Page 36 of Her Chosen Protector

Asher heard a man talking.

“I told you not to talk. Just write down what you want to tell me.” The man was clearly agitated.

Asher relaxed. That had to be Leland talking to Suzanne Azua. Still, he wasn’t taking any chances.

He checked every office on his way down the hall, ensuring they were empty. Eden kept her post at each of the doors, covering him. Yep, she had definitely trained with her brother.

“No, I’m not sure what Eden is going to do, but I trust her instincts,” Leland was saying.

Eden sauntered into the office in front of Asher. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Leland. I appreciate it.”

Leland did a double-take when he saw Asher following her into the office.

“I have to admit, I’m pretty damn glad to see you with our girl,” Leland grinned at Asher. “She was hellbent on doing something to help, but I like the idea of her being somewhere safe better.”

“Me too,” Suzanne rasped.

“Oh, one way or another, I’m going to help. This is just a pitstop while Asher explains his plan.

Or should I say, as he develops his plan.”

Asher went over to the woman who was trying to sit up in the chair. Even with the blue blood-stained scarf wrapped around her neck, she looked regal. He could see where Cynthia got her good looks. Let’s just hope she’s as feisty as Lenora.

He crouched down in front of her. “It’s good to meet you, Señora. I am very impressed with your family. They are worried about you, and I promised that I would be bringing you home soon.”

Suzanne smiled. “I’m proud of them,” Suzanne said before she started to cough.

“Write it down, Woman.” Leland glowered at her.

Suzanne closed her eyes. If Asher had to guess, she was praying for patience. She took the proffered notepad from Leland and started to write.

Asher read her note aloud.

I hate the thought that my actions on this council might have put any of my family in danger.

“Seems to me that your nephew courts danger,” Asher teased gently.

Suzanne sighed her agreement.

“Asher, are you in charge of this op?” Eden asked.

“I’m taking point on-site. My lieutenant and the second-in-command are outside determining the best way to ensure that Maduro’s men don’t infiltrate the bank. Ultimately, we want to get you out with no casualties.”

“Good thinking,” Leland clapped Asher on the back. “Keep all non-combatants alive, that should always be the mandate. Do you have any idea why they haven’t just led an all-out assault? If Maduro is out to get us, we’re sitting ducks. Now’s the time.”

“Maduro is busy being entertained on the Isla de Margarita. He’s incommunicado. According to our sources, he won’t be back until Sunday morning to attend Mass, so we’re safe until then.”

Suzanne shook her head, then winced as she gingerly touched her throat. She then demanded her notepad back from Asher with an imperious wave of her hand. He handed it to her.

Untrue, Perez is his right-hand man. Maduro’s secret police will listen to him. Perez is greedy.

Might make move on the bank without Maduro.

“Yeah, but that would piss off Maduro,” Asher said with a frown.

Suzanne underlined the words greedy and bank.

The light dawned.