“Yes, sir.”
Seth turned his head and uttered an ear-splitting whistle to get the rest of the operatives’ attention. “Load up. We leave in five minutes.”
Elias raised the hatchback of his SUV, hauled out his Go bag and transferred it to the cab of the truck. Within minutes, all their gear had been stowed inside the cab. He grabbed his phone and sent a text to Zane, asking for someone to transport his ride to Bear’s place up in the mountains of Tennessee for a paint job.
Zane responded within seconds, promising that by the time he returned from this mission, the paint job would be finished.
Right. He didn’t want to say if he returned, but that was the question. Elias had to admit, at least to himself, that he was at a disadvantage on this mission. He was afraid this bullet wound would make him more of a liability than a help to Iona and their teammates.
Elias scowled. How was he supposed to protect her when he could barely protect himself? He’d have to find a way because he wasn’t losing Iona.
Riley approached them. “Do you need a driver? I’d be glad to help.”
He shook his head. “We don’t need help with the driving, but we could use a hand in another area.”
Andre joined them and wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Do you need help?”
“We need Riley’s computer skills.”
She rubbed her hands together. “Great. What do you need?”
“Run down the Reckoners. Find out everything you can about them, especially where they are holed up for the moment.”
Andre’s eyebrows soared. “Wait a minute. Don’t they have a compound?”
“They do, but it’s not permanent. Dad makes friends with community members and with local law enforcement. He bribes them.”
“Why?”
“He believes that tactic makes him look stronger in the eyes of everyone around them as well as his own people. Dad believes in beating his people into submission, and if you don’t kowtow to him and his demands, you’ll probably end up dead.”
Riley frowned. “I wouldn’t like your father.”
“You’re in good company. I don’t like him either.”
“Are we likely to run into him?” Iona asked.
“I hope not.” If they did, Elias could count on two things. One, he’d be captured in a heartbeat, and two, he’d endure hours of torture. No one betrayed his father without serious repercussions.
CHAPTER TEN
IONA GLANCED ATElias, surprised to see he was still awake. “I thought all operatives could sleep on command. Why aren’t you asleep?”
“Can’t. Andre and Riley’s questions about my father stirred up some terrible memories.”
She reached over and squeezed his hand for a beat. “I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“You’re already helping by choosing to be mine.”
“That doesn’t seem like it’s enough.”
Elias’ gaze shifted toward her. “Sometimes, all you can do is just be there. I’m grateful.”
“Unnecessary.” She returned her hand to the wheel. The last thing she wanted was Elias’ gratitude. Iona was going for the big guns. She wanted his heart. Might be an impossible dream, but she was going for it. They both deserved the best partner and friend for life. For her, Elias was the epitome of the best partner and friend. She hoped he saw her in the same light.
He twisted in his seat to lean against the truck door and study her profile. “So, Iona Byrne, what’s your biggest dream?”
She blinked. “Why do you want to know that?”
