The way my life is going, I’ll never have kids.Or maybe I’ll end up a late-in-life father and not have the energy my children deserve.To play ball in the yard, take them on vacation, or even just get home and have valuable time with them.
Wouldn’t that be the cycle of life?
God knows my old man didn’t.
I fuck around with the laptop Thomas set up for me a little longer, then Josh finally reappears.
“Sorry for the interruption,” he says, referring to the call he got as we headed to his office earlier.“When that number rings, I take it.”
I don’t ask.
I know better.
He leads me to the large boardroom, waving good morning to two guys on the way.I take a seat, plonk my coffee on the table in front of me and watch as Aidan and Liam join us.
“First day.”Liam grins and fist bumps me as he passes behind me and then sits.
“Yup, so take it easy on me.”I laugh.
“Nothing easy happens around here,” Aidan smirks, then glances at the door.“God, this feels like a missed opportunity to rib either Marshall or Cole.”
Josh laughs roughly, then glances at his phone again.
Something must be happening.
Then again, maybe something is always happening here.
“Let’s dive into it.We have a black op mission coming in over the next six hours, so I need to get the team ready.”
“Black ops?”
He nods.“We work closely with some of the government departments—some high up.Which means, unless you’re briefed, don’t ask.”
No shit.
“Higher than the highest on occasion.”Aidan leans back and links his hands behind his head.
I almost don’t want to know.
As both a SEAL and a Marine, Josh and Aidan, respectively, are used to that level of classified information.Unlike US Marshals.
But I’m not a Marshal anymore.
“All right, well, I’m eager to hear what you want me focusing on,” I say, sipping my coffee.
“We discussed your experience with NCMEC.The reason I wanted you on the team was the increased work we’re doing with the FBI and trafficking.”
I had a feeling that was the case.I nod my interest, shoot a look towards Liam and wonder if he’s already involved, as Josh continues.
“There’s a big ring active in the Los Angeles and broader areas.The feds have undercover agents on the inside, but some have had their cover blown— for one reason or another—and as yet, no one has been able to identify who the leader is.”
The thought gets my blood pumping.
After losing my cousin to trafficking when I was younger, I’m passionate about doing anything I can to help these young and innocent kids.
The entire thing is sickening.
The worst part?Everyday people that you’d never think to suspect are consumers of the industry.This isn’t a movie.These people are celebrities, businesspeople, the wealthy and the middle class.
