Gigi?” the medic asked.
“With Rio.”
“You don’t like that she’s out of your sight, do you?”
Like was a mild word to describe how he felt. “I hate it. Do you blame me?”
“If she was mine, I’d be just as protective. Ready to talk to Maddox?”
Owen nodded and sat beside Jackson. The sooner he finished the call, the faster he’d rejoin Gigi.
The large wall screen flickered to life. A muscular man with buzz cut blond hair studied Jackson’s face. “Looking rough, Conner.”
The medic snorted. “That’s what happens when I miss too many nights of sleep. I’d look better if you convinced my team leader to ease up on the training for a few days.”
Maddox chuckled. “His and Jon’s training methods are vigorous, but they work. I’m not micromanaging that SEAL duo. They’re methods of revenge are creative.” He turned his attention to Owen, expression sobering. “How’s Gigi?”
“Recovering from another injury.”
“Explain.” When Owen finished recounting the morning’s events, Maddox turned to the medic. “Your assessment, Jackson?”
“Five stitches too near the jugular for comfort.”
“What did he want, Owen?”
“The flash drive.”
“I was afraid of that.” Maddox glanced at his watch. “Someone else will join our meeting soon. Everything said is confidential. Only you, your backup team, and Gigi are to know the information shared.”
Owen straightened. Gigi? “My brothers are involved in this case. I won’t keep information from them when these men are in our area. You know they can be trusted.”
“Agreed. No one else.”
“Yes, sir.” Although he wanted to ask why Gigi was included in the small circle of people, the opportunity passed when the screen flickered, and one half of the screen showed the rest of Wolf Pack in the conference room with Maddox.
Owen drew in a sharp breath when he recognized the man on the second half of the screen. William Martin, President of the United States. Holy cow. This case had taken a dangerous turn if POTUS was part of this briefing.
Maddox said, “President Martin, you’ve met Wolf Pack. This is Owen Montgomery. He and his brothers are members of M team. All five Montgomery brothers are decorated Special Forces soldiers from various military branches.”
“I’ve heard impressive things about you from Brent and your commanding officer, Montgomery.”
His commanding officer? “Thank you, Mr. President. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“I wish it was under better circumstances. Brent, how much information do your operatives know?”
Maddox laid out the facts Owen and his brothers had cobbled together. Owen needed more information to protect Gigi. The president’s involvement signaled that this problem was larger than he or his brothers surmised in their worst-case scenarios.
Martin turned his attention to the operatives. “Your mission is to rescue Ellis Matthews at any cost.”
“We don’t have a location on the vic,” Eli said. Wolf Pack’s leader looked grim. “He’s been in enemy hands for five days.”
“He’s still alive.”
“Who’s your source?” Maddox asked.
“A confidential informant inside the organization responsible for the programmer’s kidnapping. According to our source, Matthews isn’t cooperating.”
“Explains why Toni Webster was taken,” Jackson said.
“Leverage,” Owen murmured.
A nod from the president. “Matthews knows what’s at stake. He’ll hold out as long as he can, but if the kidnappers threaten to kill Ms. Webster, he’ll do anything to spare her life.”
“Big mistake,” Maddox said. “If the kidnappers get what they want, they have no reason to spare Matthews or Webster.”
“You and I know that, but Matthews isn’t military trained. Gentleman, rescue Matthews and bring him home. Erase any information on his program. That program can’t fall into terrorist hands.”
Terrorists? Owen’s gut knotted. What program did Ellis develop for the government?
“Do you know the vic’s location?” Wolfe asked.
“Not exactly. Brent will explain the plan,” Martin said. “I have another meeting. Time isn’t on our side, gentlemen. If Matthews gives the terrorists what they want to spare his girlfriend’s life, the consequences for the US will be dire.” With that, the president’s video feed ended.
Owen frowned. “Toni is one of the citizens I’m sworn to protect. I won’t leave her in enemy hands.”
“You don’t understand what’s going on, Owen,” Maddox said.
“None of us do,” Eli said. “We need details.”
“Matthews works for a defense contractor.”
Rafe Torres, a member of Wolfe’s team, rolled his eyes. “Which one? There are hundreds.”
“Huntington Tech. A few months ago, the Department of Defense asked Matthews to develop software to control drones.”
Owen stilled. “Any drones?”
“That’s right. The idea behind the software was to take control of an enemy’s drone and turn it away from our troops.”
“And turn the drones back on our enemy?”
Maddox inclined his head in