Chapter 26
Carson’s gaze lingered on his boots as he waited for Logan Bishop to answer his phone. He noted the creases etched into the leather, a testament to the assignments he’d worked on. Restless, he held the phone to his ear, hoping his call would be answered.
Mace had served with Jack Bryant in the Army Special Forces years earlier. Jack now ran Saints Protection and Investigation out of his compound in Virginia. And through that alliance, Mace had met Logan, formerly a SEAL. Mace’s new brainchild to expand Lighthouse Security Investigations with Logan was already in the works but was kept under wraps at this time.
In the SEALs, Logan Bishop was known by his call sign of Preacher, but now he just went by Logan, eschewing his former identity and embracing civilian life. He flew his helicopter for private tours of the rugged mountains of Montana and for mountain rescues of hikers. But Logan’s story was layered, only known to very few people. He also orchestrated covert rescues at the behest of the government.
Mace began the process of convincing Logan that he should become the leader of another branch of LSI. Logan agreed, but it took several years to build up a business like what Mace and Carson had.
Carson knew many people he could call for assistance, but Logan was the only one he knew in Montana who could get to his people quickly.
A growly voice answered the call. “Bishop.”
“Logan, it’s Carson Dyer. I need your bird in the air as soon as possible.”
He could hear movement in the background and had no doubt that Logan was already throwing the covers off his bed. “What’s happening?”
“An FBI raid in Montana gone wrong. Two of my people who were in an FBI van monitoring the situation have been kidnapped. The agent with them was shot. While I have people on the ground, my pilot”s little boy just went into the hospital for minor surgery.”
“Where do I need to be?”
Relief flooded Carson. He knew Logan would help, but it was hard to hold back how his breath flowed easier when Logan’s immediate affirmation sounded like a beacon in the dark sky.
He gave the location, then added, “My people that were taken are women. You’ll rendezvous with some of my men and head to where we’re tracking them.”
“Do you have trackers on them?”
“You know we do. One is only wearing a tracker in her necklace, but the other one already has the tattoo. Granted, if they’re separated, we might not trust the necklace, but now we can track that both are together.”
“Send me all the information, and I’ll get my bird ready. I can be in the air in ten minutes.”
Another sigh of relief left Carson’s lungs. “You’ve got my gratitude.”
Logan barked out a grunt to hide his grin. “This won’t be the last time we work together.”
“Then we’re both lucky as fuck.”
Thanking Logan, Carson disconnected the call. Inside the compound, he looked around. With Keepers working the mission in the compound and out in the field, as well as supporting Jeb and Leo, he knew he had the best team of people.
He looked at Abbie and said, “Send the coordinates to Logan Bishop. He’ll be flying to meet our team and take them wherever they need to go to get Natalie and Skylar back.”
Calling Landon, he said, “Have your people track both sets of trucks that have left and keep monitoring to see if other trucks are leaving the plant. The first five trucks may have been decoys only. Someone knew what the fuck was going down to take my people. Your mission is now yours, Landon. Mine is getting my people back.”
“Already on it,” Landon promised, his words tight. “Agent Tidwell, the one who was shot, was able to say that the man who came to the van had FBI insignia on his jacket.” He let out another curse. “Carson… fuck, man. Shit… as far as I’m concerned, this mission is being run by my superior, anyway. Whatever you need from me, you got it.”
“Appreciate it. I’ll be in touch.”
He disconnected, then looked around at the hardened faces of the men and women working for him, their expressions lined with concern and determination. He knew they were pissed about Natalie and Skylar. It was more than just dedication to a job. It was camaraderie, a bond forged in a shared purpose. It was a commitment to friendship. It was loyalty. Being a Keeper, giving their all until everyone was guided home.
Not for the first time, he tossed up a heartfelt prayer of thanks to Mace Hanover, who started the first LSI, and then brought Carson on board for the West Coast office. Now, that Logan had agreed, they’d have another set of Keepers to work with… and rely on when needed.
Abbie looked up, her face pinched with worry. “I’ve sent a message to Logan Bishop. It’s taken care of.”
Nodding in her direction, he said, “Okay, everyone, keep working the problem. Let’s bring our people home.”