Page 9 of Hidden

“Yes, Sir. It would be an honor. Who are we protecting?” Peter leaned closer to the desk to catch a glimpse of the open folder.

“Your choice. I’ve got a senator who’s making some waves and needs temporary protection, and just this morning, POTUS ordered a detail for CIA Director Corbit Upwood.”

At the mention of Upwood, Peter’s eyebrow rose. He hadn’t expected action that fast. Upwood wouldn’t be happy about the Secret Service guarding him. He would prefer a black ops group or a private security firm.

“Frankly, Senator Arnold is likely the easier of the two as far as schedules go. He doesn’t tend to travel much. But the choice is yours. I’ll give whichever one you don’t choose to someone else.” Higgins slid the folders in his direction.

It wasn’t a hard choice for Peter, but he took another sip of coffee, so it looked like he was thinking it over.

“If it’s up to me, I’ll take Director Upwood. I’ve got a bit of a rapport with him, and I have a feeling he’ll resist a detail. Maybe a familiar face will make that go a little smoother.” Peter expected Upwood to demand a new detail as soon as he caught sight of Peter, but Director Higgins didn’t need to know that. After Reggie’s call last night, the opportunity to check up on his old boss seemed too good to pass up.

Higgins stood. “OK, I’ll get you a roster of agents to pull from. You’re right about him resisting so good call there. I’ve already fielded three calls from his office, including one from the man himself. He’s not happy.”

Peter chuckled. That sounded like Upwood.

“Are agents with him now? I’d like to speak to them if so.”

Higgins picked up his phone. “I’ll send you their contact information.”

Peter stood and headed for the door. “I’ll be at my desk.”

He reached for the handle, then stopped.

“Was this morning the first bombing attempt? I heard from a buddy in intelligence that there was another attempt a few days ago.”

Higgins grunted. “We’re trying to keep that under wraps. But yes. The mail truck fire was in fact an explosive meant for Upwood.”

Higgins dismissed him again and Peter went to his desk where he checked in with the two agents that had been dispatched as soon as the executive order came down.

He instructed both men to keep him in the loop.

As he finished the call with the agent, Director Higgins called.

“Agent Mercer, let’s take a ride. Upwood is throwing such a fit, I want to deliver you to him in person.”

Peter stood and switched off his monitor. “Yes, sir. I just pulled the agents I want on this detail and sent notifications.”

“Sounds like you’re on top of things. Car is waiting downstairs.”

Thirty minutes later, they were through security and in an office in the West Wing, waiting for the CIA director. The president had summoned him to the White House to make sure he accepted the security detail.

The doorway to the office flew open and Corbit Upwood filled the doorway. Not only was he wide enough to span the entry, he was tall enough that there wasn’t much space between his head and the top of the door frame.

His silver hair had been dark when Peter worked for him, but he was still a striking man that could put the fear of God in any underling.

“Higgins, you better tell your man to stay the hell out of my way,” he barked as the door slammed shut behind him.

“Director Upwood, it’s good to see you again. We still need to get that round of golf in sometime.”

Peter kept his expression neutral as Director Higgins greeted Upwood.

“Save it Higgins. I’m not happy about this, and I’m only accepting it until I can get private security approved with POTUS.”

Peter stepped forward. Upwood likely remembered him given their past, but he introduced himself anyway.

“Director Upwood. I’m Special Agent Peter Mercer and I’ll be in charge of your detail.”

Upwood looked at him, his eyes scanning up and down.

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