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“We’re covered. We have what we need for now.”
Peters gave a curt nod. “Fair enough. We’ll supplement what you brought if it isn’t enough for our purposes.”
“One more thing before we go,” Richardson said. “Cell phones aren’t allowed in the compound unless they’re carried by those in the inner circle.”
So, the leaders of The Brotherhood cut off their members from the outside world. Yet another way to brainwash their people into believing whatever the leaders said.
Seth scowled. “No.”
“It’s not your choice,” Richardson snapped.
“I’m with Seth,” Noah said. “That’s a deal breaker.”
“I’m curious,” Peters said. “What’s so important that you won’t give up your phone to support our cause and to clear your name and record?”
“My mother is ill.” Seth hoped the hale and hearty Audra Dixon never got word of her supposed illness. “I’m not cutting off communication. In fact, we all have reasons to maintain communication with the outside world. End of story. If you can’t live with us having our phones, we walk, and you can recruit another special ops team with our experience to support your cause.”
It was a gamble, one he might lose. However, those phones were a lifeline and another form of protection with the GPS chips embedded inside them. Things on this op could go south in a heartbeat. The ability to connect his team to each other might be the difference between life and death. They were each able to contact Fortress with the watches. Didn’t mean they could contact each other with them.
The leaders of The Brotherhood exchanged glances, their expressions grim. Finally, Peters turned back to Seth. “All right. You can keep your phones on the condition that you don’t use them out in the open. If someone discovers you have them, point them to me for explanations. However, I expect compensation in return.”
Noah’s lip curled. “What compensation?”
“For being allowed to keep the phones, you will be part of our organization for 18 months rather than one year as previously agreed.”
“And you’ll be available for special projects,” Richardson added.
A sneer from Bowen. “Your own personal enforcers?”
“Now you’re getting the picture.”
Knight glowered. “Mercenaries earn more than one hundred grand a year.”
“Let’s just say you’re on probation for six months.” Peters folded his arms. “If you prove you’re worth the extra money, we’ll double your pay.”
“You better come through and live up to your word, Peters,” Marsh snapped. “Two hundred thousand dollars is still chump change for our skills.”
“Perhaps. You’ll have to prove yourselves. So far, I only have the word of Knight’s cousin. I haven’t seen a demonstration of skill. I’m taking a lot on faith.”
“So are we,” Seth said. “We’ll earn your trust as long as you earn ours. And by the way, I don’t appreciate having rifles pointed at any of us, especially my girlfriend.”
Richardson chuckled. “Excellent, Dixon. Excellent indeed. I’m impressed.”
“Are the men wielding those rifles your enforcers?” Knight asked.
“They are.”
Bowen frowned. “You need a better trained protection detail.”
“You knew they were there. Why didn’t you do something about them?” Peters demanded.
“Ask them to show themselves.”
Richardson and Peters stiffened and glanced at the wooded area. “Send them a message to join us,” Peters said softly. His glittering gaze stayed focused on Seth while his partner did as instructed.
They waited for over two minutes with no response from the enforcers. Richardson’s face turned red. “What did you do to them, Dixon?”
Seth spread his arms, showing empty hands before threading his fingers through Teagan’s once more. “Not a thing.”