She could feel the anxiety in Liam.
“It’s got to be some sort of trap.” Liam started to pace, his eyes staring at the floor. “This ain’t right and you know it. Just before we’re set to leave, Nelson up and decides to come in from the cold? No. Ian needs to walk away, and he needs to do it right bloody now. We all need to leave England and regroup when we know what the fuck is really happening here. Leave the cleanup to MI6.”
Jake ran a hand through his hair. “Do you think we haven’t already tried that line of thinking?”
“Ian thinks he can handle it. Alex is already at the site of the meet up. We’ve hopefully covered everything. It’s in the open so hopefully Ian doesn’t just kill the fucker,” Adam explained.
“I’m more worried about the fucker killing Ian.” Liam’s hand drifted up to his arm. Avery had redressed the wound, cleaning it carefully. “Molina already tried to kill me.”
“I think Ian’s hoping Nelson is turning on Molina. Damon has been informed, and MI6 will be set up, too. Ian’s covered.” Jake passed Liam a long look. “I’m not worried about Nelson killing Ian. We can watch his back, but I’m with you. There’s something else going on here. Something about this spells out FUBAR to me.”
“FUBAR?” Avery asked. She didn’t know what that was, but the timing of Nelson’s call did seem odd.
“Fucked up beyond all recognition. It’s a very precise military term.” Adam opened a case that was sitting on the bar. Several shiny guns sat inside along with a couple of big, matte black ones. He picked up one and handed it to Liam. “Ian wants you armed. You can give it back to Eve tomorrow, and she’ll dump it. There’s no way to get you on a plane with it, man.”
Liam took the pistol, shoving it into his pocket after clicking some buttons and checking things she didn’t have a clue about. He was really competent with a gun. “Give me a couple of knives, too. If I need to do some wet work, I’d rather keep it quiet if you know what I mean.”
She didn’t know what he meant, but Adam seemed to. He pulled out the top of the case revealing a second layer where he apparently kept the knife store. Liam selected a few, and they started to disappear in various parts of his clothing.
“Are you two going to back Ian up?” Liam asked.
Adam pulled out a wicked-looking knife, and it disappeared into his boot. “Jake is headed to the meet. I’ve been given clearance to head to Serena’s. She’s getting on a plane tomorrow, but if Nelson wants to play hardball, taking one of our women would be a good way to go. We’re going to hit the town, just like the two of you.”
“Are they coming with us?” It might be nice to have another couple with them.
Liam shook his head. “No. We’re going to split up. It’s harder for someone to trail two of us. The whole team will leave tomorrow. Is anyone staying behind? I’m sure Ian will if he doesn’t walk into a trap tonight and get his ass sniped. What is he thinking? There’s no bloody way Nelson just decided to talk tonight. He’s up to something.”
Jake’s jaw tightened. “I know, but Ian’s not thinking straight. He’s a little obsessed with Nelson, and I’m not sure why. I guess because of what happened with Sean.”
“There’s more to it, but Ian has to tell you that story himself,” Liam explained. “I will say that you need to watch him, Jake. He can’t be professional about this.”
Jake stopped, tension in his every muscle. “Ian is always professional. Ian’s a rock.”
“Not about this he won’t be. He and Nelson have got history, if you know what I mean. I wouldn’t say a damn thing if I wasn’t so worried about him, but you got to watch his back, mate. He needs you and Alex to make smart decisions for him tonight.”
Jake nodded. “I’ll do it. Does Alex understand?”
“Yeah. Alex knows more than anyone. He’ll watch out for Ian, too,” Liam said.
“What’s this intel you want Ian to know?” Jake asked.
Liam’s eyes narrowed, and he nodded toward the back of the apartment. “Come back here.”
They walked off together, Liam speaking quietly.
Adam stared at her, his warm eyes sympathetic. “It doesn’t mean he doesn’t trust you.”
She stared right back. She knew exactly what Liam was doing. She was going to be the wife of a man who dealt with very sensitive cases. She wouldn’t expect him to tell her everything. She would be supportive and let him keep his professional secrets. “He’s trying to protect me. I know that.”