Page 235 of Wild Card

“We’ll deal with that later. For now, let’s get inside, get you cleaned up, and debrief. I assume Ricardo did this?” Major’s cool tone gives away his own disappointment.

“How much did Robbie tell you?”

A rustling in the brush behind us has all guns drawn in the direction. Blade steps out, taking in the scene, and cursing under his breath. “Fuckin’ A, recognized those voices.”

“Close the asshole in the storage room. Get the other guys and meet us in the command room. We need to get a lock on Ricardo.”

Blade gives a short nod, disappearing back into the night.

The others follow me around the dense woods and into the darkened house. I don’t turn on a light until we hit the secured room set up with all our communication equipment.

Three bags sit in the corner. “How long have you been here?”

“Long enough to scope out this place, not long enough to get to you, apparently.” Major digs through the med kit, motioning for me to sit.

I swear the fucker smirks when I hiss, the disinfectant burning the hell out of my head. “He got you with his ring.”

I don’t respond, my own anger building at the cheap shot and knowing there was nothing I could do without risking blowing my cover.

“Willow won’t like this.” He openly chuckles this time.

At the mention of her name, my chest tightens. “How is she?’

They trade glances, Ford crossing his arms.

“She’s a lot more forgiving than I am.”

There’s an edge of regret in his voice. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Means he pissed off the princess by threatening to kick your ass. Then proceeded to dig his grave being his normal asshole self,” Ace explains with a wicked grin.

I’m ready to get in his face when Ford steps forward. “I lost my temper and apologized. But that woman proved to have your back, maybe even more than us.”

“Understatement of the year. I thought my wife was scary.” Ace pretends to shudder.

For the first time in a week, I smile, thinking of her riled up. “Nah, she’s a pussycat.”

“More like an alley-cat. The woman actually had me flinching. Let’s just say we all know now not to piss off the princess.” Major places a strip of adhesive over the glued wound, handing me a mirror and wipe to clean my face.

I want to know more about their altercation, specifically what they did to upset Willow, but Rand, Blade, and Hugo enter, giving quick greetings.

“Wondered how long it would take you three to get here.”

“Ahhh, Baby Face, we couldn’t let you have all the fun.” Major slaps his back.

“You guys give out shit names,” Rand grumbles, connecting his laptop to the display screen on the wall.

A dot travels down a secluded road we’ve been surveilling for a week.

Ace eyes the screen. “Do we have audio?”

“I slipped a device on the sister and his lapdog when he pulled me out of the club.”

Ford settles in next to Rand, working the equipment until a muffled sound comes over the speakers.

Ricardo is still bitching at his sister about leaving his meeting to drag her out of a club. She gives it right back to him, claiming he’s an overprotective asshole—among other names.

“Take me home.”

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