Code Name: Genesis (Jameson Force Security #1)(12)

That produces a chuckle out of Cruce, and his eyes actually lighten up and sparkle. “Only person’s opinion who matters is Alexander’s, and he’s grateful for what I did.”

“So no second guessing yourself?” I ask.

“Never,” he assures me. “If he’d had a piece of gum in his hand, I’d be in prison suffering the consequences.”

That’s what I needed to hear. It’s not up to me or anyone else to judge the situation. The case was thoroughly investigated by the Justice Department, and Cruce was cleared of any wrongdoing. In fact, he ended up getting a presidential commendation out of it. But I needed to know he was at peace with his decision to kill someone. It’s not something I tend to doubt from my employees who are former Special Forces.

He’s satisfied me on that front, and I want him at Jameson.

“The job is yours if you want it.” I’d previously laid out salary and benefits to him during a phone interview last week. He was interested in one of the new apartments upstairs. However, my offer to him was contingent on his references panning out—and a strong letter of praise from the current president suffices—and me meeting with him first. It’s safe to say that as of this moment, I’m confident in opening the doors to him. “Only other thing you’d have to do is a psych evaluation.”

“I’m okay with that. When would you want me to start?”

“Today if you want,” I answer with a smile. “The apartments upstairs won’t be ready for a few weeks, but I’ll put you up in a hotel of your choice as part of your signing bonus.”

“I’m definitely interested,” he tells me, and I don’t miss the almost sly tone of his voice. He leans forward in his chair, propping his elbows on his knees. “But I need something from you first.”

Some would be offended, but I find myself intrigued. “What’s that, mate?”

“I need a reference from you,” he says bluntly. “A high-ranking member of congress would suffice, although I’d settle for someone at the CIA or Homeland Security. I want to know that what you plan to do here at Jameson isn’t a pipe dream. I want to know Jameson is trusted by our government.”

I just stare at Cruce, realizing if I land him on board with us, I’ve got a true leader on my hands. While he may have had no hesitation in pumping his colleague full of lead based on just a “flash of silver” and “gut instinct,” he’s not really the impetuous type as proven by his care in checking me out as thoroughly as I’m doing to him. That makes me want him on my team even more.

“I’ll have three names for you to contact by tomorrow morning,” I assure him as I stand from my chair.

He follows suit, and we shake hands. “You’ll have my answer as soon as I check you out then,” Cruce says with a smile.

“It will be ‘yes’,” I reply confidently, knowing he’ll be impressed with how deep Jameson is already in with the U.S. government. Over the past decade, we’ve done quite a few off-the-books missions that saved lives, dollars, and reputations.

Cruce says he can see himself out of the building, and I don’t feel the need to escort him. If I didn’t trust him implicitly, I wouldn’t have made the job offer.

I instead turn toward the conference room, noting Joslyn is now sitting in one of the chairs, head bent over her phone. When I open the door, she jolts slightly. There’s no hiding the tiny bit of fear and panic I assume comes pretty naturally to a woman who has to be skittish as hell after what she’s been through.

“Get everything set up for the meeting?” I ask.

“Breakfast meeting, day after tomorrow. At my house.”

“Perfect,” I reply, motioning for her to stand. “Let’s head over to the hotel and get checked in for the night.”

Joslyn looks exhausted. She’s had a rough few days between someone trying to kill her, having to grovel to an ex she’s on bad terms with so I’d take her case, and then flying cross country today. She’s not going to fare any better tomorrow as we head back west, but if I can get a good meal into her and several hours of solid sleep, she shouldn’t feel any worse.





CHAPTER 6




Joslyn


His hands close around my throat, and my oxygen is immediately closed off. Although he’s wearing a ski mask over his face, I know I’d be able to recognize him by the color of his eyes. A golden-yellow color shot through with streaks of brown. Some might consider them beautiful but not me. There’s too much malice and hate within them to be considered anything but evil.

Bending his head so his mouth hovers just above my own, he murmurs, “I know we’re just getting started, but I can honestly say… you’ve been my favorite.”

His hands tighten even harder, and I feel something pop in my throat as my world turns black.

I jolt awake, sitting up straight in bed and gasping for breath. My hands clutch at my throat, trying to pull his fingers away, but they come away with nothing. It takes a moment for it to permeate.

A dream.

Another fucking dream.

I flop on my pillows, which are damp with sweat, and rub my hand over my face. “Shit,” I mutter with a tiny laugh of relief that I’m alive and well.

It’s the same dream I’ve had for the last three nights since that asshole attacked me in my own home. I dreaded even falling asleep tonight, knowing this night terror was probably going to happen again.