“Kazi released a statement to the media this afternoon saying that the Taliban claimed credit for the bomb.”
“But you don’t believe that, do you?”
“I’m not sure I’m supposed to talk with you about this.”
“Why not when it involves me?”
“Kazi can say whatever he wants, and the media will report it, so, no, I don’t. I’ve worked in intelligence too long to believe in coincidences. One of Kazi’s goons tries to abduct you, and then a bomb goes off across the street. That’s too much of —”
Derek stepped in.
Elizabeth stood, picked up Jenna’s tray. “I hope you feel better soon.”
“Thanks for everything.”
“My pleasure.” Elizabeth disappeared out the door.
Derek sat on the bed, took Jenna’s hand. “I overheard what Shields was telling you. I asked the staff not to talk about this in front of you right now. I want you to rest.”
“Don’t be hard on her. I asked her to tell me what she thought.”
“I don’t want you to worry about this.”
“How can I not worry about it? Every time I close my eyes, I hear thatboom. What if they come back with a bigger vehicle and more explosives?”
“That’s not going to happen. The street is barricaded now. No vehicles can get through.” His brow bent as if he were weighing what to say next. “For what it’s worth, I agree with Shields. It’s too much of a coincidence. I think they were trying to compromise our security and force us into moving you.”
Jenna’s stomach twisted.
Derek cupped her cheek, leaned close. “They failed, Jenna. You are safe here.”
“What about the rest of you? Are you safe?”
His lips curved in a lopsided grin. “Are you seriously worried about me? Angel, I am hard to kill.”
That didn’t make her feel any better.
* * *
Early the next morning,Derek left Jenna asleep and went to the rooftop helipad to meet Corbray, waiting in the rotor wash while Corbray climbed out with his gear.
“Hey, brother.”
“Hey, man. How was the flight?”
“It was eighteen fucking hours too long.”
“I hear that.” Derek had made that same flight a little more than two weeks ago. “There’s breakfast and hot coffee downstairs.”
“Hell, yeah. Give me some of that.”
They ate a quick breakfast of eggs, sausage, toast, and coffee. Corbray went from table to table, talking with the staff one by one, then he and Derek headed to their private meeting room. There, they went over everything that had happened since Derek’s arrival—except for the kissing and shagging, which Derek left out—and discussed the conclusions of their intel team.
“I think Shields is right,” Corbray said. “Kazi discovered that Ms. Hamilton was related to Senator Hamilton, probably from the Internet, and sent his goons after her, hoping to force Hamilton into supporting his bid for the presidency. Or maybe he just wants money. That dawg loves cash more than he loves anything, including his kids.”
Derek didn’t doubt it. “I think I should meet with him, let him know what’s going on, tell him our sources have linked him to Qassim, and see how he reacts.”
“What if he reacts by putting a bullet in your brain?”