After graduation, she moved to the West Coast, taking a position at the Sentinel Voice in the mailroom. She’d since worked her way up the ranks, and she did mostly human-interest stories. No tickets, no arrests, no registered political affiliation.
Cage sat back and stretched, leaving his fingers locked behind his head, more intrigued than ever. What was the daughter of a former caporegime—a captain in one of the prominent crime families on the East Coast—doing, working for a watchdog publication like the Sentinel Voice?
He and Bree were more alike than he’d ever imagined. Was that why he’d felt an instant connection with her? Because, subconsciously, he’d tuned in to another soul who had experienced a similar background and tried to put her past behind her, like he had?
His cell phone buzzed as a message from Church popped up on the screen.
Church: Team meeting in 5.
Cage methodically closed tab after tab and secured his personal machine. After locking the door behind him, he made his way to the main building, his thoughts still on Bree and whether or not he should share his findings with the others. Ultimately, he decided against it—at least until he had a chance to do more research. And he would be doing more research—that was a given. Curious before, he was now fascinated.
Delicious scents wafted out from the dining room, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten for a while. He’d been too wrapped up in his research, and time had passed quickly. He’d have to rectify that after the meeting. It was going to be a late night.
The others were already gathered in the war room when he arrived.
“What’s up?”
Muted conversations ceased, and Doc looked at him expectantly. “So? How’d it go today?”
“It went well,” Cage answered, choosing to lean against one of the deep windowsills rather than take a seat. “She seemed impressed with the place.”
“Impressed with you, you mean,” Heff corrected. “Enough to ask for more.”
Cage had installed the security cameras around the property, so he knew exactly what they were and were not capable of. “Spying, Heff? Really?”
Heff shrugged apologetically. “Sniper scopes are good for more than just sniping, you know. I can’t help it if I can read lips.”
“Are you going to do it?” Doc asked. “See her again, I mean.”
“He definitely should,” Heff said firmly before Cage could answer one way or the other. “If she’s with him, she’s less likely to listen to them. Besides, his rejection could color her perspective. A woman scorned and all that.”
Smoke grunted. “She probably just wants to pump him for information.”
“Of course she’s going to pump him for information! Don’t underestimate the benefits of a good pumping,” Heff said with a smirk. “If he’s lucky, she’ll try to seduce the information out of him in various and creative ways.”
The thought of Bree attempting to seduce him was not unpleasant. She was an attractive, fascinating woman.
“She mentioned meeting for coffee, maybe dinner, while she was in town.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I said I’d think about it.”
“Playing hard to get. Perfect. Women love that shit.”
Cage ignored Heff and looked at Church, who had remained silent. “What do you think?”
The corners of Church’s lips quirked. “You don’t need my permission.”
“I’m not asking for it,” Cage replied evenly. “I’m asking what you think is best for Sanctuary.”
Church sat back and considered it.
The two men had been friends for a long time and had been through some tough situations together. Church had to know that Cage wouldn’t put his own interests above the team’s.
“I think we’ve fulfilled our part of the bargain as far as the interview goes, so don’t feel obligated. If seeing her again is something you want to do, you should,” Church said finally.
That was a no-brainer. He definitely wanted to. He just didn’t know if he should. Especially now. However, the thought of being with someone who might understand him on a level most people couldn’t was tempting.
“Tell me again, why do we give a shit what she thinks?” Smoke asked, oblivious to Cage’s inner struggle.
“We don’t,” Church assured him. “However, the woman is here to get a story, and if she doesn’t get one from us, she’s going to get one somewhere else. I think we can all agree that there are some who would be willing to offer their input—input that wouldn’t be particularly flattering to us and what we’re doing here.”
Church was referring to the Sumneyville chief of police and his ilk as well as the townspeople who either supported Freed or were afraid to publicly contradict him. Thankfully, most of the citizens in Sumneyville didn’t seem to have a problem with them, but it only took one or two malcontents to cause trouble.
“The Sentinel Voice is a national publication with lots of followers,” Doc added, picking up the thread. “And while De Rossi’s article might not have direct bearing on what we’re doing here, we don’t need the unwanted attention that comes with negative publicity.”
Mad Dog nodded thoughtfully. “If she puts us in a good light, people will read it, nod in approval, and move on. But throw in hints of drama and local opposition, and people will want to know more. That means, more spotlights, more reporters.”
Smoke snorted. “The locals have more to lose by drawing national attention than we do. They’re stockpiling weapons and preparing for doomsday, for God’s sake.”
“That might not be as much of an issue as you think,” Heff said, more serious now. “People don’t want to accept that the men they put in charge might not deserve to be there. It’s a hell of a lot easier to point fingers of blame at
