Chances Are - By Christy Reece Page 0,13

mean they weren’t going to have a long, serious talk. Revealing his concerns to the rest of the team would serve no purpose. But as his partner, she needed to know where he stood.

Eden and Shea seemed to be the most disturbed by the news.

“I have no question that she can do anything she sets her mind to.” Eden turned to Angela. “Don’t for a second think I doubt your abilities. I just…” She paused for a second and added, “It’s just...this isn’t our normal type of rescue.”

“I agree,” Shea added. “I know you’re as trained as anyone, Angela, but you’ve been through so much the last few months. Wouldn’t it be better to wait for another, less dangerous mission your first time out?”

Jake took his seat again, waiting to see how Angela would handle herself. How she reacted would give him a good indication of how she would handle his issues.

Though her smile trembled slightly, he was glad to see a glint of determination. “With the exception of Noah, I’ve been with LCR longer than any of you. I’m more than aware this isn’t the normal type rescue but that doesn’t mean the elements are all that different. This is an undercover op. We’re going to bait and trap this guy, rescue anyone we can, and stop him from killing again. The crimes might be more gruesome than the typical human trafficker or kidnapper, but evil is evil.”

Before either woman could respond, Noah spoke, “Well said, Angela.” His gaze swept the room, meeting each operative’s eyes, one by one, as he continued, “Angela Delvecchio is a full-fledged LCR field operative. Every one of you had a first mission. This is Angela’s. I expect you to give her your full support.”

Not one to back down, Eden’s eyebrows arched as she said, “I think I can speak for Shea, too, and say that Angela has our full support, Noah. That doesn’t discount our concern.” She turned to Angela again. “You’re the little sister I never had. Of course I’m going to be worried about you.”

Angela’s smile was so breathtaking, Jake’s heart flipped at its brilliance. And he was going to be her partner? Possibly for weeks? He saw a lot of sleepless nights and cold showers in his future.

“All of you know how important you are to me,” Angela said. “LCR is my family. But I’ve wanted to be a field operative for as long as I’ve worked here. I couldn’t.” She cleared her throat, as her eyes darkened with a deep sadness Jake knew would be with her for years. “Now I can. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Before any more objections could be made, McCall announced, “Ingram and Kelly will be in the same section with Angela and Mallory.”

McCall hadn’t mentioned this yesterday but it didn’t matter. Jake approved. Angela’s first assignment was a hell of a lot more dangerous than what most new operatives would have their first time out. McCall was making sure she had additional protection. Keeping Angela safe was priority number one.

Instead of protesting that she didn’t need extra protection, Angela nodded and flashed an approving smile to both Ingram and Kelly. “Sounds great.”

The tension in the room eased slightly. Recognizing that the discussion could move forward, McCall stood and began a slow walk around the table, passing out folders. “Here are the details of your assigned area and undercover identities. We’ve developed covers for you at your place of employment, as well as your apartment buildings. Only the upper management of your employer is aware of who you are.”

He gave them time to open their folder and do a quick check of their cover profile. Jake briefly perused his undercover identity and nodded. Sounded easy enough to carry out. Flipping to the next page, he glanced at Angela’s cover. His breath caught in his throat. What the hell?

Lifting his eyes, his gaze shot straight to his new partner. She was the one who set up most of LCR’s covers. He saw the challenge in her eyes, confirming his thoughts. She had known he would have problems with her cover.

Angela, a stripper? Hell yeah, he had a problem with that. A major problem.

Chapter Four

Angela gathered her assignment folder and stood. As the operatives left the room, each stopped briefly to show support, either by giving her encouraging words or a pat on the back. That meant so much. And even though Eden and Shea had voiced objections, she had no worries. Their opposition came