Dec nodded. There was a hacking technology which just needed a simple mobile call to be frequency-paired and the latest top-secret program released by DARPA was even more accurate and invasive. Because of his special contacts, his own securities agency was mostly protected with secured links. But DARPA—Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency—frequently worked with Jed’s operatives who tended to move in and out of enemy as well as grey organizations. Jed’s people thus had the ability to drop in on, and record, mobile conversations, such as missile sales between unsavory entities.
“Will do. Uncle JD it is then, if any of us has to contact you. You’ll be hearing from my brother, Shane, regarding the SEALs waiting on hold. He might not be part of the operation, but these fellas are his friends and they’ll help Shane. This is personal.”
“I’m familiar with Hawk’s team,” Jed said. “I won’t get in their way. Or Shane’s. Unless necessary.”
“Jed, you can take out the missile buyers. You can cancel any Russian assholes who have infiltrated the system, but you let the SEAL team handle the rogue SEALs. I want them back alive for myself. Shane and my brothers only allowed you to handle this because of the arrangement.”
“Only if letting them live doesn’t jeopardize the lives of others,” Jed said, his voice remote. “You cannot make me guarantee giving them priority when they have hostages.”
“Of course,” Dec agreed, “but you know what I mean.”
Jed nodded. “For your mother. I understand. I’ll get those who have betrayed your trust. You’ll keep your end of the agreement and share any information they have on their handlers. And all exchanges will be just between us, not with the departments. You let your Uncle JD do his job.”
“Affirmative. Thank you for the call, Uncle JD.”
Revenge. He had his and Jed had his own demons, except the latter played a long game in order to get the one he was after. Dec had no patience for that kind of game, had no desire for the big picture. He wanted to avenge his mother’s death; with all his heart, he wished he could have foreseen the danger of enemies within. He wanted to crush those rightnow. The international scene—the big picture—could go to hell. The snakes in his yard first. For Mom. For his grieving dad. Everything else was secondary.
