“I’d rather just hit somebody,” Wolfe drawled, his broad hands at his sides. “Whoever’s still standing after the fight wins?”
“That gets my vote,” Angus said grimly.
Malcolm tugged on his dark gray shirt. “Pippa hates it when I come home bloody. I vote for Nari’s plan.”
“That’s two to two,” Wolfe said helpfully. “British dude? Jet? What sayeth you?”
Jethro scratched his head. “I could go a round or two.”
Nari’s mouth gaped open. She’d expected the opposite answer. “Wait a minute.”
Wolfe cracked his knuckles. “Raider? You wanna fight and give Rutherford another black eye?”
“Nope,” Raider said easily. “Nari’s idea is better.”
“Wait,” Dana called from the back of the office. “I vote no violence.”
Wolfe sighed. “Brigid? Get your Irish tush out here. We’re outnumbered right now.”
Brigid poked out her head, her red hair escaping its clip. “Go for it. You guys could seriously burn off some energy.”
Nari’s nostrils flared as she pulled in air. “You people are all crazy.”
Wolfe scratched his head. “We’re tied. Somebody get Millie Frost.”
“She went to a meeting,” Raider said. “An hour ago.”
Dana stepped out. “Well, then. Nari’s plan wins because I’m voting for two.”
Nari nodded. “Good point.” The woman was about three months pregnant, although she wasn’t showing yet. She did throw up a lot, though.
Wolfe’s shoulders went down. “Shoot. I guess that’s fair.”
Angus rubbed his hands together. “I suggest everyone not on my team get the hell out.” He gestured to the elevator, looking sad that he didn’t get to hit anybody. “Now.”
Chapter Four
Angus waited until the HDD techs had left before speaking. The silence was heavy enough to make his shoulders ache from the tension.
Wolfe tilted his head. “I guess you forgot to tell us about the year?”
Angus kept his gaze stoic, while his team faced him, as usual masking their expressions. “I’m sorry.” It was the truth and the only thing he could think to say. “The year went fast and I figured Lassiter would make a move before now.”
Raider’s eyebrows rose. “It’s quite the coincidence, right? He reengages with you one weekafteryour deadline?”
True. Very true. Angus would have to mull that one over. Did Lassiter have a mole in the HDD or DHS? For now, he had a volatile team to handle. “So.” Guilt ached through him and he fought it, looking for anger but finding none. Had he let everyone down?
Wolfe looked around. “Well, we’re gonna need lattes to figure this out. I’ll make sure those HDD jackasses are gone and go get supplies.”
Angus stiffened. He’d figured Wolfe would at least throw something at him.
Raider nodded. “Yeah. We should secure everything we have, just in case they show back up with SWAT.”
“Good plan,” West said.
Angus couldn’t breathe. They were sticking with him? Rallying around him? “I could be wrong about Lassiter,” he said slowly.
Malcolm shrugged. “Maybe, but the team is good, and we have work to do. If nothing else, there’s a dead woman who needs justice, and you said we took the case last night. We’re with you, Force.”
