Page 62 of Unplanned Target

“You’re shitting me?” I stare across the desk at Zeke, trying to wrap my head around what he’s just said. “Is she okay?”

“She’s shaken up, but wasn’t injured beyond a few bumps and bruises.” Zeke drops the pen in his hand to his desk. “I was hoping you could go back to Memphis and try to figure out what in the hell is going on there.”

My team lead looks exhausted. There are shadows under his eyes and the already hard line of his mouth could currently cut stone. Makes sense. Pierce went back to Alaska over a week ago, and Zeke has been attempting to juggle running everything here in Nashville. Not just our team’s needs and assignments, but also all the construction happening here on the property.

“Of course. When do you want me to leave?” It’s terrible timing—I’ve barely been back a week from the last op—but that’s how it’s always going to be. Plus, I don’t like the thought of any woman—especially one I know—being on her own and terrified.

“As soon as you can. I’ll get one of the Jeeps ready, and have Heidi try to secure you somewhere safe to stay while we figure out what to do next.” He scrubs one hand over his face, rubbing at his eyes. “I knew this was going to be a shitshow when we came here, but I never dreamt it would just keep spreading like a virus.”

“These fuckers have put a lot of work into building their network. I knew they would fight tooth and nail to protect it.” I take a deep breath, blowing it out. “I just wish they would start targeting us instead of the women standing up to them.”

“That’s the way it always is, though. Why take on a man when you can punish a woman?” Zeke’s tone is flat. “Now that I’m really thinking about it, maybe it’s best if you go get Raven and bring her back here. Then⁠—”

“What?” Luca steps into Zeke’s office. “What about Raven?”

I look over Luca’s tense frame as I explain. “Someone set her salon on fire last night. She wasn’t there, but it still scared the shit out of her.”

Understandably.

“Where is she now?” Luca steps toward Zeke, completely focused on our team lead. “She’s not at her apartment, is she?”

Zeke hesitates, obviously coming to the same conclusion I have. That Luca is not going to be thrilled with what he says next. “No. When she went home, she saw a strange car sitting outside and got the hell out of there.”

“So where the fuck is she?” Luca looks from me to Zeke. “Why are you two just fucking sitting here? Someone should be on their way to Memphis.”

Zeke’s brows lift in surprise at Luca’s tone. He’s not normally prone to outbursts, so it’s highly unusual to see him like this.

Which is very fucking interesting.

“That’s actually why I’m here.” I tip my head toward our team lead. “Zeke wants to send someone to Memphis right now, and asked me if I would go.”

I watch Luca as my words land, fighting the smile that tries to crawl across my lips as his nostrils flare and his jaw flexes. His attention snaps to where Zeke sits. “Send me. He should stay here with Miranda and Allie.”

“Are you sure that is the wisest idea?” Zeke says the words carefully, seeming to understand he’s dealing with a touchy situation. “My understanding is, you and Raven didn’t end up on the best terms.”

I swear I can feel Luca’s blood pressure skyrocketing. If for no other reason than I can literally time his pulse by the throb of the vein bulging in his forehead.

“Then you must have misunderstood. Because Raven and I are on perfectly fine terms.” There’s an off-tone to Luca’s voice, but I’m not going to point it out. Probably because I’ve had an off-tone myself a time or two when it comes to explaining my situation with Miranda.

“Okay then.” Zeke turns to his computer, typing out a message. “I will update Heidi and send you all the information. Get on the road as soon as possible.”

“I’ll be out the door in five minutes.” Luca spins and practically sprints away, leaving both Zeke and I staring after him.

“You think Raven’s going to put a hex on me for sending him?” He brings a hand to his head. “I don’t think she got a hold of any of my hair, so hopefully that slows her down a little.”

“I think if anyone gets hexed, it’s going to be Luca.” I grin. “But I wouldn’t worry about it. I think he might like it.”

Raven is about ten handfuls. Most of them overflowing. She’s also gorgeous and mysterious and carries herself in a way that is impossible to ignore. I can understand how men would find her appealing.

I am kind of surprised Luca’s the one doing it, though. But he could probably use a little dancing naked under the moonlight in his life.

I’m certainly not one to judge.

“Well, if you don’t need me, I’m going to go find Miranda and see how she’s doing.” I stand. “If anything comes up, let me know.”

“Will do.” Zeke waits until I’m almost out the door before he calls my name, stopping me in my tracks. When I turn back to look at him, he gives me what counts as a smile. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks.” I can’t help but grin. “I’m happy for me too.”