Page 22 of Too Guarded to Love

Nic snapped to attention. His brothers did the same. “Mr. President.”

Even though the nation’s leader looked like a grandfather in his jeans, Naval Academy sweatshirt, and full head of wavy silver hair, he exuded a quiet confidence that didn’t come from just being the most powerful man in the world.

Unlike the president, who looked like he was on his way to a football game, Admiral Edgar appeared ready for a showdown at high noon in a Western flannel shirt and jeans, cowboy boots, and a handlebar mustache. Like the president, he didn’t need a suit or a uniform to command respect.

President Bradley nodded to each of them. “We were in the middle of a game of pool when we got a call about what happened.” He glanced at Edgar. “I was ahead.”

“We haven’t been able to finish a game since you got elected, so don’t declare yourself the winner yet.” Edgar backed into his office. “I need caffeine before we tackle this clusterfuck.”

“Ignore him. He’s always been a sore loser.” President Bradley stepped to Nic and shook his hand. “I understand you’ve had quite a night. Good work keeping Olivia safe.”

“Thank you, Mr. President.” Nic grit his teeth. He liked and admired Bradley but talking to the team about his suspicions surrounding Stella’s murder, and how Olivia may or may not fit into it, had him apprehensive enough. Now the leader of the free world would be listening.

The president moved on to Kane. “Son, I’m so sorry. Gran and your sister are in our prayers.” He clasped Kane on the shoulder. “We’ll get to the bottom of this and find the bastards.”

Kane set his jaw. “Yes, Mr. President. We will. Thank you for your support.”

The president stepped back. “And thanks to all of you for the daring rescue the other day, and I don’t just mean for the boost in my approval ratings since the hostages were ‘released.’” He held up his hands and air-quoted the last word.

Nic accepted the praise with a nod. Only a handful of people in the Department of Defense knew the group of aid workers being held as concubines had been extracted by force.

The president looked at Linc. “I heard that was some superior flying you did to get everyone out safely. Want to ditch these guys and fly Marine One?”

Linc chuckled. “Not on your life, Mr. President.”

“Had to give it a shot.”

Admiral Edgar emerged from his office. He tipped a cup of coffee at the president with one hand and smoothed his shirt with the other. “Stop trying to steal my men, you buffoon.” He strode ahead of the group toward the elevator.

As if on cue, Ryan Bradley, the president’s nephew and VIPER’s chief information security officer, loped out of his office across the hall. Even though Ryan didn’t have any voodoo-magic-imbued steel, Nic gave him superhero props for his hacking skills. The former cybersecurity professor, who had served time in the military, looked like he should be leading peace rallies instead of working for the world’s deadliest fighting force. He was also damn good in the sparring ring and with a gun.

Ryan fell into step next to Edgar and passed around folders with the VIPER logo embossed at the top.

Nic opened the file. His stomach flipped as a photo of Olivia met his gaze.

“Here’s what we know.” Edgar turned his back to the elevator doors. “Dr. Olivia Darren. Ran off the road, allegedly on purpose. Shot by a sniper.” Edgar rattled off the time and location. “Surveillance showed Nic’s V-Strike hit its mark based on the way the sniper staggered as he fled.”

Ryan looked to Kane and then Nic. “It shouldn’t be long before we find him.”

Nic nodded. Scarlett used to be VIPER’s security officer before she handed the reins to Ryan. Now she headed up a special innovative task force across the military with the sole focus on advancing technology to keep the nation’s best safe in the field.

Edgar flipped to a photo of Gran as he backed out of the elevator.

“Mrs. Ava Darren. Poisoned an hour later at bingo with a substance that stopped her heart. We have a team poring through surveillance feeds.”

Nic followed the group down the hall, lined with bright white walls adorned with photos of military vehicles, aircraft, and ships. Hearing Edgar refer to Gran as Mrs. Ava Darren sounded weird. From the day she’d welcomed Nic into her home, she’d been just Gran.

Gage met them at the conference room door. He stopped short when he saw Bradley and snapped to attention. “Mr. President.”

“Nice work tonight, Gage. I’m told you saved Ava’s life. How’s your daughter? I know she and Ava are close.”

“Lucy’s fine. She’s watching a movie in MedLab with the demolition twins.”

President Bradley laughed. “That really is a great nickname for Patience’s boys. It’s a good thing their mama is a doctor because those two play hard. My staff is still finding foam darts in the residence from our last battle.”

Nic raised an eyebrow. “With all due respect, Mr. President. You started the fight.”

He grinned. “And I can’t wait to do it again.”