“With that said, I’m too close to this.Many of us are.By all accounts, we’re lookin’ for my cousin’s mother-in-law.His wife’s mother.That makes her family, and regardless of what she’s done or how I feel about that, I owe it to my family.If she’s been on the run all these years because someone in authority was blackmailing her, I owe it to her to help her get home.The hardest part is knowing that her daughter will never know what happened.Kylie died believing her mother ran off.I hope we prove otherwise.”
Reese hadn’t expected that, but he continued to watch Brantley.
“Because of that, I’ve decided to assign an impartial team to lead this investigation.”
Everyone started looking around, evidently as surprised by that revelation as Reese was.
“Atticus and Archer,” Brantley stated, looking directly at them.“You two are the lead investigators.You will coordinate and direct every step.If anyone has a problem—”
“Why them?”Decker asked, his tone barely disguising his anger.
The room seemed to hold its breath, anticipating another volcanic eruption from Brantley.To Reese’s surprise, Brantley remained calm as he looked at Decker.
“Because they weren’t here when Kylie died.Neither of them knew her.They can and will remain unbiased and do what needs to be done.”
“That’s bullshit.I should be in charge of this,” Decker bit out, glaring at Z.“This is your fucking team.You make this decision.”
Z frowned.“This isn’t my team,” he snapped back.“This is Brantley and Reese’s team.I provide some direction when needed, but they run the show here.”
“They work for Sniper 1,” Decker argued.
Z’s mouth opened, but RT put his hand on Z’s arm and interjected.“Technically, yes.That doesn’t change anything.And we’re not here to debate that.If you don’t like the direction Brantley’s taking this, you can go back to Dallas and keep a desk chair warm.”
Every ounce of attention was focused on Decker.
“No.”
“Then shut up about it,” Z hissed.
All eyes shifted back to Brantley despite the tension thickening the air.
“Do either of you have a problem leading this investigation?”Brantley asked Atticus and Archer.
Reese watched as the two men looked at each other briefly before both shaking their heads at the same time.They hadn’t worked a single case together yet, but for some reason, the pairing felt right to him.Being a former bounty hunter, Atticus had the skills necessary to find things.And due to his military career, Archer understood the need for control and discipline.Plus, he could and would see things through to completion.There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Brantley made the right decision there.
“Good.”Brantley scanned the room.“As I was saying a moment ago, if anyone has a problem, you can talk to me or Reese privately.If at any time you feel the need to step back from the case, be sure to let Atticus or Archer know.Just don’t let it be at the eleventh hour.”
“When do we start?”Atticus asked.
“We already have.”
Chapter Thirty
“Archer.Atticus.”Brantley curled two fingers, asilent gesture for them to join him.He turned to Reese.“Let’s talk to them for a minute.”
Reese nodded, following him into the conference room.
“I hope I didn’t blindside you,” Brantley told him while they waited.
“A little.But it makes sense.I understand your reasoning.”
Brantley wasn’t sure anything made sense, but he figured the only fair way to handle this was to take the emotion out of it.As much as possible, anyway.And since he wouldn’t have hired Atticus or Archer unless he had faith in their ability to get the job done, he figured it was as good a time as any to put them to work.
Too antsy to sit, Brantley leaned against the wall, instructing Atticus to close the door behind him.
“I know I put you both on the spot out there, so if you have a problem with the direction I’m headed, now’s the time to say so.”
Atticus glanced at Archer, then back at him.“I don’t.”
