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“Jac, what’s going on?”
“Good question. I think we are one step behind Rodney because he has someone as good as Charlotte doing his surveillance and eavesdropping, and that someone has no morals. So, we change the game and do it our way. Charlotte, I’m going to give you whatever resources you need and you can do whatever it takes to find Caleb Rodney. I want you to screw with his computer guy. I want you to do whatever it takes to bring him out into the open.”
She solemnly nodded. “Got it. Expose hacker.”
They all knew what it was taking for Sharlee’s husband to give her full rein because he had more than a good idea of what she could do, and that was way more than any of them understood. Maybe Kaden had a clue, but Levi was sure he didn’t know to what lengths she could go to get her objective. The message was clear. Do what it takes to end this.
“Once we know where to send the information, I want the team to draw him out.”
Callie asked. “Draw him out? Like be bait? What makes you think that he will come to you? It looks like a trap. The man is going down, but I don’t think he’s that stupid.”
The debate ensued until Monroe whistled into the room, stopping all conversations. “Better. I don’t believe I’m going to say this but if we are looking at the best strategic move, we have to look vulnerable and that means, bring the women into play.”
Cash was usually more reactive than Levi, but Levi shook his head. “I’m not putting Finley in the line of fire or any danger. I can’t believe you’re suggesting we do.”
No one spoke, waiting for Monroe’s response. “Understood. I am not suggesting they be vulnerable as in unprotected. Unwatched. But we have to draw him out with something believable. It’s been about three weeks since the last random cluster-fest,” he smiled at Mallory when he left out the expectedcurse word. She smiled back. “We just need to figure out what would be believable.”
“Not counting this morning,” said Sharlee.
“I could walk a pretend Storm in a stroller,” offered Finley.
Mark shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but that’s too obvious.”
Sharlee nodded. “He’s too big now to not notice him. Too difficult to make believable.”
Ivy spoke up. “I could have the ladies over for a defense class.”
“Right, but we have those at the office, usually. So that won’t work,” said Kaden.
There were other conversations, and then Jessie grinned. “Mallory is having a baby.”
Becky smiled agreement. “She is.”
Jac shook his head. “Not news, Jessica.”
Callie bumped him with her elbow. “Right. But what do women do when a friend is having a baby?”
Finley nodded. “They have a baby shower. It’s perfect.”
“Yes! That works,” said Sharlee.
Ivy bounced in her seat. “Does that mean I get a gun?”
“NO!” said every man in the room.
She pouted. “I don’t know why.”
Kaden grinned. “That’s why. We’ll work on your aim later, but under no circumstances are you to carry or even pick up a gun until I say so.”
Ivy crossed her arms. “Fine, but I think on-the-job training would be just as effective.”
“Well, it’s not, and I don’t intend to explain it further. No one carries a gun.”
Kaden’s deeper tone sent a deep red flush traveling up her neck and cheeks. Ivy slid down in the chair and Kaden leaned over to speak quietly in her ear while Garrett tried to hide hissmile. Ivy was always bringing sunshine to a dark corner of the room.
“So a baby shower would be great, but we need to figure out how to let them know that the women will be predominately unprotected. It is a well-known fact that we don’t let them do much without some kind of on-site protection.”
Garrett was right, and Levi was not going to let Finley go anywhere without him. Cash looked skeptical. “So, what’s the plan to make them appear unprotected because that isn’t going to happen in reality?”