Page 51 of Baby Take Me Home

“Not advisable,” Kessler chimed in. “The satellite infrared shows a handful of guards moving off the perimeter and toward the house. They’re probably going to do a sweep.”

“Alder, stop looping and go back to live on the security feeds so you can watch for them,” I said. “Let me know when it gets critical.”

“Goddamnit, this is too dangerous,” Penn growled, then went quiet.

He was right and I was wrong, but it didn’t matter. I was still the boss, and stupid call or not, it was mine alone to make.

CHAPTER 21

Ashlee

My sojournoutside of the guest room had been brief. Finding the senator’s guest bedroom, the nicest one in the huge house, had been a quick and easy task. During the team meetings this past week, I’d memorized every inch of the house plans that Penn and Sparks had procured, although I hadn’t mentioned that to anyone.

I knew exactly where TJ should be as well, based on the blueprints. I knew how long hacking Luka’s electronics was supposed to take, so I realized how close I’d cut it. But I’d gotten what I’d come for. I fiddled with the mini recorder’s tiny tape, then slipped the recorder back into my bag. Luka knew I’d brought it with me in case I had any follow-up questions for the human interest piece. The man’s ego showed no bounds and his underestimation of me seemed bottomless. I didn’t even let his attitude piss me off, though, because it made my job easier and would make revenge that much sweeter.

I searched in my jewelry bag for the tiny, nearly invisible comms unit Jensen had given me. I tapped it to life and slipped it into my ear.

Cynthia immediately spoke to me. “Ashlee, are you okay? Why were you dark?”

“Sorry, I forgot,” I lied, knowing that with her uncanny ability to read people, she might be able to tell that from my voice.

“You’re nervous,” she pronounced. “What’s going on?”

“Just getting antsy about TJ returning, which reminded me about the comms. I’m sorry I didn’t put it in as soon as TJ left. It’s a weird thing to remember.”

“It’s okay,” she said softly. “We know we’re expecting a lot from you. I just let the team know what happened. Everyone’s glad you’re okay. TJ is running a few minutes later than expected, but he’s fine.”

There was a knock at the door. I sucked in a breath and froze. It couldn’t be TJ, so it would be Luka’s men checking up on us. We’d known this was a possibility and had prepared for it, but my stomach twisted nonetheless.

“You’ve got this,” Cynthia said. “You know what to do. Stall, and if that doesn’t work, go into the cover story, and if that doesn’t work—”

“The second cover story,” I whispered. I glanced toward the bathroom where the shower was still running and hoped at least one of our stories would hold up to scrutiny.

“Yes?” I called.

“Draga, it’s Luka.”

I’d expected someone on his staff, not the man himself.

I forced a smile, hoping to put sweetness and light that I did not feel into my tone. “What is it?”

“I need to speak with you. Please answer the door.”

“Um, I’m not really decent.”

“There are bathrobes in the closet if you need one,” he said, “but I must insist.”

Adopting the Alpha Team’s motto, I muttered a quiet “fuck me.” Out loud, I said, “Hold on a minute, please.” I noisily rustled around in my bag, pulled several strands of hair out of my chignon, and tugged at the bottom of my tee shirt as I opened the door, hoping it looked like I’d just dressed.

As expected, Luka was outside my door. He had two rather large and angry-looking men in black suits with him. This was not a friendly visit, despite Luka’s grin as he observed me, from my messy hair and flushed face, down to my apparently hastily thrown-on clothes and bare feet.

“I apologize for disturbing you,” Luka said. “But I’m checking on all my guests, making sure no one needs anything. And also requesting that you stay in your room until we have the power restored. The alarm system is malfunctioning and you could inadvertently set it off.”

“Thank you for the warning.” I leaned against the door jam, blocking the entrance. “We’ll stay put.”

“Might we have a word with Mr. Russo as well?” He peered over my head.

“He’s in the shower, but I’ll let him know.”