Chapter 4 #3
Bishop nodded at Olivia. “We’ll be in charge of transporting the attendees from the airport to the lodge, as well as overseeing routine perimeter surveillance and security.
Which means, we won’t have much direct interaction with the guests.
But, since Parker would probably recognize you, and possibly Olivia, on sight, that’s for the best. Especially when we have no idea what the man looks like. ”
“Won’t that pose a problem with Olivia shuttling everyone back and forth?”
“She’ll have a helmet on most of the time.
A hat and glasses when not actively flying.
But yeah, there’s always a chance he’ll see her and know it’s a setup.
Which means you two will have to be…discreet.
No poking around the main facility unless it’s life or death.
You’re here as backup, not an overt force.
So, you’ll keep your heads low when you’re not actively on duty, understand?
Otherwise, Parker will bolt, and we’ll be left waiting for them to try to kill someone before we get another lead. ”
Gibson grinned at Ethan’s huff—what was clearly his way of blowing off the other man’s advice.
“Now, my gut tells me Smyth won’t make an appearance.
That he’ll leave the grunt work to Parker, seeing as he obviously trusted the man enough to broker the deal for your hit.
O’Leary confirmed that, after an initial meeting with Smyth a few years back, Parker is the only contact he’s ever dealt with.
Though, O’Leary swears he’s never actually seen either man’s face. ”
Ethan scoffed. “You believe him?”
“He was motivated to tell me the truth. Either way, if Smyth is in attendance… You’re the only one who’d recognize him. And I’m betting he wouldn’t forget your face, either. Which puts you at far greater risk.”
“You let me worry about the risk. But, won’t Parker be tipped off when he sees my name on the list of security detail?”
Bishop shook his head. “The agent in charge of hiring us is the only person who sees the names. It’s another level of security so attendees can’t compromise any of the independent personnel. Allow some kind of terrorist attack to take place. But, we’ll be extra vigilant, just in case.”
“Then, why are we sitting here? Sounds like it’s a bit of a trek to get there. We’re wasting daylight.”
“It would be if we were taking the snowmobiles. But flying… We’ll head back to the Cage…
” He paused for a moment. “It’s what we call our tactical hub.
Grab any equipment you need and still get there before sunset.
Only the staff and extra security is flying in, today.
Everyone else arrives tomorrow. That should give us plenty of time to discreetly recon the buildings.
Decide the best place to grab Parker without alerting anyone else—assuming we can figure out which asshole’s him.
With any luck, Gib can persuade him to give up Smyth’s real name. Maybe even an address.”
Ethan froze. No other way she could describe it as his eyes widened, his hands fisting on top of the table. He shifted his gaze to her, then back, seemingly holding his breath until Bishop tapped his shoulder.
“Phoenix? You okay?”
Ethan swallowed. Loud enough even she heard the rasp of air escape as it tried to make it down his throat. He pursed his lips, then went to his feet, hands now fisted at his sides.
Gibson rose beside him, shuffling closer. “Easy, mate.”
Ethan rolled his shoulders, giving Gibson a curt nod, then looked at Bishop. “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll borrow one of those snowmobiles. Meet you up there.”
Bishop coughed, glancing warily at Gibson. “It’s a five-hour ride over extremely rough terrain in freezing temperatures.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Bishop opened his mouth, then closed it, twisting toward Gibson.
Gib tilted his head. “Chopper would be faster.”
Ethan stared at Gibson, eyes narrowed. Mouth pinched tight. “Not to be a bastard but… The last time I got in a helicopter with Olivia, it didn’t turn out that great for me, so… Unless you have an issue with me using the snowmobile, I’ll meet you up there.”
It hadn’t turned out well for him? Did he think she’d crashed the damn thing on purpose?
Had merely walked away? Hadn’t gotten hurt or pulled his limp body from the wreckage, fully knowing she might get caught?
That, if Slader had seen her, he might have put it all together, sooner?
Figured out that what she felt for Ethan was real, effectively blowing her cover?
Killed them both right there? How leaving had been the hardest thing she’d ever done? That she still had nightmares about it?
Anger bled through any shock, and she rose next to Gibson, her gaze locked on Ethan’s. “It wasn’t much of a party for me, either, Ethan. And, for the record, I did a damn good job of keeping that machine in one piece. The fact you’re still breathing case in point.”
She held up her hand when it looked as if he was going to speak. “You’re not the only one who’s making concessions, here. Or, who’s been blindsided. Take your damn snowmobile. Just make sure you don’t get lost because I might not be willing to come looking for your arse if you do.”
She pushed past Miller as she headed for the door.
If Ethan thought she’d let him walk all over her, he had a tough week ahead of him.
She’d fought hard to get where she was, and she wasn’t about to cave because he was pissed.
In fact, she just might have to kick his arse a few times before she considered the job done.