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“Why didn’t you detain them and report to me and Richardson?”
“Would you want rogue enforcers like these at your back? I could have released them from the enforcers like I released Kent from the guards this morning. They would have come after us when we least expected it. In my assessment, that was an unacceptable risk. The moment they broke in with weapons, they became my enemy. When they admitted to planning to rape Teagan, they were dead men walking.”
“I should punish you, Dixon.”
“But you won’t because I did exactly what you would have done in my shoes, sir.”
“Lucky for you that you’re correct. If this happens again, you will consult me before you carry out a permanent solution. Am I making myself clear, Dixon?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Return to your post. I don’t want any visitors for the next three hours.”
“Understood, sir.”
Seth and Teagan returned to the hallway and closed the door. For the next three hours, they turned away anyone wanting to speak to the militia leader.
Near the end of their shift, Peters opened the door. “Dixon, you and Teagan step into my office. I want to discuss something with you.”
Once again, they entered the office.
Peters waved them to the chairs in front of his desk. “Sit for a minute.”
Although Seth didn’t enjoy sitting with the enemy that close, he sat anyway as did Teagan. “Yes, sir?”
“How do you feel about a special assignment, Dixon?”
Where was this going? “It’s what we’re trained for and why you recruited us, sir.”
“I need a black ops team. Are you interested?”
“Yes, sir. What’s the mission?”
“Not so fast, Dixon.” Peters shifted his gaze to Teagan. “Are in you agreement, my dear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I won’t kid you. The mission I have in mind for you and your team is dangerous. If you successfully complete it, I guarantee you’ll move in the upper echelons of power. I will have more need of a skilled bodyguard unit soon. Will you take the assignment, beautiful Teagan?”
Seth wrapped his hand around Teagan’s in a blatant show of possession. He didn’t like the expression on Peters’ face when he looked at Teagan. “We’ve already agreed, Mr. Peters. If we’re to be effective as a unit, we need information. Everything you have. Planning a mission in the dark is a sure path to failure.”
Peters inclined his head. “You’re correct. However, we still have a problem.”
“And that is?”
“You’re new to the organization, and you’re not part of the inner circle.”
“Can’t help the first. Only you have the power to change the second. If you want us to take on a special assignment, we need details. I will not take my team into an unknown situation. You’re the one who will pay the price. Our job is to protect you.”
“Your job is whatever I say it is.” Peters studied him for a minute, then gave a slight nod. “I’ll present my proposal to the inner circle and let them weigh in on the decision. If they approve and you complete the mission, you’ll be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.”
Which told Seth exactly nothing except this man had delusions of grandeur.
“How long do you need to prepare for a mission, Dixon?”
“If it’s complicated, the longer lead time we have, the better.”
“For security reasons, the window will be short. The fewer people who know or suspect the targets involved, the better for all of us.”