Scorch (The MacKenzie Family Book 17) by Liliana Hart Page B

Maxim Petrovich. Petrovich apparently failed to read our current contract, stating that all patents belong solely to MacKenzie Security as a private entity. They may purchase anything we develop, but they don’t own it or have any rights to it until they do.”
    Shane shifted and reached for the TV remote to turn off the noise so he could hear better. He’d dealt with the Petrovichs on a mission a couple of years ago. Maxim’s brother had been one of the most dangerous arms dealers in the world, and it had been Shane and his team who’d taken him out while he was selling nuclear launch codes to Syria.
    There was no way Petrovich’s motives for going to congress were altruistic. He wanted to either make trouble for Declan or he wanted something Declan had.
    “What are you thinking?” Archer asked.
    “Petrovich runs the Russian mafiya on the east coast. His loyalty has always been with Russia, even though he plays a good American game. He wants something specific, and whatever it is he wants will be something that plays to Russia’s advantage. Russia has gained considerable power over the last several years. Their bank accounts are full and we’re on the brink of another cold war. They know their power, and they’re not afraid to use it. Which is why I’m bringing in extra security as needed. And why I’m actively recruiting special agents, including the one you’re going to track down and convince to come back with you. I’ve got SEALs available when we need them, but it’s going to put a hell of a dent in the budget.”
    “Speaking of SEALs, how’s Shane?” Archer asked.
    “His body is healing,” Dec said. “The doctor said the area where they amputated is doing well. They were able to save the knee, which will be helpful when he’s ready to wear a prosthetic. His other leg has had two surgeries and pins were put in, but everything is looking fine there. They don’t think he’ll have to have any more surgeries on that leg, just a couple of skin grafts. The ribs are still giving him a little trouble, but the doctor said that was to be expected since they were cracked. His last brain scan was clear.”
    “But?”
    “He still isn’t speaking. To any of us. He’s shut himself off, just staring at the TV or the wall.”
    Of course he wasn’t speaking, Shane thought. What the hell did he have to say that anyone would want to hear? All he heard inside his head were screams. He was afraid if he opened his mouth that’s what would come out.
    “My mother is in and out,” Dec went on. “She went to the café to grab a bite to eat while he’s sleeping. She reads to him and talks to him. We all do. But he never responds. He won’t talk to the trauma psychologist that keeps coming by or the doctors who monitor his progress.”
    “It’s understandable, Dec. He’s had his whole world taken from him. Commanding that team was his life. And he’ll never lead them again.”
    “I know. And he’s so fucking angry I just keep waiting for him to blow. You can’t see it by looking at him, but I know my brother. His eyes are dead. I’ve seen men who had eyes like that, and nothing good came from it. And that terrifies me. His rage is festering beneath the surface, and until he lets it loose he’ll never start to heal. At least on an emotional level. I don’t know what to do for him.”
    “You know I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
    Shane almost snorted. Everyone wanted to help. People he knew and people he didn’t know. All of a sudden, everyone was interested in Shane MacKenzie. As if they really gave a shit.
    And as far as he was concerned, he wasn’t alive. His life had been the SEAL team he’d commanded. The men who’d become as close as his brothers. The men he’d have died for. What good was he now? Half a man and useless at that.
    Now Brady had taken his place as commander and they were out of the country on a mission Shane would never know about. He’d been discharged. Honorably and with