“You can blame The Times for involving your brother. That article about him consorting with Luca Savelli is what put him in the Agency’s sights. For years, the Savellis have been practically untouchable, with very few ties, if any, in America. Jack Storm happens to be one of them. Problem is…Jack Storm is a boy scout.”
“So is Victor!” Lincoln snapped.
“Oh, please!” she scoffed, rolling of her eyes. “He’s a fucking politician for God’s sake!”
Tahira was pushing every last one of his buttons. She couldn’t know how badly he wanted to put her body through that bathroom wall. But she was talking, and no longer fighting, so there was no justification in putting the smaller person down.
“Tahira!” he gritted in warning.
“Okay!” she relented. “I needed to create a problem that would get Luca Savelli in the room. Storm was my only way in, and your brother was my only way to Jack.”
Because Lincoln’s level of rage was nearing explosive, he took a much-needed step back. He ran his fingers roughly through his hair.
“So, you risked ruining my brother’s campaign when you could’ve just shaken your ass in front of Jack Storm or that gangster? Why aren’t you driving for any of them?”
“Well, believe or not, Colonel, I can’t pass for Sicilian. And, surprisingly, the Storms are not very trusting. They don’t hire new people.”
“Un-be-lievable!” Lincoln blustered.
“Hey! Once I got in, I killed the investigation!”
She didn’t seem to have a clue, or she really couldn’t care less about the people she trampled to get what she wanted.
“But the damage is done, Tahira! What about his reputation? His campaign?”
“Lincoln, you and I both know that Bill Thornton doesn’t stand a chance in this election. The governor could go jerk off on Michigan Avenue and still win by a landslide. Besides…weneedto know where those weapons are going.”
“What fucking weapons? The plane was empty! Your fucking intel sucks! You put my soldiers at risk and you played Russian Roulette with my brother’s career!”
She exhaled, pretending like she was capable of remorse. “Linc—”
“Shut up!” Lincoln barked, shoving her against the wall. He didn’t like roughing up a woman, but for the CIA Operative, he’d make an exception.
“Stay the fuck away from my family!” he cautioned.
Not knowing how long he could continue to resist inflicting bodily harm, Lincoln turned and kicked the bathroom door open.
“I’m done! I got what I needed!” she cackled as he walked out.
Bitch!
