“So, your dad makes out like a bandit with this deal and leaves Dutch holding the bag.” Grant shook his head. “What would your cousin do if we warned him about the sword of Damocles hanging over his head?”
“Call us liars and continue on a straight path to his doom.”
“Is there any point in warning him, then?”
Elias turned. “If we were in his shoes, we’d want as much warning as possible.”
“Sure, but at least we’re wise enough to pay attention when we’re warned of trouble ahead.”
He snorted. “Not Dutch King. He’ll push forward and hope for the best. But I still can’t let him race toward his doom without at least giving him the information. What he does with it is up to him.”
Seth inclined his head. “Agreed. You want to tell him what’s coming, or should one of us do it?”
He thought for a moment. “I’ll do it. The outcome will be the same, but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t at least try.”
Seth straightened up from the wall. “All right. The notification is in your court. If you want help to tell your cousin the truth, one of us will be glad to go with you.”
“While I appreciate that, I can handle it on my own.”
“One of us needs to be close at hand, Elias.” Seth held up a hand. “Don’t waste your breath arguing with me. This is non-negotiable.”
“Yes, sir.” He didn’t like it, but you didn’t argue with your team leader if you wanted to stay on that team, and Elias definitely did. These men were family to him.
“Teagan and I will relieve you and Iona in an hour.”
“You’ll have a fresh pot of coffee waiting for you when you get downstairs.”
Seth saluted him. “You are a loyal friend, Elias.”
“Remember that when I tick you off next time.”
“You’ve got it.” Seth and the rest of his teammates headed upstairs to their wives.
A minute later, Iona descended the stairs.
“How did the discussion go?”
“About like you’d expect. They don’t like the game we’re having to play.”
“Maybe it would be best if everyone went home and let me take care of this myself.” At least he’d know his friends were safe.
“Forget it, Knight.” Iona glowered at him. “You will not be a martyr and throw yourself on Eddie Knight’s not-so-tender mercies. We’re a team, and we’ll handle this like every other problem we’ve faced. Together.” She propped her fists on her hips. “If you persist in offering yourself as a sacrifice for the rest of us, you’ll tick off all of us.”
His mouth curved upward. “Yes, ma’am.” Should have known Iona wouldn’t allow someone she cared about to use himself as a distraction. “Come on.” He held out his hand. “We should check the security screens.”
A moment later, they were back in the office, seated in front of the computer screens. “Anything?” Elias asked. When she didn’t respond, he glanced toward Iona.
She held up her hand, gazing at the screen.
He scooted his chair close to her and studied the screen. What did she see? Elias had studied the screen for hours, and from what he could tell, nothing had changed.
As he continued to watch the various camera views, a shadow moved. Elias leaned closer to the screen, gaze glued to the trees in the background. Was the movement his imagination or the result of the wind kicking up outside? “What did you see?”
“A man.” Iona pointed to the exact bunch of trees Elias was interested in. “Couldn’t see his face, but he’s about six feet tall and looks like he’s in good shape.” She turned. “He’s heading this way, Elias.”
“Monitor him. I’ll go wake the others.”
“Copy that.”
