Page 48 of Red Fury

“I wanted to let you know that you’re free for the evening,” he says, adjusting his tie. “I’m having an informal dinner with some old family friends who live here in Chicago. Nothing work-related, just catching up. You’ve earned a break after these long days. Pour a bubble bath and relax.”

Relief floods through me, though I’m careful not to let it show. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”

“We’ll reconvene for one final session at nine AM, then head to the airport around two. Should have you back in D.C. by evening.” He checks his watch. “Try to get some rest. You’ve been working non-stop.”

If only he knew that rest is the last thing I’m capable of right now.

“I will, sir. Enjoy your dinner.”

Harrison nods and heads toward the elevators, where his close protection detail is waiting. I watch him go, then start walking, my mind already racing through possibilities.

This could be my chance. With Harrison gone for the evening and most of the team off duty, maybe I can find a way to access his computer or at least get into areas of the hotel that were off-limits during the meetings. There has to be something, some piece of intelligence I can—

“Ms. Douglas.”

The deep voice stops me mid-stride. I turn to find Fury approaching, his expression neutral, but his eyes burning with an intensity that makes my skin prickle.

“Mr. Marsh,” I reply formally, hyperaware of the other security personnel still moving through the hallway.

He glances around, then leans slightly closer. “Could I have a word? It’s about tomorrow’s schedule?”

The lie rolls off his tongue smoothly, but I can see the urgency in his gaze. He needs to talk, and from the tension radiating off his massive frame, it’s important.

I nod. “Of course. Conference room B should be empty if you’d like to discuss the details privately.”

We walk in silence down the hallway, maintaining distance even though every cell in my body is hyperaware of his presence beside me. I can feel the heat emanating from him, catch hints of his scent that make my dragon purr with unwanted approval.

She really needs to stop that.

I push open the door to the small conference room we used for overflow meetings earlier. It’s empty, the lights automatically flickering on as we enter. The moment the door closes behind us, the professional facade drops completely.

“What happened in there today?” he asks without preamble, his voice rough with barely contained emotion. “Did you learn anything useful?” His body is tense. “Please tell me you did,” he presses.

I move toward the window, needing distance. “Nothing. At least, nothing that matters to our people.” I sigh. “It was a colossal waste of my time.” All the pent-up frustration from the day comes to the surface.

“What do you mean? They were going to discuss the biological threats. You must have heard something.” He frowns heavily.

“I spent hours listening to discussions about traditional biological threats – anthrax, smallpox, weaponized flu strains.” The frustration I’ve been holding back all day finally breaks free. “Then, just when they were about to discuss something actually classified, something that could have been important, I was kicked out.”

His expression darkens. “You can’t be serious. You have the necessary clearance level.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you – I feel it too, believe you me – but I was kicked out.”

“Kicked out how? By whom?”

What the hell is wrong with him?

He’s in one hell of a mood.

“General Delport dismissed all support personnel and security before the classified portion began. No exceptions.” I cross my arms, the memory still stinging. “Harrison tried to argue that I should stay, but she shut him down immediately. Compartmentalized Intelligence protocols, she said. I had to wait in the hallway for over an hour. That was the meeting about us, I know it was.”

Fury begins pacing the small space between the table and the wall, his giant frame making the area feel even smaller. “Who else was dismissed?” He turns and glares at me.

What is it with all the questions? I have to say, it stings that he doesn’t trust me, even though I shouldn’t be surprised.

We’re enemies, after all.

“Everyone except the core delegates. Dr. Henley from the CDC, some FBI agents, all the security teams, all the assistants.” I watch him pace, noting the way his hands clench into fists. “I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear. I feel your frustration, believe me.” I scrutinize him, seeing his set jaw, tight shoulders. “Are you okay, Fury?”