Chapter Forty-Eight

“What is it?” Lena didn’t understand. Dane and Thorne knew each other well enough to communicate without speech, but she was left not knowing what was going on. “What’s wrong?”

Dane didn’t answer. Instead he released her and took a step toward his boss. A very intimidating step.

Everyone stopped and turned back to them.

“That’s bullshit and you know it. I was there when you crossed the line to meet your daughter. I’m damn well going to be on the mission to get my son.”

“I waited until it was safe,” Thorne defended. This comment brought on a muttered cough from Garrett. Thorne glared at him, then said, “I did not let my emotions get in the way of a mission or put anyone else in danger.”

“That’s strange, because I distinctly remember being shot in the fucking leg!” Dane gestured to his injury.

Samantha winced. “I’m so sorry about that,” she apologized yet again.

“Neither you nor Lena can be trusted to behave as anything but worried parents. And rightfully so. But I can’t jeopardize the rest of the team and this mission because you lose your shit when you see Tobey.”

“We’re not allowed to go?” Lena understood now.

She stood to place herself at Dane’s back, both physically and metaphorically. No one could keep her from helping to save Kenzie. Thorne wasn’t her boss. He couldn’t tell her what to do.

“I have a suggestion,” Angel said as she patted the bundle in her arms.

“Babe, I don’t think—”

“I know, I know. I’ve been a little emotional since John was born. But a mother will fight for her child with a vengeance no soldier can ever feel. We can use that.”

“She’ll be a liability,” Thorne said firmly.

“She’ll be an unstoppable banshee blowing down their door,” Angel corrected.

“The Queen of Irrational Mood Swings has a point,” Justin said.

Angel stuck out her tongue and he did the same back to her. Lena almost smiled. These two might actually be fun under normal circumstances.

Thorne let out a breath and stood to pace, tapping his index finger against his chin. “Okay. Angel, you’re home base, you’ll be our eyes and ears. Justin and Garrett will move in for Tobey at the exact time Dane, Lena, and myself move in for Kenzie.”

“Uh, you forgot someone,” Colton raised his hand.

“You’ll watch the baby,” Thorne said.

“You’re serious? I would be an asset. I know the complex.” Colton looked around the group as if they were all crazy.

Lena had to agree. The guy was huge. Why wouldn’t they use that?

“You’re too big of a temptation,” Dane said, shaking his head.

Lena bit her bottom lip as a wave of guilt came over her. She had no plans to turn him over, but she knew from her earlier lack of judgment she couldn’t be trusted when push came to shove. She wasn’t sure what she might do if her choices were taken away. People were capable of doing anything when under pressure, whether it be pulling the door off a car or pulling a gun on a perfectly decent human being.

This was her daughter. She didn’t want Colton too close. Just in case.

“He’s right,” she said softly, apologizing with her eyes.

He pushed out a breath. “Fine. I’m a temptation. He wants me. What Angel said. I’m a father, too. Use me—that—to your advantage,” Colton said.

Thorne glanced at Angel. She was looking down at the baby in her arms, but moved her head ever so slightly from side to side. An imperceptible answer to an unspoken question. No.

She was using Thorne to protect the father of her child.

“I’m sorry, but you’re staying here.” Thorne’s tone was quick and decisive. No one said another word.

Lena understood Dane’s obvious frustration. He was not on the team going after his own son. Though selfishly, she was relieved he would be staying with her. She didn’t know these other people. And pulling a gun on one of them probably hadn’t endeared her to them enough to ask them to risk their lives for her. Her child, maybe, but not her.

As everyone finally dispersed, she followed Dane when he stepped closer to his boss. She wouldn’t be strong enough to stop Dane if he attacked the older man, but maybe she could slow him down slightly.

“Sir—”

“I know what you’re going to say, and I’m sorry, the answer is still no. You’re on Kenzie’s team. Garrett and Justin will be able to get to Tobey. If you don’t want to do that, you can take care of the baby with Colton.”

“No, sir.” Dane pushed past the man and went outside, leaving Lena there with Thorne.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“I have a daughter, too, and I would do anything to keep her safe.” He smiled at Lena. “I’ll leave you to calm him down and talk some sense into him.” He gave her a nod goodnight.

“Thanks a lot,” she said, then sighed before heading out to face her insurmountable task.