The Puppeteer

CHAPTER 11



“ALUMINUM FOIL?” TY ASKED. His brother's laugh carried over the phone. Coffee in hand and back in his office after a long night putting out feelers on Getz, he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing.

“Confuses the hell out of the system,” Cam commented.

“A million dollar system thwarted by aluminum foil. Shit, I don't even know what to say about that,” Ty shook his head, setting his cup, none too gently, on his desk.

“I'd pay a million bucks to see you and your SEAL buddies decked out in full gear and foil,” Cam teased.

“It would cost twice that, I guarantee,” Ty shot back, still not accepting the fact that the best underwater audio surveillance system, the Hunley, could be thwarted by a common household product. And it was even better than that. The system didn't even recognize it as an error. So you could swim right up to the monitor and scream your head off but, if you were surrounded by enough foil, the monitor wouldn't pick up a thing, not even an error in the system.

Ty shook his head again and closed the folder that contained a printout of the email his brother had sent about the Hunley. “What about the Abram system? The visual monitor?” he asked, picking up another folder. This folder held an email from Jay with info about the secondary system set up around Getz's peninsula.

“The good news is it's not that reliable. We don't use it much around here because of that.”

“What's the bad news?”

“Bad news is that, because it's not used that often, the only information we have on it is a couple of years old. I'll send it right over, though,” he added, and Ty could hear him clicking away on the keyboard as they spoke.

“Well hot damn, imagine that,” Cam murmured, catching Ty's attention.

“Something I should know about?” Ty asked. Cam was silent for a while but the keyboard was now clicking away at rapid speed.

“You didn't tell me you were working with the CIA,” Cam commented, more curious than anything.

CIA? Ty's feet hit the floor and he cursed under his breath. He knew there was something Dani and her team were hiding. Silly him for thinking it might be something minor, not the fact that they worked for the f*cking CIA—and they were working inside the United States.

“They claim they're DEA,” Ty commented.

“Hm, probably are, for now anyway,” Cam responded.

“Meaning?” Ty asked. After ten years in the military, he knew a thing or two about intelligence agencies all over the world, but he wasn't as savvy as his brother, who worked with them more often than not.

“Agencies loan agents out to other agencies, or in this case, the CIA probably directed the DEA to bring on the team so that there aren't any questions about their operating in the US. Unless of course this is a counterintelligence operation, that might confuse things a bit more.”

Counterintelligence? Ty frowned in thought. He didn't think so. He didn't think Dani and the team were lying to him about their objective when it came to Getz and the Eagle's Wing. But knowing they didn't work for the DEA, knowing they'd lied to him once—well, anything was possible.

“Are you sure?” Ty asked.

“Sure they're CIA or sure you're working with them? Well, let's just say the same information I'm faxing you has already gone out today to another number in the Portland area, attention: Dani Williamson. What are the odds that you and Agent Williamson would be working on the same system in the same town? I put two and two together, but if you want to be sure, I can describe her to you. Tall, blonde, looks like a playmate that carries a gun? Sound familiar?”

“Shit,” Ty sighed. “You know Dani?”

Cam paused. “Dani?” he asked with a laugh, not missing the subtle shift in his brother's tone of voice. “Yeah, I know Dani, and Drew, and the whole team. We've done some work with them over the years. Probably why they contacted us for information about the Hunley.”

“I thought the CIA wasn't allowed to operate in the United States? And why would an intelligence agency be running an investigation?” Ty asked, relying on his brother's knowledge of the intelligence world.

“As to the first, it's a common misperception, perpetrated by poor research. The CIA is generally not allowed to gather intelligence information directed against US citizens. But collecting intelligence information directed against foreign citizens or governments can happen anywhere, even here in the US.”

“You said ‘generally not allowed.’ Does that mean, in some circumstances, they can?” Ty asked, thinking about the players involved in the Getz bust—as far as he knew, they were all US citizens.

“With proper authorization, under some circumstances, they can gather intelligence about US citizens. But, it's pretty limited to things like espionage and international terrorism. And as to your second question, the CIA runs investigations all the time. But most don't require law enforcement or pop up in a court of law. There is very little public record on them.”

“Okay, so given we've got some potential international arms dealing going on and we don't know the target of the Eagle's Wing, Drew's team might have been authorized.”

“They might have been but, based on what I've heard, the information they have probably isn't enough to justify the authorization, which is why they are there as DEA. Mind you, that's just a guess,” Cam added.

“Hmm, well, hot damn,” Ty murmured. “This bit of information opens a whole new realm of possibilities.”

“You going to call them on it?” Cam asked.

“Do you think I should?” Forcing himself to be fair and logical, he knew that if the CIA was running an operation in his town, chances were he didn't need to know everything—even if they agreed to tell him. And chances were, whatever they were doing was way above his pay grade.

And, in all fairness, focusing on Getz and the drugs was his area. Ty was going to be glad to see the end of him. One less drug distributor on the streets meant less lives at risks. Part of him wanted to let the CIA do their thing and accept the good fortune in having help with Getz. But another part of him wanted in. A part of him wanted Dani to tell him.

“It's bigger than you or the Portland Vice,” Cam answered, echoing his own thoughts. “And if you bring it up, they have two options. Read you in, or—”

“Or push me out.”

But still, it would be interesting to see Dani's reaction if he told her he knew the truth. Something had changed with her yesterday afternoon. She'd treated him more like a partner. Her rough edges were softer and she'd been less guarded, more open. And she had let him kiss her.

Would calling her on it bring back her walls? Would it be better to let sleeping dogs lie to ensure he stayed part of the investigation? Ty let out a huff of air.

“No, I won't say anything. I think it will be a whole lot more interesting if I let them continue to think I think they're DEA.” Interesting in more ways than one, he thought.

“Of course by now, they probably know you know,” Cam responded. Then he added, “Drew's team is top notch, Ty. Keep your eyes open but remember, it's their operation. If they've gone to the trouble of using another agency, I'd say let them.”

It was a fair warning from his big brother. Ty appreciated the sentiment and insight from a man who probably knew more about Dani and the team than he did.

“Thanks, I'll keep that in mind,” he answered. “Thanks for the information,” he added.

“Anytime. And, Ty?” he paused, “Watch out for Agent Williamson. I've seen her make grown men cry.”

Whether or not Cam was kidding was a toss-up. Ty could well believe it. In the few hours they'd shared, she'd made him all but beg.

* * *



“What's this?” Drew asked picking up the file Ty tossed down on the desk.

“Information on the Hunley's weaknesses and more specifics on the Abram system,” Ty answered.

Drew picked up the folder, flicked through it, and put it down. Confirming what Ty suspected, the director didn't need to study the information—he already had it.

“Thanks, Ty. I'll hand that to Cotter,” Drew responded with a nod to the documents. “Thanks again for showing us those sites. Dani and Cotter have already set up shop. We wouldn't have known about them if you hadn't offered.”

It was an interesting compliment. A bit forced—as if he wouldn't have bothered had Ty been part of his team, but he was trying to play nice.

“Oh, hi Ty,” Dani said, entering the room.

“Dani,” he acknowledged. She gave him a second, curious look, then frowned. He wasn't quite at peace with the fact she, and her team, were keeping things from him.

Breaking the awkward moment, Marmie's voice carried across the room. “We've got movement.” Her eyes stayed locked on her computer screen as all three moved toward her.

Other team members materialized as Marmie's fingers flew across the keyboard. The text scrolled so fast that Ty had to look away for a second. “Sonny's headed for,” she paused, hit a few more keys and then announced. “He's headed for Miami.”

The team began moving into action but Marmie stopped them by adding, “And Savendra is headed home to San Diego. Both are scheduled for flights leaving tomorrow.”

Everyone paused and Ty watched as all eyes swiveled to Drew. After a split second of clear concentration, he turned to Adam. “Adam, you'll go to Miami. Dani, you're going to San Diego. Cotter, Spanky, get them what they need. Marmie, arrange the transport.”

“Done,” Marmie answered.

“Done,” echoed Spanky and Cotter, already halfway out the door.

“Drew, Adam's never been in the field. Savendra is going home. Sonny is being sent somewhere he has no known ties. Let me go to Miami,” Dani spoke in a quiet measured tone.

“Adam's been in the field, just not as much as you. He needs the experience,” Drew responded. Even Ty could see Drew's patience was running thin.

“Let me go to Miami, please. I'll blend in better than Adam, and you know it.”

Dani had added a ‘please,’ but her jaw was set and her hands were balled into fists at her sides. And, Drew didn't care.

“Dani, get your ass on the plane to San Diego,” he snapped. Then giving her a level look, he added, “Do not even think about breaking rank on this one.”

And Ty sensed if she broke rank Drew would do more than toss her nice little behind to the wolves—he would serve it up himself. Why Drew was so set and why Dani so insistent, Ty wasn't sure, but he suspected it might have something to do with why they were masquerading as DEA in the first place.

After a long, still moment, with the tension still high in the room, Dani conceded. Her body rigid and her movements jerky, she gave Ty a look, daring him to say something, then left. Ty turned his attention to Drew who slammed a file on the desk and planted a fist on his hip. Running a hand through his hair, the team director let out a litany of curses. Ty's lips tilted into a smile—no wonder everyone else vacated the room as soon as Drew first issued his order.

“Anything I can do, sir?” Ty asked. He should have kept the half smile to himself but he couldn't help it. It's not that the situation was funny, but the way Dani could set Drew off was comical—from the outside. Maybe it was a good thing they hadn't brought him into their little circle.

Drew whipped his head up, ready for a fight, and glared at Ty. When Ty didn't so much as bat an eyelash or twitch a muscle, Drew's shoulders sagged and he took a deep breath. “I swear to god, if this job doesn't kill her, one of these days I will,” he said with a rueful shake of his head. “But I imagine you have a good idea of how difficult Dani can be,” he added with a glance at Ty.

Ty opted not to respond. “Let me know if there is anything I can do,” he offered again, as he reached for his files.

“Yeah, go make sure she gets on the plane to San Diego, will you?” Drew responded. Ty stilled, mid-reach. Was Drew kidding?

“And if you tell her I sent you, you'll regret it. Trust me,” Drew gave him a pointed look.

Well, shit. He wasn't kidding. Drew wanted him to ‘handle’ Dani. He studied Drew's face, wondering if he'd done this before, if he'd asked any of her lovers—not that he fit that profile at the moment—to ‘handle’ her. Something about the bald honesty in Drew's expression answered his question. No, Drew had never asked anyone else to do something like this. That he thought Ty would be able to was an interesting development.

Ty nodded, dropped the file and headed to Dani's room.

* * *



Dani grabbed her duffel and tossed it on her bed. Flinging open her closet door, she took out her frustration on the clothes she grabbed at random and threw on the bed. Damn him. While everything Drew said about Adam was true, he did have field experience, good field experience, she also knew that wasn't the reason Adam was going to Miami. Adam was going to Miami because Drew didn't want to send her.

Rummaging through the pile of clothes, Dani grabbed a few t-shirts and shoved them into her bag. She wanted to throw something—something more substantial than a pair of pants. It was the second time in the past two days that Drew had hinted she might screw up the investigation. First with Ty and now with not letting her go to Miami to follow Sonny—the man she believed might, just might, be able to give her a lead on who killed her parents.

She grabbed a book off the bedside table and a photo slid to the ground. Bending to pick it up, she glanced at the scene. It was familiar. Too familiar.

It was a photo taken of Sonny's father. The man had been shot execution-style and was lying face down on a blood-stained carpet. Dani sank onto her bed and stared at the photo. The picture was gruesome but it wasn't the picture that made Dani deflate—it was the memories it conjured.

What would she do if Sonny was the link to her own past? What would she do if she went to Miami and found out Sonny knew the man who killed her parents, the man she believed also killed Sonny's father? What would she do if she saw him?

Christ, she realized Drew was right and her heart slammed in her chest at the thought. She'd be down there with no backup, no support. It would be bad, not for the investigation but for her. Drew was protecting her. Like he always did. Since those days when she'd relived her parents' murders, crying on Drew's shoulder, he'd always looked out for her. It should bug her; she knew she should insist she could take care of everything, but Dani wasn't one to lie to herself. If she saw the man again, she didn't know how she would react, how she would hold up. It wasn't worth it to her or the investigation to risk it.

Calmer now, Dani stood and went back to packing. Drew was right, she knew it—she didn't have to like it, but she couldn't disagree.

“Come in,” she called, expecting Drew when a knock sounded at the door. She was feeling better but still wasn't over her pique. To her surprise, Ty entered, shutting the door behind him.

“Hand me your cell phone,” he said moving toward her.

“My what?” she asked.

“Your cell,” he repeated.

Dani arched her brow, debating whether or not to ask why. Deciding against it, she picked it up from the bedside table, entered her password, and tossed it to him. He caught it one-handed and began entering numbers.

“My contact info,” he said in explanation. “In case you get bored or need to bitch about your boss,” he added with a smile. Turning the phone off, he tossed it back to her.

She shook her head and gave him a conciliatory look. “Drew's right,” she said on a sigh as she tucked a skirt into the bag.

“Doesn't mean you have to like it though,” Ty responded and moved closer to her.

“No, I don't,” she agreed. “What are you doing up here?”

“At the risk of losing my cojones, Drew sent me. Although I would have come up anyway. He wants me to make sure you get on the plane. The right plane, to San Diego,” he added.

Dani glanced at him. His honesty surprised her, as did his easy tone. He also didn't look all that concerned about her temper. “I have to say this is the first time Drew has willingly sent a man to my room to handle me,” she responded with a self-deprecating smile.

“Has he unwillingly sent a man to your room?” Ty asked, his brow arched in interest, even as he took a step toward her.

“Ha ha, you know what I mean,” she rolled her eyes and turned toward her closet.

“Is he trying to protect your virtue?” Ty teased, reaching her. His hands made contact with her shoulders and she turned to face him.

“He may be trying to protect someone but it sure isn't me,” Dani answered. They were standing less than a foot apart and his hands had moved from her shoulders to her neck, with one making its way gently into her hair. His expression had changed again to a more familiar one. And she breathed a small sigh of relief. Whatever had been bothering him earlier, when she'd seen him talking to Drew, wasn't bothering him now.

“I wouldn't be so sure about that,” Ty said before he kissed her.

She responded and accepted his contact. Her hands came up to his chest and he deepened the kiss. Just as she started to curl her fists into his clothes and lean into him he pulled back enough to look at her.

Dani blinked, bringing herself back into the here and now. “What was that for?” And why did you stop? Even she heard the yearning in her own voice. She wanted more. Maybe not the whole thing quite yet, but more.

He smiled. “It's a tradition between people who like each other and aren't going to see each for a few days. It's called a goodbye kiss. I'm sure you've heard of them.”

She looked at him from beneath her eyelashes, letting him know what she thought of that reasoning, but stepped back and resumed packing. “You kiss everyone goodbye like that?”

“Just you, sweetheart.” He moved away making it easier for her to focus.

“So, tell me the plan then,” Dani prompted switching back to work mode.

“Marmie gave me the details before I came up. There's a military transport leaving at around noon.”

That would explain his stepping away, Dani acknowledged. Her flight left in less than an hour.

“It will get you to San Diego before four,” he continued. “I'll check out the potential sites Savendra might go to and find a hotel somewhere convenient. We'll call you when you land and give you the details.”

“That's right, it's your old stomping ground,” Dani commented, remembering the SEAL training facility in San Diego. “As long as the hotel doesn't have fleas, I'll be happy,” she added, shoving one more pair of shoes into her bag and zipping it shut.

“We'll find you something nice. I might even toss in a couple of good food recommendations,” he offered as she hefted her bag over her shoulder.

“Ah,” she sighed. “A man after my own heart.” And, as she said it, she wondered if there was more truth to it than even she would credit.