Page 20 of The Sentinel

“Those bastards.”

“Yes, and one of them is a prototype Blackwood is supposed to be developing. You didn’t really think you were going to go into Blackwood, did you?”

“I hadn’t really thought it through. I guess I know now I’m not. They’ll know I hired you. They had to be watching us.”

“Not necessarily. I was able to get a good look at the camera. It has a timing unit set only to come on and record outside of your business hours. When they thought you wouldn’t be home, the camera didn’t record or transmit any images. They’ll know from the listening devices we were there, but they can’t overplay their hand, and we didn’t really tip them off. Tomorrow morning, you’re going to call in sick and let them know you will be working remotely.”

“Won’t they turn on the camera and know I’m not here?”

He grinned at her. “Nope. Seth took some images and will manipulate them and feed them through the camera. He’ll do the same things with the bugs, including what was said today in the loft. He’ll also be able to tell us if they show up looking for you and in the next few days, your security system will get a major upgrade.”

“None of my tells had been disturbed.”

“If they were watching and listening, there was no reason to break in.”

“But they had to break in to plant the devices.”

Coop nodded. “Yes, but my guess is they did that immediately after you came on board.”

“But what if they press me for my location?”

“Tell them you’re staying with your boyfriend.”

“But what if…”

“Don’t what if yourself to death. When things come up, we handle them. In most instances, the ability to pivot is better than the most intricately-laid plan. If they really press, you can hand the phone to me, and I will explain that you’re sick and my girlfriend and they can just fuck right off and die.”

It wasn’t funny, and she was certain Coop was being serious, but for some reason it tickled her. “You’d really tell them that, wouldn’t you?”

“I would indeed. And you need to get on board with the whole taking orders. There may well come a day lives will depend on that. By the way, you handled the drive-by like a pro.”

“It would be a lot easier for me if you’d just tell me things instead of ordering me around and expecting me to do as I’m told.”

“I’ll try to remember that and make adjustments, but there will be times when I can’t do that, and I just need you to follow my orders. When that happens, I’ll try to explain as soon as I can. Can you work with that?”

She nodded. “I think so. But try and keep in mind, I’m not normally being a pain in the ass for no reason. I’ve lived most of my life on my own and by my own wits, so I’m used to taking care of myself.”

“I understand that. As long as we can talk about things, we should do fine. Just try to remember, we’re on your side. You hired us because you knew you couldn’t handle this on your own.”

“But still…”

What she planned to stay was cut off as a nondescript sedan swerved in front of them, cutting them off and forcing Coop to take evasive action. The brakes squealed as he steered the car to avoid hitting the sedan. The car rocked and for a moment, Anabella thought it might tip over. She grabbed the dashboard to steady herself. The SUV didn’t even have all four wheels on the ground before Coop steered back the other way, flooring the accelerator and taking off to catch up with the sedan. He swerved in and out of traffic like a deranged skier on a grand slalom course at the Olympics.

“I don’t want to tell you how to do your job…” she stated calmly.

“Then don’t.” He pressed a button on the steering wheel and said distinctly “Call Seth.”

“I’ve got him. Running the plates now. We’ll find him. You are free to resume your course to the honeymoon cottage,” Seth chuckled.

“Honeymoon?”

“Ignore him. Seth is being a dick.”

Coop gradually slowed the SUV, merging back to another lane.

“Just how many people are on my case?” she asked, suddenly wondering about the expense.

“As many as necessary.”

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