Lahat ng Kabanata ng Aegis Group Task Force: Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

Wednesday. Kensico Dam Plaza, White Plains, NY.TABBY SAT ON THE picnic bench staring off at people jogging the trail around the historic park. When they'd set off that morning for the shop she'd expected more excitement. Maybe a little danger to rival the failed kidnapping attempt on her that she still knew nothing about. She'd dressed for that in boots, black jeans and a dark maroon top. Instead they'd made a purchase, she'd passed a coded note to the attendant and fifteen minutes after they'd left she'd gotten a call on her burner phone to arrange a meeting.She should have realized when the meeting didn't have a time attached to it that things weren't going to match what was in her head.Jamie reclined back against the table, his elbows up and like her he watched the people.The FBI and the others weren't there in body, but their unending chatter thanks to the earpiece meant Tabby couldn't even talk to Jamie and take advantage of their privacy.She glanced sideways at

Wednesday. Kensico Dam Plaza, White Plains, NY.JAMIE DROPPED INTO THE driver's seat of the rental car he'd driven to the park."What the fuck?" Tabby threw her hands up in the air.She'd said some variation of the question a dozen times since Abner had walked away. Listening to the stand-down order had tested Jamie's ability to follow orders.The guy had been right fucking there.If they grabbed him they'd eventually find where he kept the drones, the kids, the women. They could save the day.But if they grabbed him, they could kick off whatever it was he was planning. These people who were loyal to him could effectively end things with a well-placed drone strike.Jamie put the park in their rearview mirror. The plan was to meet up at a secure location on the way back into the city for a debrief and plan before making their next move. But there was risk between here and there.Tabby twisted to face him, reached over and placed her hand on his leg. "Tell me again why

Tabby nodded and the pressure in her head subsided a bit.His fingers stroked her face. "I'm sorry about what happened to you. What's the rest of the story?""That's it."Jamie stared down at her, his stern expression buying none of what she was selling. "You forget I read up on you. At nineteen you were setting yourself up to go to the Olympics for sharpshooting. Then you stopped."Tabby opened and closed her mouth. Her knees felt a bit weak. This day, talking about her past, it had her on shaky ground. She wasn't herself. She couldn't keep standing here staring up at Jamie pealing back her walls. It was too much.She sidestepped him and crossed to the bed. That spring break after everything happened, she and Yvonne had spent the week at a cabin in the mountains, practically living in bed. They'd always been friends, but that trip, that experience of healing, had solidified them as best friends forever.Tabby hugged a pillow to her chest.Jamie followed her, crawling up

Thursday. FBI Offices, New York City, NY.JAMIE KEPT HIS HANDS in his pockets as the team and Tabby walked into the FBI offices. He wanted to hold Tabby's hand, to be close to her. But they were adhering to the rule about waiting until this was over. At least to be publicly out about whatever it was they were doing.She'd told him things, private, serious things. That meant something, didn't it?He wanted it to, which made it hard to be rational about their situation.The answers would come later. For now they had a whole lot more to focus on.Once more the FBI office was buzzing with activity. People moved back and forth from desks to the wall displays with an urgency that had the hair on Jamie's arms standing up.Had they found something?Sammy stepped into view and locked eyes with Jamie. "Good, you're here."The agent led them to the open area on one side of the communal workspace. It was so different being here, where the people were part of a cohesive team. Com

Thursday. Hotel, New York City, NY.TABBY STARED UP AT her hotel as the rain splattered on her windows."Some of your team should be here." Baruti checked his phone.Jamie and the others had split up to help lead the busts on the various locations selling Abner's devices, leaving Tabby to watch from the command center at the FBI offices."I'll be fine. I'm just going into the hotel." She reached for her door."No." He jabbed the lock button. "I can't let you out of my sight."She turned her head and glared at him. "Really?"He stared right back at her, brows lifted. "Baby doll, I've read too many reports about people going missing the last few years."Tabby winced and shifted in her seat. "When you put it that way...""I'm only looking out for you.""Thanks." She smiled at him. "How long have you and Agent Jenkins worked together?""Sammy? Oh..." Baruti's face scrunched up. "Gosh, it's been, seven years?""Wow."A flash of gold caught her eye. Tabby turned