Page 142

“Copy that, sir.”
“Maddox out.” He ended the call.
Seth made the third call, this time to Burnett. He updated his commander, then said, “We still don’t have enough to stop this runaway train, LT.”
“I don’t like it.”
“Neither do we. This mission will get messy before it’s finished.”
A snort. “Already is, Dixon.”
Something in his voice warned Teagan more bad news was coming. She rested her hand against Seth’s back in silent support.
“Have more news for us, sir?”
“Cops from our station are harassing your family.”
He scowled. “They live out of our jurisdiction.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“They’re all right?”
“No harm done. Hateful messages left under windshield wipers, being tailed everywhere or pulled over for no reason. Your mother has refused to leave the house.”
“Do something, sir.” His mother was a social butterfly. Being cooped up for days on end would send her into a depression.
“I’m on it, Dixon, but I can’t tip our hand. Remember, we don’t know who is in The Brotherhood’s pockets.”
“Lieutenant, it’s Teagan. Have you spoken to Maddox about this?”
“Not yet.”
“You should. Although Seth’s brothers won’t take advantage of Fortress protection, his parents might.”
“How do we explain to them without giving away the game?”
“Send them on vacation,” Violet said. “Tell them Seth arranged it. Fortress can take care of the details. Get them out of town until this mission ends. Afterward, Seth will explain everything in person.”
“It’s a good plan, sir,” Noah said. “Gets them away from the harassment and out of The Brotherhood’s reach. Maybe Maddox will consider sending a couple of operatives to provide security.”
“I have a better idea.” Teagan grabbed her phone. “Give me a minute, Lieutenant. I’ll see if I can arrange something for the Dixons.”
She sent a message to Maddox requesting the Dixons be taken to Otter Creek to stay with an operative stationed in town, or perhaps with Josh Cahill’s parents. With so many operatives and cops in Otter Creek, the Dixons would have a nice vacation in a safe environment. Plus, the Cahills loved company and their son, Josh, had been a Delta Force operative who now worked for Fortress.
Maddox replied in less than a minute.
Relief swept through her. “Lieutenant, Maddox will arrange for the Dixons to go to Otter Creek. They’ll be safe there.”
“What’s so special about Otter Creek?”
“It’s home base to two black ops teams and the Fortress bodyguard school. I can’t think of anywhere safer to send Seth’s parents. People who know security will take them care of.”
“Seth, you agree with the arrangement?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll contact Maddox and complete the details. Thanks, Teagan. At least that’s one worry off my shoulders.”