Page 41 of Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage 3)

Great.

He leaned against his rental vehicle. The car was completely unsexy—especially when compared to a Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. In the quiet night, a security light flickered and buzzed. A coyote yipped and howled, joined by the rest of the band. Alex should walk the perimeter, but it was at least an acre. That might draw security’s attention, which was a great way to test them, but he’d wait for another opportunity. He wanted to be right here if Mackenzie needed him.

Another text came through. This time, it was Keenan Walker. Kind of late, but then again, the tech guru worked all hours.

Got suggestions for anti-drone tech you wanted.

He opened the attached file and quickly skimmed a long list of drone detection devices, including infrared cameras. Keenan had highlighted a few on the list.

Thanks. What about countermeasures?

What kind?

I need to neutralize the threat, whether that’s physically destroying the drone, neutralizing it, or taking control of it, I don’t care. Once I know there’s a potential threat, then I need to take it out.

An additional list is forthcoming.

Alex stuck his cell back in his pocket, wishing he had the tech now. Kind of surreal that he was standing at a UAV company asking for help with finding drones and taking them down while watching over a former cybercriminal while she tried to combat a dangerous cybercriminal.

A bad feeling churned in his gut about what was happening at Hanstech. He had nothing to use, no actual knowledge he could share with his agency if things escalated. Just the possibility of the perfect storm.

He walked to the edge of the parking lot and back. Though the facility had no fencing, there were ample cameras. He noticed a drive leading to the back of the building, but he would check on that later. Keenan finally responded.

You need to know that countermeasures to take out a drone are available, but they’re highly regulated, and the actual technology to neutralize a drone is illegal.

But there have to be exceptions.

Yes. Law enforcement and military agencies are allowed to utilize that technology, depending on the need, of course.

Thanks for keeping me informed. Send on those recommendations.

Will do. And Alex?

Yes?

Be careful. You’re not invincible.

Alex put away the cell and wanted to close his eyes, to block out the blistering images from the past accosting him.

The Suburban exploded, and flames engulfed it. He tried to save them. But he hadn’t tried hard enough.

The pain of failure and grief lit through him, skewing him, searing him. He shoved the thoughts aside. Not now. Not tonight. He drew in a few reassuring breaths.

He could protect her. He would protect her.