Page 86 of Ricochet

“Everything good,” Jaredasked.

Colin realized Boss Man had him pegged.

“Yeah, perfect.” He toned down any facial expressions that might’ve escaped without him knowing. “Ready for this job is all.”

Brock and Jared both eyed him, both “Uh-huhing” before the conversation returned to the next few weeks of press events, galas, and award ceremonies. The simple conversation ended—almost. Colin could sense there was more.Even worse, he knew he was the only one who didn’t know what it was.

“If this is about a few minutes ago,” he added, quickly trying to break the uncomfortable tension. “My head’s in the game. I’m stoked for tonight.”

And damn Parker for getting in his head earlier. He’d say damn Lenora and Adelia for getting themselves into a Mayhem headache, but he didn’t want to say that about Adelia.

Jared glanced at Parker, and Brock did the same to Jared. There was more to the story than they were letting him in on.

“What? I’m starting to feel like the new guy about to be hazed.”

Titan Group operated under the idea that information flowed in all directions, which meant Delta should have everything it needed. He was second in command now. But if there was any hesitation with information,did that mean there was a doubt about his position?

Everything Colin had worked on seemed called into question. His chest tightened.

Brock ran a hand over his chin. “We have a couple…”

“Oddities?” Parker suggested.

“I don’t know what the fuck to call ‘em,” Jared said.

“Whatever they are, they’re on our back burner,” Brock said. “Whether we add them to the profile or not—”

The war room doorswung open, and Javier nostril’s flared as he raged in the doorway. “Can I speak with you?”

“Who?” Jared’s dark eyes narrowed, his irritation evident, but so was his curiosity. Javier could be a hothead, but he wasn’t an idiot.

“I don’t care if Parker stays or not.”

Jared lifted his chin. “Shut the door behind you.”

The fury pouring off Javier was palpable. His clenched fists and strainingjawline reminded Colin of Javier’s street fighting days. The door slammed as he stalked toward the head of the table. His angry glare met Colin.

“What the fuck is your problem?” Jared asked.

“Adelia called,” Javier spat out, not looking away from Colin. “She wants to know where this asshole is.”

Damn it to hell.He didn’t need this spilling over at work, and he didn’t need Adelia upset withhim. “I’m going to find her later.”

“You know where she is?”

“Yeah,” Colin confirmed.

“You know what’s going on with her?”

He tapped his molars together, not sure what Adelia wanted shared with her brother or what she might have already said. “I know enough—”

“Enough?” Javier leaned closer. “You come into my house, talk to my wife, eat my food, and talk about my sister like you might be interestedin Adelia and—”

“He knew enough to loop us in.” Brock’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Now if you want to march your ass out of here, and we’ll talk later.”

“You know Mayhem’s got her pegged for dead?” Javier shot back.

“Look.” Colin raised his hands a couple inches. “Lenora’s been with her. I’m going to see her. This will work out.”

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