Hostile Ground (The Arsenal #7) - Cara Carnes Page 0,138

some help finding a better way to cope with her anxiety and the impact of everything since we’ve gotten here.”

“Are you okay?” Zoey asked, her voice low with concern.

“I’m going to be okay,” Bree said. “I’m sure you all know I kind of go to extremes whenever I get something in my head. I was really scared and freaked out when we first got here. I mean, Mary had been taken. And hurt.”

Bree hesitated, flashing a worried look to Mary. “Then Vi’s stuff happened, and the compound was attacked. Like, I didn’t even think an alien invasion would be that scary.”

“But you helped us get through that,” Vi said.

“Yeah, but clearly I caused just as much trouble as I prevented because I’d sort of underestimated the boom of my new baby, you know?” Bree shrugged. “I got more determined and worried about doing my part around here. Finding my niche.”

“Then my problems started,” Kamren said. “Then Zoey’s.”

“Things kind of snowballed in my brain when Z—” Bree halted and forced a deep breath as tears formed in her gaze. “You were so damned strong and brave. And when I saw what those assholes did to you and what all you went through after, I knew that if it ever h-happened to me I…”

“Bree.” Rhea moved from her seat and wrapped her arms around Bree from behind. “Honey, you aren’t alone. You should’ve talked to us about this.”

“I know. I just…I didn’t want to worry anyone. I didn’t realize how deep I was getting into my head until…” She glanced over at Addy. “Addy sort of set me straight and made me realize I needed some help. So, I went to Doctor Sinclair and chatted.”

“Good.” Mary smiled. “She’s really good.”

“She is,” Ellie confirmed.

“She thinks I need a couple weeks off to decompress,” Bree said. “I don’t necessarily agree, but I promised I’d give it a try—assuming you’re all okay with me being gone awhile.”

“Of course. You’re more important than anything you do here,” Vi said. “You’re our friend. Always, always put your health above your job.”

Addy admired Bree for stepping up and diving headfirst into a treatment plan. She wondered how far down her friend had spiraled but knew Sinclair would get her on safe ground.

“I think I’m going to go visit family for a couple of weeks. Catch up.” Bree smiled at Rhea. “You and Fallon inspired me. And you’re going to be away for a bit longer, right?”

“Yeah, we came back for a bit when he heard about Spade being with Mandrake. He was worried.” Rhea smiled. “Now that that’s handled, he wants to spend a little longer with his friends.”

“How’s that going?” Addy asked.

“Well. They’re an interesting crew,” Rhea said with a laugh. “I had a stereotype of partying, drunk druggies playing music in my head. I know that’s bad, but I sort of expected at least a few of those stereotypes to be there.”

“But they aren’t?” Riley asked.

“So far from that,” Rhea said. “They might be relocating to Resino. Digger contacted a realtor, found some property between Resino and Marville that they’re thinking about buying.”

“That’d be great for Fallon,” Ellie said. “Not sure that’s really the best location, though. Internet’s spotty and cell reception is terrible.”

“We could help ensure they have what they need,” Mary commented. “I’m happy for Fallon. And you.”

“Is Bree and me both being gone going to be a problem?” Rhea asked.

“Not at all. Vi’s right. Your health and happiness are what matters. We’ve all been on fast forward for a long time. You both need some time off.”

“What about Mandrake?” Bree asked.

“We’re going to keep investigating off the record,” Mary said. “Mia kept extensive records of what all she’d done for them and everything she’d learned while there. From what she shared and what Spade gathered and HERA, we’ll have a firm idea of who else may be left standing from the biochemical weapons mission.”

“And Bob?” Addy asked. “I was under the impression that relationship is strained right now. I never heard what the fallout was for Russia. We took out more Mandrake even though he’d ordered us to stand down.”

“Bob’s not happy,” Vi said. Lips thinned. “But we aren’t either. We’re in a stalemate at this point because we secured the weapons, which leaves Bob with no wiggle room on how to proceed with his political dilemma.”

“So, it is political red tape then?” Riley asked.

“We’ve tracked his movements and connections. He’s recently made some sticky maneuvers that have him aligned with a few