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Teagan’s hand tightened on Seth’s at the implied threat.
Yeah, he’d caught that. What war was Peters talking about, and how soon? And that threat to Richardson? No way to miss the implication that Richardson should look for threats from the enemy and inside the militia.
Richardson slid an angry glare at Seth before turning his back on Peters and signaling his enforcers to follow him to another room. Before the door shut, Richardson laid into his men for their poor performance.
Peters shook his head and turned back to Seth. “Time to assume your new duties. Who will guard me throughout the day?”
Seth signaled to Knight and Marsh, who approached. “You’re on Peters for the next five hours. Teagan and I will take over after lunch.”
“Why only five-hour shifts?” Peters asked. “We worked 12-hour shifts in the military, as I’m sure you did as well.”
“You’re a prime target, sir, as is Richardson. We’ll protect you better with shorter shifts. With someone of your importance, we can’t afford to miss anything because of fatigue. If we lose your leadership, The Brotherhood will have to overcome the setback.” Made Seth’s stomach twist speaking those words, but Peters had a big ego.
Peters looked thoughtful and pleased. “What about at night? Surely I’m more vulnerable at night than during the daylight hours.”
“Two of Richardson’s enforcers can stand watch at night. One in the front and one in the back of your quarters.”
“I want your team.”
Seth shook his head. “There are only six of us available for duty. Violet’s skills are needed at your clinic. She will not be on watch rotation. We already assessed the compound’s night watch before we turned in last night. If two enforcers are assigned outside your quarters, along with the guards spread throughout the camp, you’ll be safe and my team will rest and train together as we should. I’m not sacrificing our effectiveness by stretching our responsibilities too far.”
Peters’ eyebrows rose. “You don’t believe the compound guards are enough by themselves to keep me safe?”
“No, sir.”
“Explain.”
“The guards are on duty too long. Teagan and I made a circuit of the compound last night and again early this morning. The guards were exhausted from the long shift and were not as observant as they could have been if their shifts were kept to six hours or less. You have enough guards and enforcers to cover six-hour shifts without a problem. Everyone will be more alert with that watch schedule.”
“And you believe this is the best way to protect me?”
“And everyone else in this camp, sir.” Seth folded his arms across his chest. “You wanted me to evaluate security, didn’t you?”
“Not specifically.”
“You hired my team for our expertise. I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t present you with a plan to increase security around the compound and, in particular, around you if I found the arrangements unsatisfactory.”
“You observed holes in our defenses?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll speak to Richardson. He should know you have recommendations.”
“Are you sure that’s wise? He doesn’t seem open to suggestions.”
“Then it will be your job to convince him otherwise, won’t it?”
“Is that an order, sir?”
“It is.”
Suited him. Gave Seth a chance to confront Richardson one-on-one and get a feel for the relationship between Richardson and Peters. “I’ll take care of it.”
Peters gave a slight nod. “Very good, Dixon. Very good, indeed.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The Brotherhood’s leader motioned for Knight and Marsh to follow him. “I’ll see you and Teagan in a few hours, Dixon.”