Steel Vengeance (Blackthorn Security #6)

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

S loane walked toward Jeremy, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might leap right out of her chest.

Breathe. You can do this.

She must be insane—confronting the very man who’d put a hit out on her. Her handler, of all people. But what other choice did she have? Blade and Stitch were counting on her, and if she didn’t do this, they’d never get the evidence they needed to bring these guys down. No matter how terrified she was inside, the plan was a good one.

If it worked.

As she got closer to Jeremy, she realized with a jolt of panic that his phone wasn’t on the bar counter like they’d expected. Her heart leapt into her throat. No phone meant no data, and without that, this entire operation could blow up in their faces. She shot a glance toward Blade, her pulse quickening. He remained calm, his eyes zeroing in on Jeremy’s jacket pocket.

It was in there.

She exhaled slowly, forcing her shoulders to relax. She had to keep it together. The last thing she needed was to let Jeremy see her sweat. If he even suspected something was off, he’d bolt, and everything they’d planned would fall apart. She had to be calm, confident, and completely in control.

Her breath caught for a second as she reached Jeremy. Every instinct screamed for her to turn around and walk away, but she couldn’t. She planted herself next to him and flashed a smile that she hoped looked more poised than she felt.

“Hello, Jeremy.”

He glanced up, eyes widening as he nearly knocked over his drink.

“Sloane! Jesus. What are you doing here?”

The look on his face was priceless. He’d gone pale, like he’d seen a ghost. Jeremy Vale, the smooth, unflappable CIA handler, was completely blindsided. Good.

“Surprised to see me?” she asked sweetly, raising an eyebrow. Her voice was laced with mock innocence, though she could barely hear herself over the pounding in her ears. She leaned casually on the bar, giving Blade the perfect opportunity to do his job.

Confusion, worry, doubt—all of it crossed his face in an instant. He fumbled for words, still trying to collect himself. “I—I thought you were in Peshawar. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.” She shook her head. “Boy, you’re a hard man to track down.”

Behind him, Blade slipped his hand into Jeremy’s jacket pocket. He pulled out the phone and got to work. Sloane was amazed at how smooth he was. Like a professional pickpocket. No one had noticed a thing.

Jeremy managed to regain some composure. “Your orders were to stay in Peshawar and keep an eye on Omari. You shouldn’t be here.”

“You didn’t answer my email,” she said. “Those men looked important—Afghans, I think. Did you see my video? I was expecting some sort of response.”

Jeremy opened his mouth, then closed it again.

It was worth it, just to see him floundering like a fish.

She leaned in closer. “I knew I was onto something when someone took a shot at me.”

He blinked, stunned.

“Can you believe that?” she went on. “At first, I thought it was a mistake. Then I remembered—one of Omari’s guards saw me right after I took the video. My cover’s been compromised. I think you should pull me out.”

Blade slid the phone back into Jeremy’s jacket pocket and moved away. He gave Sloane the slightest nod. It was done.

“I—I’ll speak to Matthew,” Jeremy stammered. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time to pull you out.”

She beamed at him. “Thank you. That’s a relief. I wasn’t sure what to do, and Matthew told me not to contact him.”

“Where are you staying?” Jeremy got to his feet. “Let me give you a lift. I’ve got a car here.”

“Oh, no. I don’t want to put you out.” She patted his arm. “I’ll just get a taxi.”

With that, she turned and walked back across the room.

Jeremy grabbed his jacket and started to go after her, but he didn’t get far. Stitch bumped into him spilling his beer all over Jeremy’s expensive shirt. “Shit! I am so sorry.”

Jeremy stopped, momentarily stunned.

Stitch stepped in front of him. “I really am sorry. Let me buy you a drink to make it up to you.”

Jeremy hesitated, swiping at his shirt. “That’s okay. I’ve got to go.”

He tried to push past, but Stitch caught his arm. “Listen, I feel really bad. You sure I can’t buy you a drink? It’s the least I can do.”

Jeremy glanced over Stitch’s shoulder, watching as Sloane disappeared out the door.