Page 38 of Joshua's Mistake
“He was in for life without parole,” Joshua said.
Will said, “Two months ago someone signed Banta’s conditional release.”
Joshua wanted to jump down Will’s throat. What was he talking about? Everyone in the room must have sensed his energy changing. Tessa’s hand was suddenly on his arm.
He reined in his temper. “Who signed the order?”
“That I couldn’t find out. Classified. And classified so high none of my sources have access.”
“And the conditions of his release?” Jess asked.
“Also classified.”
“This is bad news,” Parker said.
Wanda put her glass down on the coffee table and stood up. “Bad news for sure, but the fact still remains, Banta and his army will probably be here within twenty-four hours and we’re going to have to stop him. Each of us has a talent that might be very tempting for a madman. I for one am willing to die, but I’m not willing to lose my soul to a monster.”
All the agents were nodding in agreement.
Joshua had full control of his emotions again. “I appreciate the help. I think we should meet back here at dawn and wait for him to come to us. No reason to go searching for him. The airport is away from the public and defensible.”
The group agreed and Wanda moved to speak to Joshua. “A word, Josh?”
“Sure, Wanda.” They moved to the side of the room.
“You’re going to have to go and talk to Trip.”
“I know. I’ll go tonight.”
“He won’t like it.”
“But he’ll come, won’t he?”
She shrugged. “You never know with Trip.”
“Did you find anything out about who ordered me to probe Tessa?”
She shook her head. “I could get as far as Washington and then I hit a dead end. Here’s what I do know. Since our existence went public after the business with Oscar
Thorn there have been three big opponents to the Psi Agency.”
“And they are?”
“Walker, Breckenridge and Drury. All three have spoken out publicly against the continued funding of what they consider an uncontrollable force within the government.”
“I’ve met Drury, he hardly seems capable of any kind of coup.”
“I agree, but either of the other two might like to make a big show, maybe even a play for the big chair.”
Joshua’s attention kept flicking across the room toward Tessa. He needed to focus. “Keep an eye on the other two and let me know if you find anything that would
indicate they might like to rid the United States of Psi Agents.”
Wanda nodded.
A knot formed in Joshua’s stomach and it didn’t help that once the meeting broke up, Jess made a beeline for Tessa. Joshua had never really paid any attention to how good-looking Jess probably was to women. Dark blond hair with blue eyes and dark eyebrows and eyelashes, it was an odd combination. Joshua wanted to beat him senseless.
Wanda chuckled. “Go break that up before you start popping light bulbs in Will’s fine house.”
