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“You tick anyone else off lately?”
“Two high school seniors when I didn’t have the resources they needed for their English research papers. And before you ask, they aren’t delinquents with pyrotechnic tendencies. I borrowed their needed books from another library. Crisis averted.”
He slid her a narrowed glance. “No angry parent of a student or a spurned wannabe boyfriend?”
“None of the above. I already admitted to a pathetic romantic life. No need to rub it in.”
“Then I don’t see how this could be anyone else’s work but Hugo’s.”
“Why would he or his cronies do this? What purpose does it serve?”
“Easy. If you become too much of a threat, he’ll get rid of you. The real question is how long you drove around with that bomb under your car.”
The sudden drain of blood from her face left Bridget feeling lightheaded. “That’s not a comforting though.” She could have died any time after Ruth was taken. What if her car had exploded in the parking lot at school? Students, faculty, and administration might have been caught in the blast.
“Hugo probably had one of his men attach the bomb to your car as a means to keep Ruth under control. The threat of being able to kill you at the touch of a button would have been enough to make your sister cooperate until he had her under lock and key. If he decides to show her off to a select few people, the threat to your life will force her into compliance.”
What was Hugo forcing her sister to do? Contemplating the nauseating possibilities hardened Bridget’s resolve further. “We have to find Ruth and free her.”
“That’s the plan.” Trace wrapped his hand around hers. “This is what we’re trained for, Bridget. Trust us to do our jobs.”
They rode in silence until Trace’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen and tapped the speaker button. “You’re on speaker with Bridget. What do you have for me, Ben?”
“Just got off the phone with my friend on the bomb squad. The airport response team is on scene and they’re asking for assistance in handling the explosive. No worries, Bridget. I’m on the way there now. I’ll defuse the bomb and drive your vehicle to Trace’s house when the authorities release it.”
“You don’t have my keys.”
He laughed. “Don’t need them. I have a handy and very illegal gadget that allows me to unlock and drive your car.”
“Should I be worried you’ll take my car for a joyride?” Her tone was wry. She didn’t think the operative would be interested in driving her base model four-door sedan for a long distance. She glanced around at the interior of Trace’s SUV. Especially if Ben’s vehicle was equipped like this one. Her vehicle wasn’t even in the same class.
“If you had a sports car, maybe. But you don’t. I’ll pass on the long ride in the country.”
“Who’s going with you?” Trace asked his friend.
“I have the Ragin’ Cajun with me. Say hello, Remy.”
“How’s it going, Trace?” The Cajun’s rich accent rolled through the cab of the SUV.
He grinned. “Not bad, buddy.”
“I hear you’re going undercover in a snake pit.”
“Unfortunately.”
“Not a lot of fun, is it?”
“Got to admit, it’s my least favorite part of the job.”
“I hear you. Lily’s not a fan of undercover work, either. If we have to go undercover now, at least we go in together. I understand we’re rescuing a fair damsel from the viper.”
“Remy, say hello to Bridget Monihan, sister of Ruth, the fair damsel. Bridget is also my undercover partner.”
Silence, then, “She’s a new operative?”
Bridget spoke up. “No, I’m a new Fortress researcher.” She explained about her sister’s shyness and the worry that Ruth wouldn’t cooperate without her presence. Now that she knew about the bomb under her car, Bridget was glad she’d insisted on going with Trace.
“You’re a brave woman,” Remy said. “I look forward to meeting you in person. My wife and I are part of your backup team.”
