Elimination

by Jackie D.

  “You think someone is still protecting her?” Caden’s voice was filled with anger and resentment.

  Tyler shrugged. “I’m just saying she’s been able to stay a step ahead of the smartest people in our field for quite some time. She must know we’d be coming for her. Is it so hard to believe that she’d call in one last favor?”

  Caden growled with fury. “If this is one of our own, I swear I’ll burn the whole place down. I will take that place apart, brick by brick.”

  The alarm sounded, and Emma looked down at the security cameras. Her skin prickled at the sight of Dylan coming through the gate. “Dylan is here.”

  Emma watched her as the cameras tracked her progress coming up the long drive. She was still in the clothes she’d been wearing at Carol’s earlier that day. The navy suit hugged her in all the right places. Emma felt her heart rate increase when she saw the white fabric of her shirt pull across her chest as she walked. Jesus. We could all be in real danger here, get your head together. Her mind tried to give her a warning, but her body didn’t listen. It was too busy reacting to the question of where Dylan kept her gun in the perfectly tailored suit.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Dylan didn’t realize she’d made the decision to go to the safe house until she was already on the road that took her out to the countryside. She wasn’t sure if they’d think her hunch was crazy or not, but she had to tell them. It wasn’t just her life that could be in danger if it was true. It had been a long time since Dylan had taken the time to consider the safety or well-being of others. It wasn’t that she was callous, it was because it had been quite some time since it was necessary. Her life was one of solitude, just how she liked it. Now, the lives of five other people were in her hands.

  Five expectant faces stared at her when she opened the door. “Um, hi.” She walked to the center of the room. “I have to tell you all something.”

  Caden snorted. “Yeah, us too.”

  Tyler pointed at her. “You first.”

  Dylan nodded. “O’Brien’s boyfriend has to be someone at the very top of the CIA. It could possibly be Homeland, but my money is on the CIA.”

  Tyler crossed her arms. “Why do you say that?”

  Dylan took a deep breath. She was relieved they hadn’t laughed her out of the room yet, but there might still be time for that. “First, she isn’t quite scared enough. She handed me a file with pictures of Monroe, Styles, Hart, and Glass. She wants me to be on the lookout for all of you, but that was it. She has no fear of anyone else. She knows damn well the entirety of the United States wants to see her brought home to face treason charges, but she’s only worried about the four of you. If she weren’t getting some type of protection it wouldn’t matter who was searching for her, she’d be terrified of being caught. Even if she could get rid of all of you, they’d just send another team. Second, she clearly uses her sexual prowess as a weapon. It’s so ingrained in her nature, she probably doesn’t even need to think about it. Last, the whole idea of going to this gala is bananas. If the full power of the United States were behind her apprehension, she’d be terrified to show her face anywhere in public, but she’s not. It’s almost as if she’s making this appearance with the intention of it being in public. She’s planning something, and for her to feel this secure about it, she has to have reassurances.” She exhaled, not meaning to speak as quickly as she had.

  Caden was standing with her hands on the table, rocking back and forth. “Dammit. She’s right.”

  Dylan glanced over at Emma, wanting to see her response. Emma was chewing on her thumb, her eyes locked on Dylan. Dylan wanted to tell her that it would be okay. She wanted to say to her that they’d figure all this out, but she didn’t want to make promises she couldn’t keep. She wanted to ease some of the fear Emma had etched on her face, but she did nothing. It wasn’t her place, and she wouldn’t even know where to start. Consoling people wasn’t one of her strong suits.

  Tyler turned her attention to the three computer analysts. “Pull up everything on Dylan’s assignment. I want to know who has access and who has final authority on her objectives.”

  They started typing furiously. The door opened, and Captain Hart walked in. He looked as if he’d just come from a dignitary dinner of sorts, and Dylan’s hackles were immediately on alert. She didn’t feel as if anyone above their pay grade could be trusted. It didn’t matter to her if he was Brooke’s father or not.

  “What’s the problem?” Captain Hart barked as he walked to the center of the room.

  Tyler passed along the information as if he were part of their inner circle. Dylan wasn’t sure about that, but she trusted Tyler knew what she was doing. To his credit, he listened intently. He didn’t make any move to dismiss their suspicions, nor did he try to make them feel insane for their apprehensions.

  “This needs to stay in this room,” Captain Hart said. “If this goes as high up as you believe it does, it would put everyone in danger if it got out.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “You’re sure about this?”

  Tyler nodded. Her eyes were unwavering. “It’s the only thing that makes sense. Whoever sent this message has to either be in on it or the person responsible. There are very few people with the credentials to send us a message like this, but there’s no signature. We’re uncertain who it came from, other than the fact that it came from headquarters.” She looked over at the screen with the message still on it. “Do we stand down?”

  Captain Hart turned his focus on Dylan. He stared at her for so long, Dylan had to shift her weight under his scrutiny. “The file O’Brien handed you, Quinn wasn’t included?”

  “No, it was just the others,” Dylan said. “I’m not sure what that means.”

  He sighed. “I brought Quinn over from the NSA as a favor. I cleared it through Deputy Director Martin, but he clearly hasn’t reported it back to his supervisor. Meaning, Martin knows something is up, or he’s in on it too, and he’s waiting for us to make a mistake.”

  Tyler shook her head. “I really don’t believe Martin has anything to do with this.”

  Captain Hart shrugged. “I don’t trust anyone right now.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Reply that you’re standing down and awaiting further instruction. We can’t raise any suspicion.”

  Caden started to protest, and he put his hand up. “That doesn’t mean we stop working.” He looked at Dylan. “Is there anything more you can find out without raising suspicion?”

  Dylan wasn’t sure if she should share this information with him, but the others seemed to trust him. She had no choice but to follow suit. She was either on this team or she wasn’t. “There’s a dinner tonight at Nikolai’s.”

  “Were you planning on going?” He took a step closer to her, and she forced herself to stay rooted to her spot.

  “Yes, I always go. It’s a good opportunity for intel.”

  “Do you usually go alone?”

  Dylan wasn’t sure why she glanced at Emma, but she did. “No. It’s easier to get information when the situation is casual, and there’s nothing more casual than having a date with you.” She wasn’t sure why that last part was important, but she felt like she needed to say it.

  “Perfect.” He pointed at Emma. “You’re taking Quinn.”

  She was going to protest, but Tyler beat her to it. “That’s not a good idea. Quinn isn’t trained for this kind of situation. She can’t protect herself.”

  Captain Hart cocked his head at Tyler, seeming not to believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. “Do you have a better idea? Quinn has been tracking these people for quite some time. She knows better than any of you what information could be important and what isn’t. Plus, she’ll be with Prey. She’ll be perfectly safe. It’s not like one of you can go in her place. That would risk this entire operation.” He looked at his watch. “This is as close as we can get to standing down on our current operation while still obtaining intel.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s like I’m loaning the
NSA to the CIA for Prey’s primary mission.” He made a move toward the door. “I have to go. If I’m not at this summit, it will raise suspicion. Let me know what you find out.” He looked at them one last time. “And be safe.”

  Dylan turned and looked at Emma. Her face was pale, and her hand was in her pocket. “You’ll have to change.”

  Emma sat in her chair and chewed on her lower lip. “I…I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

  Dylan wanted to say something to ease her mind, but she couldn’t think of anything that would make her feel better. She was taking Emma into the proverbial belly of the beast. She was still thinking about what it meant to take Emma when she was saved by someone much more capable.

  Brooke pulled up a chair next to Emma and put her hand on her arm. “I know you’re scared, but it will be okay. Dylan will be there with you the whole time. If you get uneasy, let her know, and I’m sure she’ll get you out of there.”

  Dylan nodded. She wasn’t sure about this either, but she didn’t want her to know that. It wasn’t that she didn’t think Emma was capable, Dylan knew she was. It was the thought of Emma being in the vicinity of some of the most diabolical men Dylan had ever met. They’d take one look at Emma’s blond hair and blue eyes and fall all over themselves. The thought of Emma being manhandled all night was enough to make her stomach turn. She wouldn’t be able to let Emma out of her sight, that she knew for sure.

  Dylan cleared her throat. “You’ll need to wear something more—” Dylan tried to choose her next words carefully.

  Caden interrupted. “Brooke, loan her that leather skirt and jacket you brought.” She looked at Dylan. “Is that the look you mean?”

  Dylan nodded. “Yeah, something like that.”

  Brooke and Jennifer took Emma to the main house. Dylan watched Tyler and Caden. Caden was practically vibrating with righteous fury. Tyler sat at the large table in the center of the room. She was looking through a variety of files that had been strewn along the surface. The two were so different, a damn near perfect pairing. She could see how’d they complement each other in the field, and in friendship.

  Tyler swiveled in her chair to face Caden. “Captain Hart—”

  “He doesn’t know O’Brien like we do. He’s never had any skin in the game. He has no idea what she’s capable of.” Caden was yelling to no one in particular.

  Tyler crossed her arms and stared at Caden. “That’s not true. His daughter has been front and center since the beginning. He’s one of the best military minds of this generation. He knows what he’s doing.”

  Caden’s sarcastic laugh indicated her feelings, but she voiced them anyway. “Your misplaced hero-worship could get Quinn killed. It could blow this entire mission to shreds. Do you get that?”

  Dylan thought Tyler might come out of her seat and meet Caden’s anger, but she didn’t. Tyler’s voice grew even calmer. “The only person responsible for potentially blowing this mission to shreds sits at the head of the CIA. As far as getting Quinn killed, Dylan would never let that happen. You need to get hold of yourself, Styles. I need your clear mind and tactical approach at a hundred percent if we’re going to beat the odds. He’s keeping us in play, and we’re not actually standing down. Focus.”

  Dylan had known she liked Tyler, but now she respected her. “What do you need from me?”

  Tyler seemed relieved to have someone else to speak with. “Just find out what you can about the arrangements O’Brien has made, without putting yourself or Quinn in danger, of course.”

  Dylan nodded. “Of course.” She sat at the table. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to bring Quinn back here tonight. She may have to stay with me.”

  Tyler nodded before standing and moving away slightly. “I trust your judgment.”

  Dylan started pulling clothes from the bag she’d brought with her. “Mind if I change here?”

  Tyler was already speaking to Caden in hushed tones and she hadn’t bothered to answer. She watched the two for a moment. She couldn’t blame Caden for being angry. This mission was something they’d worked on for quite some time. She was clearly passionate about their objective, an attribute she’d want on her side. She got the sense that Caden was fearless in the face of danger, bordering on reckless if the situation called for it. Tyler, in contrast, was deliberate, calculating, and focused. The two of them were probably unstoppable. Unstoppable, that is, unless the orders came from the very top. Dylan had never wanted a partner, but watching them made her wonder if, one day, she should consider it. If she made it out of this alive, anyway.

  Dylan finished changing into her jeans, knee-high boots, and sweater. “I’m going to meet Emma upstairs.”

  Tyler nodded her approval. “Be safe.”

  Dylan ascended the stairs, sending a silent promise to Tyler that regardless of what it meant for her, she’d make sure Emma was safe.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Emma tried to get into the car without embarrassing herself. She’d never worn a skirt this tight and had no idea how to properly sit without revealing too much. She held her breath when her back hit the seat. She looked down, still not believing this was the situation she was in.

  “You look nice,” Dylan said from beside her.

  Emma laughed. “Nice? I have no idea how to wear anything like this.”

  Dylan started the car. “I’m sorry you’re uncomfortable. It’s just that I normally show up with women who…well, they dress similarly to what you’re wearing.”

  Emma put her hand over her face. “I wish you could’ve taken Brooke. I’m sure she’d be much better at this.”

  Dylan kept her eyes focused on the road. “I’m glad it’s you with me.”

  Emma wasn’t sure what to say to that. Brooke was strikingly beautiful, she was quick-minded, and she could hold her own if shoved into a dark corner. No one had ever looked at Emma the way people looked at Brooke, and she had no idea how to hit anything.

  “Brooke would’ve been better backup.” Emma stared out the window, not wanting to see Dylan’s agreement.

  “She’s not my type. It would’ve raised suspicion.”

  Emma turned to look at Dylan. “I can’t imagine Brooke not being anyone’s type.”

  Dylan shrugged. “She’s not mine. I like blondes.” Dylan gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. “So, someone may ask where we met. We need a rough back story.”

  “Tell them I’ve done some hacking for you, that I’m a friend of your cousin. I doubt they’ll ask for more specifics, but if they do, at least that’s an area I’m comfortable discussing.” Emma looked back out the window, confident in her response.

  “That won’t work,” Dylan said and touched her arm. “I don’t normally bring women around who would work in that capacity.” Dylan’s expression was pained, almost apologetic. “The cousin aspect is fine, but let’s leave out the job part.”

  “You mean, you don’t normally associate with women who work, or women who work in a tech capacity?” Emma knew what Dylan was insinuating, but for some reason, she wanted her to say it out loud.

  Dylan sighed. “Let’s just say the women I normally bring with me would never be an intellectual threat to anyone there.”

  “Is that what you prefer? Or is there another reason?” It was none of Emma’s business why Dylan made the decisions she did, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to know. She thought the reason would give her a little extra glimpse into Dylan. And professional distance be damned, she wanted as many glimpses as she could get.

  Dylan looked over at her, but there was no anger in her eyes. She seemed to be a little surprised at the question. “It’s not about what I prefer, although, no, it’s not because I prefer their company. I bring them because it’s easier for me to fit in, and if they aren’t perceived as a threat, they’re safe. They don’t pay attention to the sometimes-coded language, and they never pass the information along. Say what you will about their capacity for understanding quantum theory, they’ll never divulge what
they see or hear.”

  Emma couldn’t be sure, but she thought she might have offended Dylan. “I wasn’t implying that they were less than. I’m sorry if it came across that way.”

  “It’s okay.” Dylan parked her car and leaned forward on the steering wheel, gazing up at the large house in front of them. “Stay close to me, but if we do get separated, just smile and nod. Remember to act like you aren’t paying attention to anything. If they ask you a question about your past, keep it simple, easier to remember, and without much detail.”

  “Okay.” Emma took a deep breath. “Should I leave my phone in the car, or take it with me?”

  Dylan took it from her, turned it off, and tossed it into the glove box. “Let’s not take any chances.”

  Emma got out of the car and took the arm Dylan offered her. “You look nice, by the way. I didn’t tell you earlier, but you do.”

  Dylan smiled and kissed her cheek. “If this gets to be too much, let me know, and we’ll get out of here.”

  Emma was caught off guard by the way her heart was thrumming in her chest. It could have been that they were drawing closer to the front door, or it could have been the way Dylan’s breath had felt against her ear. It was warm, and the inflection in her whispered tone made Emma want to hold her there a bit longer.

  She pushed the thought as deep down as it would go and focused on what would be happening inside the lion’s den. She needed all her faculties about her. She couldn’t afford the distraction Dylan brought when she was so close. Her entire job was to stay close to Dylan tonight, to learn what she could and be the team member they needed her to be. Whatever she felt for Dylan was irrelevant and dangerous. Tonight was about nothing but work.

  * * *

  Dylan forced herself not to look down when Emma intertwined their fingers. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d held hands with someone. Trying to put the pieces together in her mind, she couldn’t tell if it was a welcome feeling or one that had her petrified. She knocked on the door and decidedly put the thought away for later inspection. Right now, she needed to transform into Sasha.