Shadow Ops: Danger's Heat (Kindle Worlds Novella) (A Shadow Ops Novella Book 2) by LS Silverii

and the vibrant inked colors exploded to life across his arms. The images embedded within the bold, dark tattoos spoke of evil.
    “I understand. If you’ve seen my file, then you knew what the government did to me.” Her eyes averted his glare. Memories would always ride the surface of this topic.
    “I needed the rush and the freedom I had working undercover ops. How the hell would I mold into their bureaucratic cubicles back stateside? This shit is the life, sister. Too bad you ain’t a fucking dude, you’d love it.” Justice’s eyes grew excited. Even his full, genuine smile looked menacing.
    “No thanks, but I can see the attraction. What put you over the edge?” She sensed it wasn’t the culmination of a career of getting dicked, it had to be a final straw.
    “I’d worked with the Mossad to rid Israel of Khalid Mishal. The Hamas were gaining power and the Jews knew they’d become a threat if not stopped. We’d prepared for a straight sniper shot, but in the end, politicians said it’d be too messy. They wanted 007 bullshit–blow the poison in his ear and let him sleep to his death. Total fuck up. Mishal’s protection detail captured two of Mossad’s agents and the gig was up. President Wild Bill threw us under the bus—even offered my identity to save a peace treaty with Jordan. Fuck that and them. I went off the grid.” Rose noticed strands of hair stuck against his forehead, while moisture beaded his upper lip and the bridge of his nose. He looked like he’d just relived the entire ordeal.
    “I hate them too,” she mouthed as her hand extended to touch his. He nodded.
    “Now that we’ve shared sad stories, what’s the plan?” His expression flattened.
    “I’m expecting comms from HQ anytime. We’ve less than two days until St. Patrick’s Day, and I have to believe they’ll use the Chicago River to deliver their attack.”
    “Didn’t you say y’all had a description of the transport van? I’ll have my men run the city until we find it. At the least, it’ll keep them busy and away from wanting to sneak attack your team.”
    “Hate us do-gooders that bad huh?”
    “Yep, I could lose my position within the gang if this shit blows up on us.”
    “Gang? Don’t you mean club?” Rose smiled.
    “Yeah, you right sis,” he said with a grin. His broad fist swung toward her to bump knuckles.
    “I’m in the same boat. The Senate oversight committee doesn’t know we’re still running covert ops, and we never bothered to call the Chicago PD. If it goes bad, I may be calling you to join your club.”
    “Just stick to the promise. Don’t let your team get distracted by what they see or hear. I’ve got a business to run and I can’t order a shut down because your own government screwed you by withholding backup and resources. I’m trusting you, Rose Prospero.” His brown eyes blinked, softer than they’d appeared earlier. His potshots at intimidating STR’s agents had stopped, and she felt she could trust him too. After all, they were both Americans.
    “Your brother is a good man, Justice. You really should call him,” Rose said before walking out to take a phone call.

CHAPTER 13
    The bed and breakfast was another of Rose’s network resources. She knew every moment of comfort the team experienced, the more it’d pay off when the chips were down. This Victorian style resort sat on the outskirts of the city, and the quiet neighborhood hadn’t a clue what the band of vagabonds was doing to save their very lives.
    Hollywood was roused from a decent sleep made possible by the pain meds he’d eaten to dull the gripping pain in his shoulder. Voodoo stroked his head to sooth him. He jerked from beneath her touch—a defensive response.
    “Baby, why you pulling away from me?” Her voice was singsong and sincere.
    “I’m not sure what’s up with you, and I’ve gotta keep my head clear right now.”
    “Dwight, not this shit again. I’m doing my best undercover acting to keep