Tempest - Kris Michaels Page 0,4

certain."

"He hasn't disclosed much information about her."

"No."

Jason tapped his pen against the desk, deep in thought. Remi waited for the next question. Jason leaned forward. "Is he a threat to her?"

"God, no. I think, to a degree, he's idolized her."

"For helping him escape from hell? I probably would have done the same thing. Bottom line. Is he a threat to himself or others?"

Remi chuckled as he shook his head. "Define others."

Jason rolled his eyes. "People not coded."

"He's absolutely a threat to the people who held him. I don't doubt for a second he's going to do everything in his power to go after them."

Jason smiled. "Then there are no concerns on our part. We want him to go after them."

Remi blinked at the screen. "Are you serious?"

"He has the motivation and drive to reach the people who have been eluding us for years. Yes, I'm serious. We'll assist him in his endeavors to find and eliminate them." Jason leaned back in his chair.

"And if they are in the United States?"

"Above your need to know, Remi."

"Ah." Put firmly in his place he glanced down at the files he'd accrued while treating the operative he knew as Tempest. No other name had been given, nor did he ask for it. The man had worked damn hard on his physical and mental rehabilitation. Could he release him? Yes. The question was, should he? Putting the man back in the environment where he was captured in the first place was fraught with problems, triggers, and memories. But Tempest had told him point blank he wanted to return to his previous life, that he felt he was needed in his profession. The organization had been willing to wait years for the man to recover. Tempest must be one hell of an assassin. He shifted his eyes to the screen. "May I ask a question?"

"Ask. I don’t guarantee an answer."

"What is his... methodology?"

"Well..." Jason leaned forward and steepled his fingertips. "He makes statements."

Remi stared at the screen. Statements. So, Tempest's assassinations were more than likely violent, noisy, and intended to be noticed, unlike those whose work was meant to be innocuous. That didn't really mesh with the quiet, contained man he'd worked with. Everything about Tempest was measured and calm, but the operational end of the man's work was not his concern. His mental health was, and even though he had a gut feeling Tempest was hiding things, there was no reason to hold him longer. He sighed and nodded his head.

"I have a couple follow up sessions, but yes, unless something drastic comes up during our last appointments, I will clear him—with reservations. He's been doing this work long enough. It is my recommendation he should change positions and retire from this line of work, but I have nothing clinically to stop him from returning if he chooses to do so."

"I'll inform Fury. Archangel out."

The screen went black, and Remi leaned back in his chair and stared at the years of notes. It was time to let the man go.

Tempest once again examined the vista he'd memorized long ago. He'd stared at this portion of the Arizona desert every evening for almost three years. His routine varied minimally, as necessitated by the weather or in the beginning, his health. Tonight would be the last night he'd gaze upon the purple and pink vista. Dr. Wheeler had finally given him a 'Go' on his Go/No Go evaluation. A small smirk tilted the corner of his lips. He had immediate plans, and they didn't include accepting a mission from Guardian. At least not any that would divert him from his primary objectives.

Her footsteps were as familiar as the vista as she approached the small cottage he'd lived in for almost three years. The Rose was mostly underground, but after his confinement he only went into the underground labyrinth when it was necessary. He heard the familiar pant and smiled slightly. Liberty was by her side, as always. The German Shepherd preferred to be out at night, and with the heat during the day, he couldn't blame her.

"Hey, sorry we're late, but Libby got the scent of a rabbit or something, and we walked forever. Did you move already?" Eve McDade sat down in the chair across from him. He chuckled as she leaned forward, saw his rook and murmured, "You did. Damn it."

"You left your queen in jeopardy. One should always protect the queen." Tempest had been beating Eve at chess for the last year, although she'd