Edge of Danger (Edge Security Series Book 3) by Trish Loye Read Free Book Online Page B

He’s confined himself to the Middle East so far—”
    “Actually, he hasn’t,” Alyssa said. Masters scowled even as she added a hasty, “sir.” Everyone looked at her.
    “You have the floor, Detective. Enlighten us,” Masters said with a wave of his hand.
    “Al Shabah means the Ghost,” she continued. “And it’s an appropriate name. His area of operation has been growing and moving west. He’s been quiet for the last six months or so, but the chatter about him on the black net has been growing, implying that an attack is imminent. This guy’s specialty is creating the bombs. I suspect he’s a chemist or chemical engineer. In Iraq, he was the bomb maker as far as we could tell, so he kept his cells extremely small. It might be likely that he’s working alone this time.”
    “That doesn’t fit with the chatter we’re hearing,” Masters said.
    Alyssa grimaced. “I know. But my gut says he’s working as the bomb maker and, according to the profile I’ve worked up, he’s escalating. I can give you a copy of my research.”
    “That won’t be necessary. We have a profiler on the team already,” Masters said. He shut down his laptop. “Okay, people. Your captain tells me you’re the best of the best. Now’s the time to prove it. The citizens of the United States are counting on us. Show me what else you’ve got.”
    He proceeded to go through each member of the team, asking them their role and what their opinions were. He bypassed her and her chin rose at the childish tactic. She left the room and went to find the captain.
    “He’s an asshole,” Zach said quietly. He’d left the room with her.
    “I know.” She knocked on the captain’s door. She could see him on the phone. He waved her inside as he hung up. She left Zach waiting in the hall.
    “Yes, detective?”
    “Special Agent Masters is here,” she said, forcing calm into her voice. “He’s taken over the task force.”
    The captain sighed loudly. “I know. The FBI has precedence and there’s nothing I can do. Work with him the best you can. Remember what’s important and what’s at stake.”
    She nodded. It was true. It didn’t matter who was in charge as long as they stopped Al Shabah. “Yes, sir,” she said.
    In the hall, Zach walked back to the Global Intelligence room with her.
    “Why are you following me everywhere?” she asked.
    He shrugged. “You have good instincts, remember? I’d rather we worked together than have to work under Masters.”
    “You don’t even know Masters.”
    “I know his type. He’s power hungry and he’s fine as long as he doesn’t see anyone challenging his authority. He will kick you off the team,” he said. “Don’t let him.” They’d reached the room and he nodded inside. “See what I mean?”
    Masters stood, arms crossed over his barrel chest, glaring at Marc and Drew, who must have come in when she’d been in the captain’s office. Drew had the remains of the box bomb in his arms.
    “I want an answer,” Masters said to Marc. “Who do you work for? It’s not for the DIA. I had you checked out.”
    “Sir, my superiors requested I be here to help you,” Marc said.
    “And yet, you can’t tell me who those superiors are. I’m in charge of this task force and I need to trust every man on this team.” He paused. “I don’t trust you.”
    Marc tilted his head as he watched Masters, a slight smile on his face. “You’re not serious.”
    Alyssa strode into the room and stood in front of Marc. “These men have been very helpful so far. I think it’s beneficial to have as many qualified people as possible on—”
    “I’m very serious,” Masters said to Marc. “You need to leave this room and go call your superior. When I get the go-ahead from my superiors, then you’ll be allowed back in this room. Clear?”
    “Sir,” Alyssa said. “You—”
    “I asked if you were—”
    “Stop interrupting me,” Alyssa said, a sharp edge to her voice. “This team has