Page 50 of Renegade
“Normally, Providence gives you badges from multiple agencies, but you’re working with the B-team today.” Dakota pointed to himself.
She tucked her weapon into the holster. “One badge works.”
One badge or several wasn’t the issue. Her concern? She hadn’t fired a weapon since her training days at the Farm.
A tall man walked in who looked identical to Dakota, except his hair was slicked back and his beard a little thicker. He set several carry-out bags on the desk.
“Hey,” the man said to Dakota, then shot her a smile. “Sinclair Develin. I go by Sin.”
She shook his hand. “Caroline Austin. I answer to either.”
“Have you been briefed?” Sin asked.
“On the organization,” she replied.
“We had to push the meeting to one-thirty,” explained Dakota.
“Why?” Sin asked.
“Our primary flew to California to talk to an asset,” Dakota replied.
“How’d that go?” Sin asked.
“No idea,” Dakota replied. “He went dark.”
Sin picked up the carry-out bags, slid his attention to Caroline. “You good with Mexican food?”
“Sure.”
“Let’s eat,” Sin said.
“You’re like clockwork,” Dakota said with a smile. “I don’t even have to look at the time. I know it’s one.”
“I get up at five. Breakfast at seven,” Sin said. “I’m hungry by noon, but I’m always too busy to stop. By one, I’m on the hunt.”
On a chuckle, Dakota stood. “I gotta say, I love when you give me the minutia of your biological needs.”
Sin smiled. “Look, I’m hungry.” He regarded Caroline. “Are you hungry?”
“I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “My stomach’s kinda in knots right now. I’m still not sure what I’m doing here.”
The men laughed. “We get that reaction a lot,” Dakota said.
In the hallway, Sin stopped in front of the next office, knocked on the door frame. “Addison, lunch.”
Within seconds, Addison was by Caroline’s side. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I’m starving.”
As they made their way down the hall, Addison said, “These two are great to work for. Theyseemharmless, but they’re two of the most ruthless men I have ever known. On the other hand, we’re on the rescue team, which means we walk straight into danger, no hesitation.”
A man rounded the corner. “I smell food,” he said.
“Nicholas Hawk, meet Caroline Austin from Langley,” Dakota said.
“Call me Hawk,” he replied. “Good to finally meet you. Addison has told me a lot about you.”
They entered the break room and everyone moved into action. Caroline stood there watching them set out plates and silverware, then open the containers of food. They moved like a group who’d done this a million times before.
“It’s Caroline’s first day,” Addison said handing her a plate. “You go first because if the guys do, it’s all over.”
