Her gaze drifted back to her brother, and she frowned. He stepped forward, drawing her attention once more, and took charge.
“I’m sure after that long flight you’ll want to have a shower,” he said. “I’ll make you some coffee.”
He took her by her arm and led her down the hall to the bathroom, watching as she tried to keep up with him. He controlled his urge to grin at the baffled expression on her face.
“Are you in the mood for breakfast?” he asked before turning on the faucet in the shower. The water sprayed into the glass capsule, against the large black and white checkered tiles. She stared at him blankly, still processing everything. He stepped away from her before he had the insane idea to remove all her clothes. It wouldn’t be a hard task, but by God he would be hard by the end of it. The desire already coursed through his veins, his blood heating, all thoughts heading south.
She placed her hand on his arm and he tensed, afraid he’d act on some of the fantasies bouncing around his head. His knees almost buckled when his gaze met hers, the lost look in those cool grey depths squeezing at his heart.
“Thank you, Lucas, for everything. I know you’re risking your career by helping Dmitry. I appreciate all you’ve done to keep him safe.”
He ran his hand over her soft cheek. Her lips parted. “I like Dmitry. I believe in his innocence, but I’m not doing this for him…at least not only him.”
Her lips parted in an O as she blinked owlishly at him, obviously unsure how to reply to his comment. That was fine. They had time. But if she thought she was leaving before they had a conversation, she had another thing coming.
Kissing her forehead, he took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of gardenias, and quickly moved out of the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind him without waiting for a reply. Let her think on that while he got himself under control. He’d been close to throwing her down on the cold tiled floor and imbedding himself deep inside her, losing himself to nothing but the feel of her body closing around his own.
He took off for the kitchen, trying to clear his mind of the thought of her in his shower, naked and wet, soap suds sliding sensuously down her soft skin. He thumped the frying pan down on the stove top and greased it, then turned to find Dmitry grinning at him.
He felt like smacking the bastard. Dmitry knew exactly what effect his sister had on him.
Just you wait, Dmitry. One day it will be you, mesmerized by some woman.
“Don’t you dare say another word,” he warned, “or I won’t run interference for you ever again.”
Dmitry’s grin slipped away. Ten minutes later, Elena graced them with her presence, wearing black trousers with matching black leather boots and a cream blouse that highlighted her curves. Her light colored hair hung past her shoulders in gentle waves. She flopped down heavily in a chair at the table as he placed the freshly cooked plate of eggs and bacon, along with a mug of coffee, in front of her. Smiling at him gratefully, her stomach growled and she dug in.
“How the hell did you and Ivan get entangled in this?” she asked around a mouthful of food.
“You know Ivan and I started a business not long ago. Freelance stuff. Computer programming. Specialized software building, that sort of thing. Word spread.”
Elena nodded. “So how is it he’s dead and you’re on the run?”
Lucas grimaced, but Dmitry didn’t seem to take offense. He continued with his story. “Ivan got us a contract with an American client. Not government,” he added, when he saw she was about to interrupt. “Or at least I didn’t think that was the case. I’m not so sure now. It was all expenses paid—flight, hotel, plus hours on top. All we had to do was come here, view their business, and create a system to help them run more efficiently. I did have some concerns about why they hired us, and there were a few red flags, but the money was so good we said yes. We’re new on the scene, but Ivan said this was our big chance, and eventually I didn’t ask any more questions.”
Elena took another bite before washing it down with a sip of coffee. “What happened when you got here?”
“They wanted to get started right away, so we arranged for a rental and drove to the warehouse. I knew something was wrong when the man handed me a government IP address. I declined the job. Ivan was shot and then the gun was pointed at me. I did what I could under the circumstances to stay alive.”
Elena put her hand over his. “I’m sorry about Ivan, Dmitry. And I’m sorry for being so hard on you. I know you did the best you could. I was just scared thinking I might’ve lost you.”
Dmitry squeezed her hand in return. Elena’s eyes glistened. He’d seen Elena in tears before, just after SVR had shot at them and chased them all over Moscow. It had been the first time he’d held her. His arms itched to pull her close and comfort her as he’d done that day, but instead he stayed away. If he touched her now, he would never let her go, and Dmitry needed their help.
“He was a good friend,” Dmitry said, his voice thick with emotion.
Elena held his hand tightly with both of hers, and sniffled. “I’m so sorry.”
Lucas took a step closer to the siblings. “You mentioned something about Sundown. What’s that?” he asked, interrupting the emotional tide.
“The man who shot Ivan introduced himself as Stephen Hosking, but I doubt that’s his real name. He asked me to access a file named Sundown. I have no idea what it is.” He let out a deep sigh and ran his uninjured hand through his dark hair. “I knew I couldn’t let him get his hands on it, so I made sure to set off the alarm at DoD which would trigger the file to disperse out to hundreds of different locations around the world. It was a program of my design created to stop hackers from getting classified information. I never planned on using it myself.”
Lucas slapped his thigh. “I knew it. I knew when the alarm went off it was intentional. You’re too good a hacker not to bypass the alarm.”
Elena glared at him. She obviously didn’t appreciate his enthusiasm over her brother’s abilities. “Can’t you just access your program and recall Sundown?”
“I would, but when I downloaded Sundown the file was tagged. The moment I try, I can guarantee government vehicles will pull up in the driveway.”
Lucas cursed.
“I’ll work on a program to jam the tag reporting back to DoD. Until then…” They had to wait.
“Well, the only way to appease the posse will be to hand over Sundown.” Lucas thought aloud, referring to the government. “Since retrieving the file now is not an option, I think we’re all in agreement. You’ll remain here out of sight.”
Elena nodded and stepped around the table to hug her brother.
“We’ll go to Langley and see just how much trouble our boy is in,” Lucas decided, his gaze on Elena, “then swing by the morgue so you can make arrangements for Ivan.”
She sent him a look of appreciation. One he felt all the way down to his toes. His heart clenched painfully in his chest. “Meanwhile, Dmitry,” Elena said, “I want you to find out everything you can about the man who hired you. Do whatever you have to. I want a name.”
Elena wasn’t the only one who wanted to have a chat with the man. Lucas had a few choice words also. Dmitry looked about the kitchen at the polished bench tops and stainless steel sink with matching appliances towards the timber hutch in the corner. “And how exactly am I supposed to do this? On my iPhone? It could be done, but it’ll be a real pain in the ass.”
Lucas scowled. “I have a computer you can use.”
Elena and Dmitry followed him into a small nook off the dining area. A large old-fashioned box monitor sat on a desk beside his rather antiquated printer and fax. Dmitry’s eyebrow rose when he took in the sight of the monitor.
“Do you even have Internet?” he asked, switching on the computer and waiting while it started up. The machine wheezed as the fan worked hard to remove the thick coat of dust that had settled within the computer’s internal components. He groaned when he saw the screen display the
Windows 2000 logo. He turned and faced Lucas. “You know that operating system is over a decade old, right?”
Elena fought a smile. “You’re such a technology snob.”
“It works. That’s all that matters,” Lucas retorted. “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
He’d never been good at keeping up with the latest technology, and refused to upgrade unless his previous equipment had died or when he bought a new system that had become outdated. Since he rarely used his home computer, often opting to use the one he had at work, he never felt the need to purchase anything new.
Elena shook her head and patted Dmitry’s back in sympathy.
“When you get me out of this mess, I’m fixing you up. Get you out of the dark ages.” Dmitry sat down and clicked on the Internet Explorer icon, adding, “I hope it’s not dial-up.”
The home page came up almost immediately and Dmitry let out a relieved breath before he started tapping away at the keyboard, his concentration fierce.
Lucas doubted Dmitry even realized he and Elena were still in the room. He glanced over at her and caught her gaze, then took her hand—just because he needed to touch her—and pulled her close, savoring the feel of her against him before leading her out of the room, leaving Dmitry to his work.
Chapter 13
James Fitzgibbon stood as Lucas entered his office, escorting a woman. The younger man had his hand placed possessively on her back. He moved from behind his desk to greet them both.
This must be Elena Ivanova, he thought as he subtly gave her a once over.
She was beautiful, with sharp Slavic cheekbones and cool grey eyes. He could easily understand why Lucas had become so enamored of her. She stood several inches shorter than Lucas, her body generously curvy. She smiled as he approached, transforming her face from beautiful to breathtaking. Lucas was one lucky bastard.
“I am James Fitzgibbon, Agent Ivanova. I’ve been expecting you.”
Elena glanced at Lucas, surprise evident on her face. Lucas gave her a reassuring smile.
“Yes, I suppose you have,” she said, turning away from Lucas. “It’s great to finally meet you, SAC Fitzgibbon.” She held out her hand for him to shake, and he took her delicate fingers in his giant palm and marveled at the softness of her skin. Even after decades of marriage, he was still amazed at how delicate a woman was compared to a man—something he tended to forget when his lovely, sweet wife screamed at him for one of his many infractions. Elena had a very strong, firm handshake. He liked that.
“Please call me Jim, Elena. All my friends do, and I consider you a friend. After all, you did get my boy Lucas out of trouble. Now I’d like to repay the favor.”
Elena had stuck by Lucas the entire time he’d been in Moscow. She had even gone up against and defied her own agency to protect him, resulting in her being shot at and chased by her own people. He felt indebted to her for that. He also knew from Lucas that she was very good at her job, something else he admired. He loved a patriot who was dedicated to his or her work.
Agent Elena Ivanova was both. They’d get along just fine—as long as she didn’t break Lucas’s heart. Lucas was the closest thing to a son that he and his wife Maggie ever had, and both of them were extremely protective of their boy. So far, he’d never approved of any of the women Lucas had bothered to introduce. But all that changed the moment Elena Ivanova walked in. She was just the woman to keep Lucas in line and relatively under control—if such a thing was possible. She could love him like he deserved to be loved. Jim only hoped it worked out for the both of them.
Elena blushed. “It was nothing. I was glad to help. Once I got over cursing him for involving me, of course,” she added. “But it all worked out in the end and I don’t regret a moment of it—except maybe jumping out my second floor apartment window and the visit to the not-so-friendly neighborhood mob.”
The intimate glance she sent toward Lucas spoke of unfulfilled promises and heart-aching tenderness. He looked away, uncomfortable being privy to what should’ve been a private moment. If he’d had any doubts as to Elena’s feelings, they’d all been put to rest. She would have never made a good poker player; her thoughts were as clear as day to him.
“Lucas has never been one to toe the line,” he said.
Despite this, he couldn’t fault the results, and never once regretted the decision to make him a part of the team. Although he had caused more than one grey hair on his head, Lucas was a man with principals and nothing could sway him. It was what made him such a great agent and a man Jim was proud to know.
“Yes. I soon learned that,” Elena said, wry humor in her voice. “It was an interesting learning curve.”
“I can imagine.”
“It all worked out in the end.” She surreptitiously gave Lucas a glance, then looked back at Jim. She took an unsteady breath as she moved the conversation towards the reason she was here. “I understand you have quite the case on my brother. If you don’t mind, I would like to review the list of charges you have against him.”
Her manner was profession, her tone cool but he sensed the emotions beneath the surface. He didn’t envy her situation one bit. “Of course. This is current as of nine this morning. The DoD is continually adding to it. They’re after blood, I’m afraid.”
He pulled out two sheets of paper from the stack on his desk and handed them to her, watching as her eyes widened while she surveyed the charges. He didn’t blame her. Dmitry Ivanov was a wanted man. His hacking into the DoD had put him on every terrorist watch list in the United States, and he’d probably be added to an international list as well.
Should he be put on trial, the likelihood of him ever being released was small and if by some miracle that day ever came, there would be certain stipulations—such as he’d never be able to touch another computer for the rest of his life. For a man who lived and breathed technology, it would be a fate worse than death.
He eyed Lucas, who also read the list of charges over Elena’s shoulder. “You wouldn’t be stupid enough to harbor a criminal, now would you, Lucas?”
Both glanced up from the paper to meet his stare. He noted the blank expressions that showed no emotion; they could have been talking about the weather for all the feeling they revealed.
“Of course not,” Lucas said without hesitation.
Despite this, Jim knew he would find Dmitry Ivanov stashed away at Lucas’s residence, if he chose to search. He wouldn’t. Lucas was fiercely loyal to his friends and those he considered family, which meant he would do just about anything for Elena.
Someone knocked at the door, and a tall bulky man dressed in a smart blue suit entered. Jim made the introductions.
“Secretary Mann,” he said, greeting the Secretary of Defense. “Thank you for coming. This is Agent Lucas Gates of my team, and Agent Elena Ivanova. She’s with Russian Intelligence.”
Mann nodded in greeting, a barely perceived movement. Jim had never much liked the secretary, who he found to be arrogant and self-entitled. Two things he hated in a person.
“Tell us about Sundown,” he suggested politely, despite it not being a request. If they were to help Dmitry—and there was no question they would—they needed to understand the magnitude of what they were dealing with and the possible backlash. He never even bothered to ask if the Russian was guilty. He trusted Lucas’s judgment as much as his own, and if Lucas was positive of the man’s innocence that was enough for him.
Plus, he owed Elena for saving Lucas’s life.
Mann’s dark gaze looked about the room as if confirming the four of them were alone.
“I can guarantee we all have the suitable clearance, Secretary,” Jim assured him. “What you are about to say will not leave this room.”
He didn’t seem appeased, but continued regardless. “Sundown is the DoD’s new sixty billion dollar security protocol and implementation for the country. It includes everything from the locations of our nuclear weapons to the men qualified to release them. It also contains the President
’s new Armageddon strategies, and the data back-up and storage locations.”
“Are you telling us that the entire country’s security is detailed in one complete file, downloadable from the DoD’s mainframe?” he asked, incredulous. “Whose brilliant idea was that?”
Mann shifted awkwardly, and Jim realized why Secretary Fuck-up was ready to hang Ivanov out to dry by naming him this year’s top terrorist. He was looking for a scapegoat.
“It was supposed to be secure. We hadn’t expected anyone to bypass the Pentagon’s firewalls,” Mann admitted somewhat contritely.
Got to love the bureaucrats. They were idiots, as far as he was concerned. It didn’t matter what level they were on. None of them had enough brain power to find their way out of a building with a map in their hands, and these were the people making the decisions for the country.
“Security is an illusion, Secretary Mann,” Elena said. “Surely, you know this. Just because you have four walls and a ceiling does not mean you don’t need locks.”
Mann fixed his glare on her. “You realize the international crisis we have on our hands, young lady?” he snapped, his tone condescending.
She appeared to grit her teeth, seeming angered by the chauvinistic put-down, and probably also for the assumption she might not know how to do her job. Mann was wrong on all accounts. She was extremely qualified, and had been trained for many situations the secretary probably hadn’t. When she answered, her words were carefully measured, her voice calm and devoid of any seething anger she obviously felt, if her face was any indication.
“You need to understand, Secretary Mann that I am not here on behalf on my country but as Dmitry Ivanov’s sister.”
Mann grunted. “You have your work cut out for you, then.”
Elena’s eyes darkened.
If looks could kill, we’d have a dead man.
“You have no unequivocal proof that my brother is guilty,” Elena retorted, “only circumstantial evidence.”
She had a backbone of pure steel, and he commended her for it. She was certainly an asset to her agency, and despite the fact that her brother’s life was on the line, she kept her cool through the entire proceeding. If Jim had been in her place, he would’ve decked the man by now, and it was clear by Lucas’s expression that he felt the same.
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