Strategic Maneuvers - Jemma Westbrook Page 0,68

women warriors time and time again.

The Night Witches.

Shield-maidens.

The Mino.

They were smart. They were fearless.

They were the threat many men were too foolish to see coming.

And these women were no different.

“Then when it became clear Tod was a liability he was killed.” Mona added it to the list. “While Howard is locked up in the basement here he manages to get Bobby to come to the dark side.” Her expression sobered as she wrote the next line.

Bobby killed while trying to take Harlow.

“Then Howard is handed over to GHOST.” Mona turned to him. “Did you authorize that?”

Pierce shook his head. “No.” It was the beginning of his issues with Zeke. The first indication Shadow’s lead was more committed to another team.

The sound of a phone ringing filled the room.

“Rucker, if you don’t stop calling me—”

Shut up, Vincent. I got a question.” Heidi kicked her feet up on her desk. “You use Howard as bait?”

The line was silent.

“Come on, man. We’re trying to figure this shit out and we can’t do it if you’re going to be a tight ass.”

This was why these women were not someone you wanted against you. They were smart and fearless.

Willing to take on one of the most powerful men in the world and treat him like he was the one being difficult.

“If we had used Howard as a way to attempt to pull someone out it would have been unsuccessful.”

“I mean, clearly. He’s friggin’ dead.” Heidi smiled at her phone. “Thank you. Talk to ya later.”

“Stop call—”

Heidi disconnected the call, pointing the hand holding the phone toward Mona’s list. “Add GHOST used Howard as bait and got him dead to the list.”

Mona finished in neat, clearly-written printing. “And then Chandler was probably killed.” She turned to Pierce. “Has anyone checked that PO Box yet?”

“No.” It was the least of his worries. “I’m not sure anything we would find useful will fit in a PO Box.”

“Money fits in a PO Box.” Heidi lifted her brows. “You could probably fit a bunch of money in a PO Box.” Her eyes went to one side. “Or drugs.” She straightened. “Aren’t these guys supposed to be running drugs to Canada or some shit?”

Pierce stared at the wall. “I would say that’s where it began.” He pointed to the top of the map where Anthony’s name was written in big bold letters. “It’s what led to Anthony and I meeting. He was caught trafficking small amounts of heroin to people he knew to make money for a new Mercedes after he totaled the one his parents bought him.”

“Rich people problems.” Heidi dropped her feet to the floor as she turned back to her laptop. “So Anthony likes to make his money the dangerous way, and Chris thought being a drug dealer would make daddy love him again.”

“I’m not sure how many politicians you know, Ms. Rucker, but they’re not as concerned with the means as they are with the end result.”

Heidi lifted her brows. “He’s got a lot on his plate what with trying to establish drug domination and exact revenge all at the same time.”

“Powerful men usually don’t recognize their limits.” Pierce turned toward Dutch. “Are you seeing anything concerning?”

“It’s quiet as hell.” Dutch turned to where Alec and Isaac sat. “Zeke and Gentry are working together to patrol the perimeter.” He tipped his head to the screens. “We’re keeping an ear to the ground and so’s Vincent. If anything happens we’ll know the second it starts.”

Pierce tipped his head. “Very well.” He turned to Mona. “Would you care to join me in my office, Ms. Ayers? I have a matter I wish to discuss with you.”

“Now she’s Ms. Ayers again.” Heidi gave him a sly grin. “A second ago she was Love.”

“Don’t make me fire you, Ms. Rucker.” Pierce turned to Mona, lifting his brows as Heidi snorted out a laugh.

He hadn’t only created one monster. He’d filled a room with them.

And right now nothing made him happier.

Almost nothing.

Mona capped the marker in her hand and tossed it to Harlow. “Call us if anything happens.” She followed him from the room, forcing him to slow until she was at his side.

He never wanted her to walk behind him. Only beside him.

Pierce pulled her in close, pressing a kiss to her temple as they made their way down the hall. “What do we do now, Love?”

“We should probably revisit trying to tempt Anthony to show his hand.” Mona relaxed into his side, one hand coming to rest in the center