that’s all we think he’s good for,” I say. “I’m only guessing, brother, but I can see it having an effect.”
Damian’s taking in my words, and I can see it dawning on him that this could be the case. “We have to talk to him.”
“Caleb’s on it.” I nod toward the closed office door.
“Sure, butweneed to be on it.” He moves his hand between the two of us, ending with his fist on his hip. “Does he know how many people we went through before we found the right guy? He fits this.” He waves his hand around the room. “He fits us, our team.”
“I’m not disagreeing with you.”
“Why aren’t you more upset?”
“Because I trust Caleb to do what he does best. Same way he did with you and me,” I say, reminding him of our moments of insecurity about our skills, and how Caleb took us each in hand when we needed our pep talk.
He crosses his arms over his chest. “Right. You’re right. Caleb will set him straight.”
“I’m glad we caught it. He’s too good, and we need him.”
* * *
