if Gonzalez controlled drones carrying missiles. If he sold the software program to his weapons buyers, Gonzalez would help spread death and destruction all over the globe.
Maddox extended his hand. On his palm lay a flash drive. “You’ll take care of the problem with this before you leave the compound.”
“Didn’t a flash drive cause this problem to begin with?” Gigi eyed the small device.
He chuckled. “This isn’t Matthews’s backup flash drive. His original software program and key are stored in the cloud. The program on this drive is Zane’s creation. Plug the drive into Gonzalez’s computer. The software program will automatically upload and delete the drone control program.”
“How long will the upload take?”
“Less than a minute. The program also instructs the computer to send copies of Gonzalez’s files and emails to the feds.”
Owen scowled. “That will take longer than a minute.”
“You don’t have to wait for the computer to finish the hard drive upload. Once Zane’s program is installed, leave the compound as soon as possible, and return to the jet with the weapons. The other teams will join you when their part of the mission is complete.”
He didn’t like the plan. They’d be sitting ducks on the tarmac while waiting for the teams to join them. “Not good enough, sir. The second part of the mission could take hours. We’ll be on a jet loaded with weapons with only me and the pilots to protect the aircraft as well as Gigi.”
“I can’t spare another team.”
“Is it possible to assign a team of bodyguards to guard the jet? I don’t need operatives, just people who can handle themselves under pressure and know their way around weapons.”
Maddox was silent a moment. “I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, you and Gigi should rest. Do you want to stay at the clinic or book a suite at a hotel? The Texas team is going to a hotel if you want to join them.”
“What about Eli? He needs someone to watch his back.”
“He’ll stay here tonight with his wife and daughter so Sorenson can keep an eye on him. I’ll take the watch tonight with Wolf Pack. Spend some time learning your cover story and sleep. The next few days will be difficult.”
Understatement. “I don’t want Gigi involved in this.”
Maddox’s expression hardened. “Face it, Owen. You need her for your cover story.”
“I need her to be safe,” he countered.
“Then keep her that way.” The Fortress CEO’s voice said the discussion was over.
Owen drew Gigi to her feet when he stood. He looked at Maddox. “You might be my boss, but if this backfires, you’ll deal with me.”
“Understood.” Maddox turned his attention to Gigi. “Do you mind helping with this mission?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“I can fly in an operative and insist your boyfriend dust off his acting skills.”
She grimaced. “No, thanks. I don’t want another woman to have her hands and mouth on Owen. Won’t Toni and Ellis be in danger again once Gonzalez realizes the program has been wiped out? He must know by now who created the program in the first place.”
“As long as he’s alive and free, Gonzalez will be a threat.”
“How will my role help? I’m not an operative, and I can’t fire a gun.”
“That’s what Owen is for. Watch his back and provide the cover he needs to do his job.”
“In other words, I’m arm candy?”
He chuckled. “Beautiful arm candy.”
“What if Gonzalez survives this mission and continues to be a threat to Toni and her boyfriend?”
“Let me worry about Matthews and Webster. I have several plans in place in case things don’t work out as well as we want. In the meantime, watch Owen’s back, and return home safe. Let those be your only concerns. I’ll handle the rest.” Maddox turned to Owen. “The Texas team is waiting for you in the parking lot. Return here in the morning. Two of Sorenson’s men will drive all of you to the airport.”
“You already knew Gigi would go to Mexico.”
“I’d hoped. You matter to Gigi. Based on what I knew, I believed she’d want to help keep you safe. However, if she’d opted to stay here, I wanted you to have time together before you left.” Maddox laid a hand on Owen’s shoulder and squeezed lightly, his stare intense. “I know what this assignment is costing you, Owen. I understand what’s at stake.”
After a nod, Owen walked with Gigi to the parking lot. The Texas team was already loaded into the large SUV, waiting for them. Owen opened