To Catch a Thief by Christina Skye Read Free Book Online

his science boys.” Izzy gave a cocky smile. “Back to the drawing board on the gear.” When Dakota didn’t answer, Izzy raised an eyebrow. “Something eating you, Smith?”
    â€œI’d like to get moving, that’s all. Has my surveillance mission changed?” he asked quietly.
    â€œFirst things first.” Izzy’s eyes narrowed as he held out a digital keypad. When he triggered a button, a row of lights flashed red-orange. “Before we leave, Ryker wants a medical update. Log in for Madonna and record your response times.”
    Madonna , as both men knew, was the code name for Dakota’s unique visual skills, part of the biomedical program based at a top-secret government lab in New Mexico. Thanks to his extensive training and ongoing enhancements, the SEAL could see far beyond the normal spectrum into infrared, ultraviolet and thermal ranges. His skills offered unique applications for military surveillance in high-risk, fast-extraction situations.
    But excellent was never good enough for the head of the Foxfire program. A cold, untrusting bureaucrat, Lloyd Ryker demanded constant updates on all his assets.
    â€œ Madonna is doing just fine.” Coolly Dakota logged on to the handheld unit and ripped through the tests, shifting easily from light source to light source. Like every man handpicked for the elite Foxfire team, Dakota liked difficult challenges, and he always played to win.
    Izzy watched the lights flash, scoring Dakota’s speed. “Want to tell me about Nell MacInnes?”
    â€œNot much to tell. She saved those kids, no doubt about it.” Dakota started to add a character assessment but decided against it. Saying more would amount to empty speculation.
    â€œDid she say anything useful? Any comments about her father or her future plans?”
    â€œWe didn’t get around to trading life stories,” Dakota said flatly. “There was a gale up on the summit, if you recall. And now maybe you’ll let me concentrate here.”
    For some reason the questions about Nell irritated Dakota. When he was done with the test, he handed the unit back to Izzy.
    Across the snowy field, Nell was talking animatedly to a man in a bright green parka and high-tech climbing gloves. “Is that her partner?”
    Izzy nodded. “He helped coordinate the rescue ascent. I understand he’s climbed with Nell for almost twelve years.”
    Dakota watched the tall climber squeeze Nell’s shoulder. “Are they sleeping together?”
    â€œHe’s married with two kids.”
    â€œWhich means nothing,” Dakota said curtly. “Married men can screw around as much as single men. Maybe more.”
    Nell laughed at something her partner said, and for some reason that irritated Dakota, too.
    â€œMy research says no. The relationship is strictly about climbing.”
    â€œAny sign that he’s involved in the theft?”
    â€œI’ve got him on the radar just in case. He’s had no large bank deposits that would indicate unusual payments.” Izzy closed the digital unit and stowed it in a secure case.
    â€œNeither did Nell.” Dakota rubbed his shoulder idly. “Maybe he’s being careful.”
    â€œI’ll handle him. Right now I want you to calm down and rest.”
    â€œI’m not—”
    â€œOf course you are. You’ve been wound up tight ever since you got down. I checked out Amanda Wilson and gave her one of the field hydration lines before she was flown out. You could use one too.”
    â€œI’m fine, Teague.”
    â€œCan it.” Izzy slipped a syringe expertly into Dakota’s arm. “There’s a serious nutrient boost in that line. Shut up and let it take effect.” Dakota muttered something gruff that made Izzy laugh. “I doubt that’s physically possible, my friend, and I don’t intend to find out.”
    As the liquid dripped into his arm,