Just as I’m about to enter the glass door already propped open, a man’s voice stops me in my tracks.
“It’s a pretty dangerous mission, and we’re all worried about Dozer.”
Apprehension scurries up my spine like a spider at the mention of Dozer’s name. The voice I recognize as Kellen’s comes from inside the gym, and when I don’t hear anyone respond, I gather he’s talking on the phone.
“I’m not sure when I’ll be able to make it out there, but I’m hoping they’ll solidify the plan today so I’ll know for sure by tonight.”
I backpedal, not needing to hear anymore. I’ve learned in those few sentences that there’s an actual mission being planned, and Dozer is going to be an active participant. Worst of all, it’s dangerous. The tone in Kellen’s voice tells me it’s the type of danger that could mean death.
What in the hell is going on? Surely, Dozer wouldn’t…
And then it hits me.
That’s the thing I haven’t been able to put my finger on. He knows something he’s not telling me, and now I get why he wouldn’t tell me if it’s dangerous for him.
Fear and worry dissipate, immediately replaced by hot anger that he would dare make a plan of action—one that could kill him—and not involve me. This is my life too—he’s my life—and I have a right to add my input.
I spin on my heel, no longer wanting to work out but expend my pent-up fear in a different way.
Hopefully one that involves me kicking Dozer’s ass.
I take the floating staircase two steps at a time. We were given the grand tour of Jameson when we arrived, including Dozer taking us down into his R&D lab. I remember the elevator was on the second floor and the general direction, but if I have to tear this place apart to find him, I will.
I’m slightly disoriented when I reach the second floor, but then I remember the perimeter glass offices and desks in the middle where agents sit. And in the far northwest corner is a tiny, hall-like alcove where an elevator leads down to R&D.
I start toward it with long, purposeful strides. I don’t bother looking around or making eye contact with anyone as I am on a mission of my own. Ironic that I’m worried about Dozer being in danger, and yet he’s in serious danger from me right now.
Not that I’d ever physically hurt him, but he’s going to get a sharp and bitter piece of my mind.
“Jess,” calls Bebe from behind, and while I want to ignore her, I know I can’t.
I stop and turn to face her. She jogs to catch up with me, takes one look at my expression, and call it women’s intuition or whatever, but she knows I know what’s up and that I’m going to rain holy hell upon Dozer.
“Where is he?” I ask when she reaches me. “And don’t even think to dissuade me—”
“I won’t,” she promises, taking my elbow. “I’ll take you down myself, but you need to calm down a little.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down,” I exclaim furiously, pulling my arm away from her. “Do you know what that fool is planning to do?”
“Yes,” she replies, and before I can chastise her since she’s his closest friend here and should’ve stopped it, she says, “And I’m adamantly opposed to it. I’ve tried to talk sense into him, but he’s not listening.”
“Oh,” I say, my voice lower and some of the steam evaporating. “What exactly is the plan?”
Her eyes widen. “I thought you knew. Isn’t that why you’re coming down here looking for him?”
“I only know that there’s a plan, it’s dangerous, and it involves Dozer. I overheard Kellen speaking to someone on the phone.”
“Oh,” Bebe murmurs, and I can see her brain whirring. She has a duty to Jameson and their overall mission. She knows she probably shouldn’t be discussing plans or secrets with me, but I’m sure she’s torn because whatever is going down, she’s not in agreement with it.
“Bebe.” Her name is soft on my lips, and I plead with my eyes. “What is he going to do?”
Bebe jerks her head toward the elevator, and we walk that way. It’s not until we’re in the alcove but before she pushes the button that she turns to me. “The gist of the plan is that Dozer is going to let Borovsky’s men capture him and—”
“He’s going to do what?” I shriek. Realizing I sound like a crazy woman who no one will take seriously, I steady my voice. “Get captured? You mean killed. What in the hell is he thinking?”
“We’re not going to let him get killed,” she assures me. “I’ve perfected some tech—”
“No offense, Bebe—and I know Dozer loves you and your brain—but there is no amount of tech I will trust with his life. He’s not built for this stuff. He’s a researcher and a scientist. He’s not a secret agent.”