“They know who Wolf is,” Dex said.
“More importantly, they know who Hudson is and what he means to Wolf. When Wolf was recruited, he was given a whole new identity, a new life with no family. Alfie Colbourn is, technically, still dead. He’s buried in the family plot in England. That helped ensure Hudson’s safety. It’s one of the many reasons our operatives lead double lives. Not only to protect the operations, but the operatives and their families.”
Dex let out a heavy sigh. “They plan on using Hudson to control Wolf, or kill him.” Wolf had been right about getting Hudson into TIN to keep him safe. With Hudson and Seb training, they’d be better prepared.
“I don’t get it.”
Dex turned to Cael, who moved closer. “Don’t get what? Why Hudson?”
“No, I get that,” Cael said, his brows drawn together in concern. “What I don’t get is why would they take Dad? They tried to take Hudson because of his connection to Wolf and not you. So if they don’t want you, then why take Dad? Who else do they plan to use him against?”
Dex swallowed hard as realization set in. He turned to Sparks just as the screen on the wall behind them flickered to life. A figure shrouded in darkness appeared.
“Hello, Sonya.”
Sparks stood to face the screen. “Who am I speaking to?”
“You can call me the Chairman.”
Dex slowly stood. This had to be it. The voice was distorted, and the shadow appeared pitch-black so as to not reveal any distinguishable features. The fact whoever this was managed to breach a room secured by TIN was frightening.
“Where’s Agent Maddock?” Sparks demanded. “What do you want with him?”
“You’re a clever girl. Why don’t you tell me? Why on earth would I take your lover?”
A gasp caught Dex’s ear, and he turned, his heart squeezing at Cael’s shocked expression. Damn it, this wasn’t how he’d wanted his brother to find out. As much as he wanted to go to Cael, they needed to hear what this asshole had to say. Thankfully his brother seemed to agree, because his expression went from stunned to silently fuming.
“Oh dear. It looks like the cougar’s out of the bag,” the Chairman said with a chuckle. “As much as I would love to hear all the family drama, let’s cut to the chase. You have two options here, Sonya. You can do as I ask, or have history repeat itself with poor Anthony.”
Have history repeat itself? What the hell did that mean? Dex studied Sparks. She didn’t so much as blink.
“And what exactly is it you want me to do?” Sparks asked.
“What several operatives in your organization have done. Join the Makhai from the inside. Let’s face it, Sonya. You and I both know there’s more than one mole inside TIN. How do you think we’ve managed to stay out of your grasp for so long? Unfortunately you and your dear friend Wolf refuse to die, so if you won’t die, then I’ll have to use your weaknesses against you. It’s Spy 101, really. I know you think Dr. Colbourn is safe there with you at THIRDS headquarters, but come now. We’re everywhere.”
“You expect me to betray my organization and become a double agent?”
“I expect you to make the right decision.”
Dex swallowed hard, his jaw clenched.
“If not, not only do you lose Anthony, but you lose your new golden boy as well. Oh, but he has so much potential. For a half-breed abomination.”
Dex gritted his teeth and clenched his fists at his sides to keep from telling the Chairman what he could do with his backhanded compliments.
“Think about it, Sonya. Do you really think that boy is going to follow you anywhere if you let dear old Dad die a horrible death? Hello, Dexter.”
Dex flipped him off, and the Chairman chuckled. “Spitfire, that one. So you see, Sonya. Dad dies, your precious new weapon becomes an inconsolable mess before he becomes too much of a liability for even TIN. He’ll make Wolf look like a Boy Scout. Kiss the rest of the team goodbye, and that includes Dr. Colbourn. No doctor, no rogue assassin. You’re alone again, Sonya. You’re not very good at this whole family thing, are you?”
Sparks let out a fierce cry and swiped her Glock from her holster before emptying her magazine into the screen right where the Chairman’s head was.
Holy shit! Dex took a quick step back, wondering what the hell had triggered Sparks. Nothing ever fazed her. The Chairman had mentioned something about history repeating itself and then the mention of family. Was it possible Sonya had a family not long ago? Had something happened to them? She never discussed anything personal with any of them. Always kept herself at a distance. You’re alone again. What the hell had happened? His questions would have to wait. Lucky for them, the Chairman was still there.
“Yes!” The Chairman laughed through the speakers. “That’s the fire I want to see. Now you use that, and you get me the information I want from TIN. I’ll be in touch.”
“Wait,” Dex cried out. “How do we know you haven’t already killed my father?”
There was a long pause, and for a second, Dex thought the guy had disappeared.