Page 1 of Iron Willed Warrior

CHAPTER ONE

Brynn

“You’re late,Agent Somerton. Where were you?”

I slid into the booth, gazing into the intense dark eyes of Special Agent in Charge Michael Stanford. My boss.

Wait, make thatex-boss. As of today.

Taking my time, I tugged the beanie off my head, smoothing my hair back into my signature high ponytail. “No offense, but I don’t answer to you anymore.Sir.”

Stanford regarded me with a deep frown creasing the corners of his mouth. I had worked with him for years now, and I knew that expression well. The man didn’t like to be kept waiting. Yet I returned that glare with equal force.

“True,” he said. “I suppose that means I should call you Brynn. And if we’re going that far, you’d better call me Michael.”

“That’snot weird or anything.”

We stared each other down. But laughter bubbled in my chest, and I couldn’t keep it in. Then Stanford’s sardonic smile appeared.

“How are you feeling?” he asked. “You ready?”

He was already starting with the questions? That meant he was uncertain. And that didn’t sit well with me. Not at all.It made nervousness do an uncomfortable dance in my stomach, and it waswaytoo early into this mission for self-doubt.

I took off my puffy coat and settled into my seat while I glanced over the menu. “Can I at least order lunch before you grill me? What’s good here?”

“Get the steak burger. It’s fantastic.”

I wrinkled my nose. “If I eat that, I’ll have to stop for a nap.”

“You could swing by and see Marie before you go.”

That did sound nice, but I had a long drive ahead of me today.

I’d grown up in Denver, and I’d worked in the federal complex for the last five years. You’d think I would know all of SAC Stanford’s favorite haunts by now, but the man could still surprise me. He’d suggested this cafe for our meeting today. It was off the beaten path and not popular with Feds or law enforcement. Which suited our purposes. We didn’t want to be seen.

As far as Denver was concerned, I was out of here. I’d already moved all my things out of my place and given notice to my landlord. This meeting with Stanford was my last stop on my way out of town.

Stanford ordered the burger, extra caramelized onions, while I opted for a salmon salad. “Cold food on a cold day,” he quipped, shaking his head. “I’ll never understand it.”

“Hoping it’ll keep me sharp.”

When the server returned to the kitchen, I leaned my elbows on the table. “I’m ready, sir. I mean, Michael.” I shook my head. That really was weird. “I can’t wait to get started, actually. Those assholes are going down, and they’re not going to have any clue what’s coming.”

“I appreciate that enthusiasm. You can’t afford to be cocky, though. We have a lot of unknowns. Too many things could go wrong.”

We both sat back as the server brought over a basket of bread. I thanked her, but I couldn’t help the frustration from creeping into my tone. As soon as she was gone, I let my scowl take over.

“Sir, we’ve been over this. I’ve proven myself. Dare I say, I’ve earned it. If you don’t have faith in my ability to manage this assignment, then?—”

He tilted his head. “Did I say that? I have faith in you, Brynn. Do not doubt that. Not for one second. But I also want to see you succeed.”

A slow breath helped calm me. For a moment there, I’d heard my uncle’s voice in my head instead of Stanford’s.What makes you think you can do this, Brynn? You’re weak. Like all women are weak. Like your mother is weak.

Stanford wasn’t anything like my uncle. For one, he actually cared about me.

“I’m the best person for this job,” I insisted.

“You are. I’d never let you do it if I didn’t believe that.”

---