Page 36 of Fully Loaded

“I haven’t gotten that far yet.”

“Well, Dani and I plan to. Today.”

“I think you two should lie low. Look, I’m going to talk to my superior and tell him I have a lead on this. It’s short notice, but maybe I can work with Interpol—at least that way we can get this in the right hands.”

Relief spread through him. Knowing they had someone on their side at Rhett’s level gave Brock’s hope a boost. “Thanks, man. Dani will be happy to hear that.”

“No problem. I sure as hell won’t stand by while some motherfucking extremists try to kill millions of innocent people.” His tone hardened to steel, and Brock felt a glimmer of respect for the guy.

“Also, Milo wants you to call him. Serena saw Dani on the news and is quite upset, from what I gather. I didn’t give him your encrypted number, but he asked for you to call him when you can.”

“All right. I’ll do that now.”

“We’ll talk soon.”

“Rhett,” Brock said. “Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.” His throat thickened. “If I make it out of this, I’ll buy you a drink.”

Rhett chuckled. “I’ll take you up on that. It’d better be a bottle of something expensive.”

“The best that dirty money can buy.”

Rhett growled. “Ah, shit. You’re lucky we’re after bigger fish right now, otherwise I’d have to open a case on you.” There was a trace of humor in his voice, but Brock knew from what Milo had said that Rhett was an honest agent.

“If liquor is all I need to grease your palms, you’ll be the cheapest cop I’ve paid off.”

Rhett guffawed. “Nice try. You’re a good guy, but if your file ever comes across my desk, don’t expect special treatment.”

Brock snickered. “Glad to see you’re easy to get a rise out of. My file probably won’t cross your desk again after this, so you’re safe to accept a drink from an ex-criminal.”

“Glad to hear that. Keep Dani safe.”

Brock looked at the closed pocket door beyond which Dani slept. Keeping someone with a penchant for trouble safe was easier said than done.

Brock disconnected and immediately called Milo. He answered on the second ring.

“Dude, what the fuck? Dani’s face is all over the news. They’re saying she’s a terrorist.”

Brock winced. There was no way to minimize their situation. “I know.” He stretched his hand in the air in front of him as if Milo could see the you-can-calm-down gesture.

“Tell me you’re with her and this is all a big mistake.”

Brock paced the room, keeping his focus on the movement of his feet. “Yes . . . and no.” He rolled his shoulders back, preparing for the impact of Milo’s reaction. “I’m with Dani, but there isn’t a mistake. She has something very dangerous in her possession and we believe some of the local cops are involved, as well as at least one Interpol agent. As of right now, we don’t have anyone in Europe we can trust with this.”

“Sonofafuckingbitch. What are you going to do?”

“I don’t want to say on this line,” he said. “But if we can find out who wanted Dani to steal this data in the first place, it will give us a name to provide to the authorities.”

“Damn, I wish you were in the States. Rhett would have you both in a safehouse while he figured this shit out.”

“A lot of things would be different if we were on American soil.” Brock jammed his hand into his pocket. “How’s Serena?”

“Not great. She had a panic attack when she saw Dani on the news.”

“I’m really sorry, bro. Is she around? I can wake Dani.”

“She’s finally in bed for the night. She was throwing up all day. I think the news about Dani made the morning sickness worse.”

“Send her Dani’s love. I’ve talked to Rhett and he’ll see if he can help on his end. Not sure what he can do from halfway across the world, but I’m holding out hope.”