“No.” Providence paused to drink. “It’s been quiet, but I’m wondering if we’ve got a mole on the inside.”
“I hope not,” Simone said.
“I’m very sorry for your loss. For all our losses.”
“Thank you.” Simone sipped the cold water. “I’m sorry for you as well. You lost an entire team.”
Providence nodded. “I’ve been on the phone with the families. It’s been a rough day. Frederica’s mom and dad requested her remains be returned home to Wisconsin.” She cleared her throat. “Tell me what’s been going on with you.”
Simone’s heart ached, but she pushed on.
“After I left ALPHA, I worked for Mitus Conglomerate for three years, and I’ve been a watcher for the past two. It’s been a great experience.”
“I read Z’s notes on you,” Providence said. “He was very impressed with your work ethic, and he trusted you, which is very unusual for him.”
Simone smiled. “I liked working for Z.”
“I also re-read Liv Savage’s clinical analysis,” Providence continued. “You’ve been cleared to return for several months. How do you feel about returning now?”
“I’m very interested.”
“In what capacity?”
“As an Operative. Fred—Frederica—told me that there’s a ninety-day trial. That’s perfect. Slash offered to take me to Henninger’s for target practice. I’d make that a priority, going a few times a week on my own.”
“You’re saying all the right things.”
“I’m not sure I’d be here if Frederica wasn’t killed,” Simone confessed. “That affected me to my core. It brought back whathappened to me—to my team. The first time, I was afraid he’d come after me because I was the lone survivor.” She steeled her spine. “I’m not afraid anymore.”
“I appreciate your honesty,” Providence said as her phone rang again. “I’m sorry.” She glanced at it. “It’s my husband.” She answered. “Hey, honey. I’m meeting with Red.” Silence. “Understood. Okay, thanks for the call.” She smiled. “I love you too.”
Providence hung up, shifted her attention back to Simone.
“I’d like to work The Bomb Maker case,” Simone said.
She wasn’t sure she was the most qualified to take the case, but she was, without question, the most motivated.
“You can’t work it alone,” Providence said.
“What about working with an experienced Op?”
Tap-tap-tap.
“Come in,” Providence said.
A man walked in, his gaze jumping from Providence to Simone. Providence made the introduction. Simone stood, shook Cooper Grant’s hand, then Providence suggested they all sit at her table.
“You’ve got this,” Cooper said. “We’ll talk offline.” He addressed Simone. “Good meeting you, Red.”
“Same,” Simone replied.
“Let me know when you’re finished,” Cooper said.
After Providence acknowledged him with a nod, he left, closing the door behind him.
Providence leaned back in her chair. “Like I mentioned, you can’t work the case alone. It’s too dangerous. We’d pair you with a seasoned vet, certainly a good marksman.”
“Understood. Whatever you need.”
