It was going against orders, but Kyle didn’t care. Alpha Team was under Jamie’s command and Kyle knew what that meant to him. What’s more, Kyle knew how badly it had and could affect Jamie when he knew members of his team were in danger. Tripoli had done a number on the team members who’d come out of the Recon Marines, but it had affected Jamie the most. No way was Kyle going to keep Jamie in the dark. Stirling could do what was best for the country. Kyle would do what was best for the team and forJamie.
He left Level 36 and headed down to the level Jamie’s office was located. He and Katie were the only two on the team who had one, and the team had access to both. Kyle pressed his hand to the control panel for Ceres to read his print and unlock the door. It slid open and Kyle stepped inside, the lights automaticallycomingon.
“Ceres, initiate privacy blackout mode,”Kylesaid.
“Privacy blackout mode engaged,” was the AI’sresponse.
Kyle crossed the small space to put his hands on Jamie’s desk, the embedded screen on top dormant to his touch. The computer synced to his bioware and it didn’t take very long for Kyle to activate the encryption program that would hide his call to Jamie from any prying eyes—including the MDF’s. It took only a couple of seconds longer to call Jamie. The welcome sound of his voice wasn’t enough to loosen Kyle’s tightshoulders.
“Kyle?” Jamie asked, sounding a littledistracted.
“Get somewhere secure,” Kyle told him, unable to keep his voice completely steady. He stared down at the blank screen on the desk, hands curling into fists against the solid piece offurniture.
Jamie’s voice came out sharp and focused, echoing in Kyle’s ears over his encrypted and embedded nanotech comms. “What’swrong?”
“I’ll tell you when you’re in theclear.”
He was trying so hard not to let the fear screaming in the back of his mind overtake his concentration. Knowing that Alexei was in the hands of the enemy gutted him in a way few other things could. What’s worse, this wasn’t some kidnapping for ransom that could easily be paid. Cillian had done this out of revenge on Sean, and when revenge was a factor in anything, nothing good cameofit.
The call was muted for several minutes as Jamie did whatever he had to in order to carve out some alone time. Kyle knew Jamie was on the ground in Boston already, overhauling whatever security measures were previously put in place for the campaign rally. If he was in the midst of campaign aides and security personnel, not to mention the Secret Service, finding a place to take a private call would bedifficult.
“Talk to me,” Jamie finally ordered, voice the same sure one that had been in Kyle’s ears since day one of joining Alpha Team. No matter the situation, Jamie was always the anchor he could cling to in the midst of astorm.
“The brass want to keep you in the dark. Katie and I know you need to be told,” Kyle said, licking his lips. His mouth felt sandpaper-dry and it was difficult to force the words out. “Alexei and Sean’s trackers were disabled. They’re not answering comms. They’ve been taken, most likely byCillian.”
Jamie’s indrawn breath sounded like static in Kyle’s ears. “I’m coming backtobase.”
Kyle shook his head, even though Jamie couldn’t see it. “As much as I want you here, you’re not supposed to know just yet. Sounds like Stirling and Nazari want you to focus on your family and make sure your dadissafe.”
“Kyle—”
“We don’t need more people getting hurt, Jamie. I can’t—” Kyle broke off, swallowing thickly. He squeezed his eyes shut, letting his head hang down. “Keep your dad safe. I just didn’t want you to get blindsidedbythis.”
“This is Alexei, Kyle. He’s your brother, and he’s my teammate. I’m not going to let you go through thisalone.”
“I know. Iknow. But if you come back because of me…we have too many eyes on us as it is, Jamie. Katie’s with Stirling right now and she’ll cover for you. We both know she’ll do what you think needs tobedone.”
“I should bethere.”
The words came out low and harsh, frustration a grating bite that made Kyle flinch. He wanted so badly to have Jamie there with him, to lean on him for strength, but that wasn’t possible, not when both of their families were indanger.
“You should, but you can’t be. We’ll holdtheline.”
The silence between them was fraught with emotion neither could give voice to. Despite the room’s privacy setting, Kyle knew better than to even hint about their relationship more than he already had whileonbase.
“Promise me,” Jamie finallygrittedout.
“Always.”
This was one promise Kyle could give wholeheartedly without the risk of breaking it. Because they all, to a man and woman, would fight to the bitter end, no matterthecost.
“Keep me updated.” Jamie breathed in deep and let it out in a heavy rush of air. “I’ll wait to hear from thedirector.”
Kyle opened his eyes and straightened up. “The second I know anything, youwill,too.”
“Thankyou.”
The sincerity in Jamie’s voice seeped through Kyle, warming him from the inside out. He held that feeling close as he cut the call, carrying it with him as he went to find his family on one of the residential levels. Ceres led him to the correct suite of rooms, the door sliding open before he could even touch the controlpanel.
