Generation 18 (Spook Squad 2)

Stephan’s smile faded. “Keep away from her, Gabriel. She has a job to do, and I don’t want you getting in the way.”

“What I do in my own time is my business, not yours,” Gabriel said, voice flat. “I’m warning you, don’t ever try to control my personal life.”

Stephan raised an eyebrow. “You have an obligation to both the SIU and the Federation, just as I have.”

“Yeah, right.” Gabriel turned and headed for the door. The Federation and the SIU could go hang if it meant letting Sam walk into a trap out of no more than ignorance.

He may have succeeded in getting rid of her as a partner, but that didn’t mean he wanted her dead.

“Gabriel, I’m warning you. Leave her alone.”

Gabriel stopped with his hand on the doorknob and glanced over his shoulder, meeting his brother’s gaze. “Or you’ll what? Censure me? Bust me down to field agent again? Do it. I don’t really give a damn.”

“This could be our one chance to draw Sethanon out!”

“That doesn’t justify sending her in blind.”

“Gabriel, I’m giving you a direct order. Do not go near her. Do not warn her.”

“Then you’d better get my file out and add the black mark to it now, because that’s one order I have no intention of obeying.”

And he slammed the door open and stalked from the room.