Max couldn't remember the last timeif everhe'd been so emotionally involved in sex. His connection with Regan was a revelation that he could actually have that kind of relationship. They made love again just before falling asleep, slower and very delicious, and all the more erotic because they couldn't allow themselves to make a sound. By now he knew much more than his body was involved.But they had a job to do that came first. Thank god his engrained SEAL discipline would allow him to pack it in a mental closet until this was over. And extra thanks that Regan was on the same wavelength. The assignment took front and center. No question about it.They also knew that while they'd be sharing a bed at the lodge, sex would be off their list of activities."You know the room we'll be given is going to be bugged," Max whispered in her ear as they lay sated and quiet in the dark."No question about it," she whispered back. "All that time we spent with him and his wife still didn't answ
Max shook the proffered hand and nodded. "Good to see you again. Bernardo is grateful you're letting us fill in for him. He's very much invested in this, you know.""I do know. He and I go back a long way. I was delighted when he agreed to come on board."As if he just realized he'd cornered them in the doorway, Jed reached for one of the suitcases. "Here. Let me help you with these. Under normal circumstances, I'd have my caretaker haul them to your room. However, considering the nature of this meeting, I thought it best to give him a few days off.""Good thought."Jed took both suitcases and placed them to one side of the large foyer. Max held onto the briefcase, and Jed just shrugged. Regan would have bet a month's pay while they were occupied in the meeting someone would be going through them looking for any evidence they were imposters. That was one reason why Max's weapons were in the hard-sided suitcase. locked in a special compartment invisible even to the most intrusive in
"Perhaps Ferren Arms and Munitions is not the right partner with you for this, after all." He looked at Jed Whitlow. "You and Bernardo have been friends for years. It's unfortunate that you and I never had much occasion to spend time with each other but, as I'm sure you know, my brother and I each have our own circle of friends. I can assure you he would not have sent me in his place if he did not think I knew what I was talking about." He closed his folder. "As I said before, maybe you need to contact someone else to handle this. Trust is very important. My brother became involved with you because he believes in what you are doing. But if you don't trust us, we have nothing more to say to each other." He pushed back his chair. "Come on, Regan. This has all been a fucking waste of our time."Regan forced herself to appear calm, gathering the items in front of her while the people at the table absorbed what Max had just said. Si had discussed this with them and told them it might happe
"On that note," Jed Whitlow said, "I'd say it's time for lunch. Tonight we'll barbecue," he told everyone, and glanced at Max and Regan. "The first night of these meetings we like to relax with a good meal and a glass of bourbon. Or whatever your alcohol of choice is.""Sounds good to us," Max told him.Anna Whitlow pushed back her chair and stood up. "As usual, we've had everything else catered. It will only take a few minutes to get it all on the table.""I suggest you all stretch your legs," Jed told them. "Return any business calls you need to. Whatever. Give us fifteen minutes.""I think we'll step out to the patio," Max said to no one in particular. "You all have been here before, but we'd love to look around.""Help yourselves," Jed told them. "Just be careful of the wildlife and the snakes."They can't be any worse than the snakes in this room, Regan thought."Thanks for the tip." Max nudged her arm. "You'll protect me, right?" He looked across the table at those still g
Luis Rojas had debated with himself for a long time about the wisdom of what he was about to do. He didn't like change in the middle of complex plans, although he'd dealt with it before. Still, this was so complex and of such enormous magnitude that any change could throw an unwanted kink into things. And that would be disastrous.He'd thought about it and thought about it, quizzed Lorena who had become very irritated with him, but still he couldn't settle it in his mind. Bernardo Ferren was the key player in this. He was providing all the arms and munitions for a five-point attack. It wasn't as if they could just highjack a shipload of weapons to fulfill their needs. That worked fine for a local event. No, for something on a national scalesoon to be international they needed a massive supply, and the Ferrens were providing just that.When he couldn't put his mind to rest or accept the explanation they'd been given, he decided to check it out himself. He told no one. Lorena would hav
He walked slowly down past the row of rooms, staying out of everyone's way, smiling politely in the way of someone with a purpose. He peered quickly into each room as he kept walking until he reached the room next to where the guard sat. The moment he got close to the room, the man sitting in the chair pinned him with a stare that said Move and I'll take you apart. Yes, definitely former military, he decided. He didn't see a weapon, but he knew for damn sure there the man had one handy on his person.What the hell?The man sitting in the chair rose, all six foot plus of him, and planted himself in front of Luis."Can I help you with something?""Yes. I, uh, have a friend who works for the Broncos who's here in the ICU. I was told he could have a visitor. He doesn't have much family, so I came here to see him. The problem is, I can't find him.""That's because you're in the wrong place. And on the wrong floor. This is the coronary care unit. You got off on the wrong floor. Let me
"As we've discussed," he told the man, "this has to be carefully executed. America has a lot of military power, and we have to cut off their legs and take control before they have a chance to react.""It is an honor, jefe," Hector told him. "I await your call."It wasn't until they were back on the plane and in the air, and he was seated with a drink in his hand, that he made the next call. As expected, it went to voice mail, so he left a message. Fifteen minutes passed, and he was on his second drink when his cell rang."What is it?" Lorena hissed. "You know we are all meeting. We're finally down to the rest of the details. I'll let you know when I have the information you need." She paused. "You and your men are still ready, yes? You're not calling to tell me you've changed your mind, I hope.""Why would I change my mind? When this happens, the world will be my marketplace, with international distribution.""Then what is so important?" she demanded.He took a sip of his drink.
Silas Branson was sitting at his desk, studying a report and wondering how things at the cabal meeting were going when one of the cell phones on his desk rang. It was the line he'd set up dedicated to this mission, now titled Operation: Zeus, for the Greek god of law, order, and justice. Only select people had the number.He glanced at his watch as he reached for the receiver. Not quite dinnertime yet. Assuming he wouldn't be hearing from Max or Regan until later in the evening, he frowned as he lifted the receiver."Branson.""Sir," a deep masculine voice said, "this is Kaminski at the hospital in Denver. I think we may have a problem."Immediately, Si's hand tensed on the phone, but he forced himself to remain calm. Get the details, assess the situation then decide if you need to panic."Give me the details.""We had an odd situation here just a few minutes ago. A man showed up in the CCU who said he was looking for a friend. He was dressed in Broncos gear, and he told me his