Chances Are(7)

Determined to sound casually professional as if it was a foregone conclusion, Angela put just the right amount of confidence in her tone as she announced, “I’m Jake’s partner.”

Shocked silence followed and then the room exploded with protests.



Jake took in everyone’s reaction. The other operatives were going through what he had felt when he heard the news—shock and disbelief. But no matter his concerns, which he couldn’t say were without prejudice, McCall had faith in Angela’s abilities. The LCR leader would never put Angela at risk if he didn’t think she could handle the mission.

As the operatives stated their objections, Jake watched Angela. When she announced that she was to be on the op, her voice had been filled with confidence and pride. Now, as the protests continued, he could see that self-assurance quickly eroding. Though he knew everyone’s opposition came from concern and affection for Angela, he didn’t like seeing her confidence shattered. She would have to prove herself like any other operative but as far as he knew, not one of them had endured this type of trial before they went on a mission.

Jake surged to his feet, immediately catching everyone’s attention. Using the commanding tone he had perfected in the Army, he said, “Angela is a highly trained LCR operative. McCall put her on the case because he knew she could handle it.” He dug deep and added, “I’m happy to be working with her.”

He glanced over at McCall, whose face remained impassive but Jake saw an approving gleam in his dark eyes. No doubt this was what the man had been waiting for. If McCall had announced his support first, it would have weakened Jake’s own claim.

Angela’s expression was the one that worried him. She looked as though he’d just awarded her a coveted prize. He didn’t regret voicing his support but that didn’t mean they weren’t going to have a long, serious talk. Revealing his concerns to the rest of the team would serve no purpose. But as his partner, she needed to know where he stood.

Eden and Shea seemed to be the most disturbed by the news.

“I have no question that she can do anything she sets her mind to.” Eden turned to Angela. “Don’t for a second think I doubt your abilities. I just…” She paused for a second and added, “It’s just...this isn’t our normal type of rescue.”

“I agree,” Shea added. “I know you’re as trained as anyone, Angela, but you’ve been through so much the last few months. Wouldn’t it be better to wait for another, less dangerous mission your first time out?”

Jake took his seat again, waiting to see how Angela would handle herself. How she reacted would give him a good indication of how she would handle his issues.

Though her smile trembled slightly, he was glad to see a glint of determination. “With the exception of Noah, I’ve been with LCR longer than any of you. I’m more than aware this isn’t the normal type rescue but that doesn’t mean the elements are all that different. This is an undercover op. We’re going to bait and trap this guy, rescue anyone we can, and stop him from killing again. The crimes might be more gruesome than the typical human trafficker or kidnapper, but evil is evil.”

Before either woman could respond, Noah spoke, “Well said, Angela.” His gaze swept the room, meeting each operative’s eyes, one by one, as he continued, “Angela Delvecchio is a full-fledged LCR field operative. Every one of you had a first mission. This is Angela’s. I expect you to give her your full support.”

Not one to back down, Eden’s eyebrows arched as she said, “I think I can speak for Shea, too, and say that Angela has our full support, Noah. That doesn’t discount our concern.” She turned to Angela again. “You’re the little sister I never had. Of course I’m going to be worried about you.”

Angela’s smile was so breathtaking, Jake’s heart flipped at its brilliance. And he was going to be her partner? Possibly for weeks? He saw a lot of sleepless nights and cold showers in his future.

“All of you know how important you are to me,” Angela said. “LCR is my family. But I’ve wanted to be a field operative for as long as I’ve worked here. I couldn’t.” She cleared her throat, as her eyes darkened with a deep sadness Jake knew would be with her for years. “Now I can. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Before any more objections could be made, McCall announced, “Ingram and Kelly will be in the same section with Angela and Mallory.”

McCall hadn’t mentioned this yesterday but it didn’t matter. Jake approved. Angela’s first assignment was a hell of a lot more dangerous than what most new operatives would have their first time out. McCall was making sure she had additional protection. Keeping Angela safe was priority number one.

Instead of protesting that she didn’t need extra protection, Angela nodded and flashed an approving smile to both Ingram and Kelly. “Sounds great.”

The tension in the room eased slightly. Recognizing that the discussion could move forward, McCall stood and began a slow walk around the table, passing out folders. “Here are the details of your assigned area and undercover identities. We’ve developed covers for you at your place of employment, as well as your apartment buildings. Only the upper management of your employer is aware of who you are.”

He gave them time to open their folder and do a quick check of their cover profile. Jake briefly perused his undercover identity and nodded. Sounded easy enough to carry out. Flipping to the next page, he glanced at Angela’s cover. His breath caught in his throat. What the hell?

Lifting his eyes, his gaze shot straight to his new partner. She was the one who set up most of LCR’s covers. He saw the challenge in her eyes, confirming his thoughts. She had known he would have problems with her cover.

Angela, a stripper? Hell yeah, he had a problem with that. A major problem.





Chapter Four

Angela gathered her assignment folder and stood. As the operatives left the room, each stopped briefly to show support, either by giving her encouraging words or a pat on the back. That meant so much. And even though Eden and Shea had voiced objections, she had no worries. Their opposition came from concern and caring, not lack of faith. They’d been like sisters to her. Her only concern now was the dark, brooding man in the corner.

“I think someone’s wanting a chat with you,” Eden murmured.

A shiver she couldn’t hide zipped up her spine. Eden, Shea and Sabrina all gave her encouraging smiles and walked toward the door. Surprising the hell out of her, Riley stood close to Angela and said, “Want me to stay here with you?”

She and the other woman had probably exchanged only a couple of dozen words since Riley had started with LCR. The young operative said hello when she came in for her assignments and goodbye when she left. For her to act so protective touched Angela. Most LCR people were that way by nature, but for some reason, she felt there was another cause for Riley’s concern.

Whatever the reason, Angela knew she needed to handle Jake on her own. She wasn’t looking forward to their first argument. He had expressed support for her but would that continue in private? Would he try to talk her out of this? She wouldn’t pull out of the op, but when he’d voiced his support, the feeling had been extraordinary. Of course she wasn’t naïve enough to believe he was totally onboard yet, but she had every intention of convincing him of her skills and abilities. Someday soon she hoped he would completely believe the words he’d spoken.

She smiled her gratitude for Riley’s offer and shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ll be fine. He looks vicious but he’s mostly bark.”

Shooting Jake a fierce, warning look, Riley turned back to Angela. “Looks can be deceiving.”

Though a bit indignant on Jake’s behalf, Angela couldn’t help but be pleased to see a different side of the mysterious, much too solemn operative.

Riley walked out, leaving only Noah and Jake with Angela. Surprisingly, Noah gave Jake the same kind of look Riley had just given him. Only Noah’s had more teeth. She was glad her boss had never looked at her that way.

As Noah passed her, he said, “Samara is expecting you Thursday at two.”

Angela nodded her thanks. She had no worries about talking to Samara. They talked almost daily anyway. Even though this wasn’t their usual friendly get-together, there were no major secrets to be revealed. She might work for an organization filled with classified information but inside LCR, Angela had, with the exception of a few minor issues, been an open book. Besides, Samara McCall was one of her best friends—there was nothing she didn’t know about Angela.

The upcoming physical stamina tests with Dylan concerned her even less. She was in excellent shape. Grief might have softened the edges of her mental toughness but her daily runs and hours at the gym had helped keep her sane. She knew she could do this job. Convincing Samara or Dylan of her readiness wasn’t a concern. No, her biggest worry was the man who stared at her as if torn between yelling obscenities and spanking her.