“Sometimes, that’s what we have to do,” Rusty said. “Let’s hear it.”
“We need to get Faith in front of a crowd, like a press conference,” Grant said. “The CEO could help us with that. We announce that the vaccine has not been jeopardized, because of Faith’s work. We set a time in the morning and let the public know that the lead researcher will fill them in on the vaccine’s progress. That should draw Xander’s hitman into the open. He’ll try to get to her before she arrives at the conference.”
“But we’ll get him first…,” Rusty said.
“Exactly.”
“Colt says the CEO is very eager to put an end to this. I bet he’ll be on board.”
“Let’s set it up,” Grant said. “I’ll tell Faith we’re going with her plan. She’s eager to put this behind her too. She’ll be taking a big risk, but I’ll protect her no matter what.”
“I’m sure you will. And we’ve got your back.”
“Thanks, Rusty. I trust you and the guys with my life.”
“Likewise. We are more than a team. We’re a brotherhood. Together, we’ll get through this.”
Grant ended the call and returned to the bedroom. Faith switched off the television.
“Any news about the hitman?” she asked.
Grant shook his head. “If keeping you silent is in tandem with his plan to destroy your work, then he’s going to lay low as long as you lay low.”
“So the only way to get this over with is for me to come out of hiding.”
“Looks like it.” Grant sat on the bed and squeezed her knee. “We’re going with your plan. I promise I’ll protect you with my life.” He took her hand. “I would never let anything happen to you. Do you believe me?”
“Like that time you saved me before I walked straight into a mine shaft?”
“I was thinking of the time when I scared off the bear on the trail. Remember that?” he said.
“That bear was a cub.”
“Was not! Full grown. Small, but full grown.” Grant smiled. “He tucked tail and ran. That’s how I remember it.”
“You going to protect me from another bear?” Faith asked.
“Always.” He kissed her.
“So, when do we start?”
“Tomorrow. Your boss will announce a press conference at the Flux building in the morning. He’s going to say the fire didn’t destroy all the work and what was lost can be remade, based on your research notes. And that the development of the vaccine is to resume immediately. Then, he’s going to introduce you as the lead on the project, so you can answer questions. It’ll be announced to the press that you’re on the way to the conference beforehand”
“So Xander and his hitman will know I’m coming,” Faith said.
“That’s right. But we’ll be ready for them. We now know who they are. All access points will be covered. Bryce will be monitoring traffic cams so we’ll see them coming. Colt will work security around the CEO. It’ll be a team effort. All hands on deck. They’ll probably try to take you out before you get to the conference. And we’ll be waiting. Our primary objective is to keep you safe. Secondary goal is to capture the hitman and make his spill the beans on Inquisitis. If he’s received even a dime from them as payment, Bryce can ferret it out. We’ll use that as leverage to get him to talk. Tomorrow will be a big day for us. We should get some sleep.”
“I’m too nervous to sleep. Help me take my mind off of thing.”
Grant laid on the bed beside her. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her.
