Silence, then laughter.
“He knows us better than I thought,” Dakota said.
“I know everything I need to know—” Luciano said.
“And a hell of a lot more,” Carrera muttered.
Luciano winked at Carrera. “Grazie, cugino.”
“Providence and I will talk to Simone,” Cooper said. “We’ll keep everyone posted.”
Luciano wanted to speak with Simone directly. He didn’t need these middlemen when it came to teaming. He would go to the source, present his offer. She was either all-in or she wasn’t.
When it came to a job like this, there was no in-between. People were going to die. There could even be collateral damage. This hunt wasn’t going to be easy, but it was absolutely necessary. If they didn’t take out The Bomb Maker, he would eliminate ALPHA, then unleash a maelstrom of terror on the nation.
Luciano wouldnotlet that happen.
I’m coming for you, you son of a bitch… with everything I’ve got.
10
THE PARTNERSHIP
SIMONE
Simone drove down Route 7 in Tysons with a mix of emotions. Her heart had been shredded, the grief gaining momentum like a locomotive roaring down the tracks. Yet, the anger could not be stopped, the hatred turning her heart to stone.
After heading down the familiar road, she pulled over, her gaze trained on the rearview mirror. Though she hadn’t seen anyone tailing her, she had to be sure. Five minutes later, when she felt certain she was alone, she drove down the street. The last time she’d been at ALPHA HQ, the facility was located in Middletown, Maryland, near Camp David.
When Luther retired, and Providence and Dakota took over, they relocated to a nondescript building in Tysons. She drove to the end of the street. There stood a lone, warehouse-like structure with bars over the reflective-glass windows and a sign over the front door.
ALPHA MEAT PACKING
There it is.
Her heart took off in her chest, the excitement coursing through her veins. Her entire body tingling with anticipation. Her pain and her anger would fuel her. Yes, she was scared, but ahealthydose of fear would keep her on high alert. And she would need every ounce of it if she was going after The Bomb Maker.
But who’s gonna take him out?
Simone was the first to admit she was rusty at firing a gun. Once a strong markswoman, she hadn’t been to target practice in a while.
She killed the engine, walked to the front door, and pressed the buzzer. A voice through the intercom instructed her to drive around back. Seconds later, as she exited her vehicle, Providence opened the back door and welcomed her inside.
She crossed the threshold and an unexpected calmness settled into her soul.
I’m home.
“Red, it’s good to finally meet you.” Providence shook her hand.
“You too,” Simone replied.
Also tall, Providence kept her hair short and her makeup light. She exuded warmth, yet had an air of professionalism about her that reminded Simone she was working at the pinnacle of law enforcement.
She was led into a break room where Providence topped off her water bottle, pulled a bottle from the fridge, and offered it to Simone. With waters in hand, they walked down the hallway, voices bursting from every office.
“Everyone was told to stand down,” Providence said as she entered her office and closed her door. “Everyone on the research team is working from home. But our problem children—” Her warm smile touched her eyes— “our Operatives, they all came in. Every last one of them. I’ve been a wreck all day,checking the surveillance cameras for anyone driving into the parking lot.”
“Has anyone?”
