at her parents’ cabin near Shenandoah Park or their home outside of D.C. Fuse remembered she enjoyed camping, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, sailing, off-roading, and traveling. The same activities he did.
Fuse wondered if she was still proficient with firearms. He’d taught her how to use a SIG 9mm, 12-gauge shotgun, and Ruger mini-14 rifle. Their last Christmas together, she’d found the first two under the tree. He’d enjoyed her gratitude for several nights afterward, until he had to return to his team. If he’d known she’d soon call it off…
The sound of voices outside had him straightening. Fuse scanned the screen while watching Mitch walk Brittany to her door, saying a quick goodbye. He waited for her to go inside before returning to his. Several minutes later, Mitch entered the first floor apartment.
“How did it go?”
Mitch set his sunglasses on a table before taking a seat close to Fuse. “Pretty sure I’ve gained her trust without giving her any reason to suspect me of being anything more than a neighbor. What’s happening here?”
Fuse took several minutes explaining the calls with Blackmore and Kell, never taking his focus off the computer screen.
“What are your thoughts on letting Brit know about us?” Mitch asked.
“Do you think your cover is solid?”
“Right now, yeah.”
Fuse rubbed his short beard. “Then there’s no reason for her to know about me.”
“Understood. How do you want to handle the latest threat?”
“Since they don’t yet know her schedule, there are only two places they can hit her. At the apartment or office. We can cover both locations. The issue will be the time in between. Did she buy a car?”
“A used Chevy SUV.”
Fuse lifted a brow. “Red?”
“How’d you know?”
“I don’t know if she’s ever owned a car that wasn’t red. Will she be driving it to the office?”
Mitch massaged the back of his neck. “Most of the time. I’ll go early and set up while you wait here and track her progress to the building. I was able to attach GPS trackers to her purse and in the car when we drove back here. It’s a straight shot east to her office.”
Fuse nodded. “Half a mile. I’m uncomfortable not keeping close, even if it’s a short trip. I’ll follow her in my truck until she pulls into the parking garage. Then she’s yours.”
“We need her phone records. What if this has something to do with her breakup with the lobbyist in D.C.?”
“Carl,” Fuse answered. “Maybe, but I don’t see it. These are people who want complete control over Blackmore. Their demand isn’t connected to any particular legislation. They want to manipulate him as long as the senator’s in office.”
“Takes a great deal of planning…and balls…to pull this off.” Mitch rubbed his brow. “The FBI needs to be brought in.”
“Blackmore has refused their involvement.”
“All because of the new director.” Standing, Mitch went to the kitchen, grabbing two beers from the refrigerator. Handing one to Fuse, he opened his, taking a long swallow. “Having met the guy, I can’t say as I blame him. The head of the Phoenix office is a real decent woman. I’d call her, but there’s no chance she could help us without notifying the director.”
“We’re on our own, man. Kell can supply someone else and I’m certain Wrath will. I told both to hold off for now.”
Mitch lowered himself into a chair, swallowing more beer. “You and I can take care of this.”
Fuse agreed. If anybody was going to protect Brittany, it would be them.
Brittany slipped on her heels, checking herself in the mirror. Satisfied with the outfit she’d selected for her first day, she slung the purse over her shoulder and pulled out the keys to her new car.
Turning into traffic, Brittany didn’t notice the black truck pulling out right behind her. She could see the office building down the street. Two minutes later, she drove into the parking garage, parked, her tail driving right on by.
Fuse touched his earpiece. “She’s in the parking garage.”
“I’ve got her.” Mitch’s voice sounded far away.
The answer should’ve comforted Fuse instead of making his gut twist. It should be him watching her instead of Mitch.
Stopping for coffee, he returned to the apartment, resuming his seat in front of the computer. He’d been gone a total of fifteen minutes.
Setting down his coffee, he reviewed the images. Nothing drew his attention. He tapped his earpiece. “Anything, Mitch?”
“No. I’m checking everyone using the elevator and stairs. So far, it’s another Monday at the office.”
Chuckling, Fuse stood, depositing his empty cup in the trash,