Page 90 of Long Past Deadly

“We have strict rules of engagement on these manhunts.”

“We have rules of conduct, too.”

“Let Williams guide you.”

“Acceptable.”

“Fine. Let me talk to her again.”

Quaid handed off the phone. “He’s all yours,” he whispered sotto voce.

“Sir.” With approval imminent, her stomach turned over like a plane rolling in turbulent air. At fifteen, she’d never imagined this as the end of the nightmare.

“Keep me posted. No gaps, no winging it.”

“Copy. Fully my intention, sir. I want this by the book.”

“Get him then.” He disconnected.

She gripped her phone. “Not sure how it’s blending together, but it’s in motion. We’ll need somebody to coordinate all this.”

With no hesitation, Quaid gave her a name. “Mackey.”

Alanna studied him. “Any reason? I mean, I agree. But why?”

“There isn’t anybody who doesn’t respect Mac within minutes of meeting him, and he has the background to manage multiple moving pieces. That’s all I can say.”

“Classified, huh?”

“So high up there ain’t oxygen.”

“Works for me.” She grinned. “You tell him.”

Quaid snorted. “Let’s go talk to Whit.” Trailed by Tanner and Welker, they made their way to another challenge.

&&&&&&&&&&

Alanna was getting her eardrum checked with Cait and the emergency room attending. Whit was having an MRI and would be in his room in thirty minutes. Quaid loitered in the hall, eyes on the cubicle she was in. He fingered his phone, planning how to tell Mac he’d volunteered him to be in the midst of a manhunt. His friend might rub his hands together in glee or…color the air blue with swear-words in multiple languages. The man was unpredictable.

He hit speed dial.

Mackey answered. “What else blew up?”

Quaid laughed. “Nothing. I volunteered you for something you’re either going to love or kill me for.”

“And that would be?”

“Alanna got approval from Ryker for an area-wide manhunt. We’re going to need somebody to coordinate all the agencies. That’s you, my friend.”

“Motherfucker,” he drawled slowly.

“We need somebody who’ll keep these people on point and keep the information flowing.”

“Who is the contact?”

“Ryker. Can our Operations handle this?”

“Yes.”