Just One Touch (Slow Burn #5)(12)

       
         
       
        

He paused again for a moment to let his statement sink in.

"And I need to ask for a leave of absence to do that," he said quietly.

Beau frowned and Dane's head came up, his eyes narrowing with anger.

"What the fuck?" Dane growled. "Leave of absence? What the hell, Isaac?"

"I can't give DSS my full time and concentration and do what I need to do for her at the same time," Isaac said in a low voice. "It wouldn't be fair to her or you. If that's a problem, then I'll resign and you can fill my position."

"You need to shut the fuck up now and quit talking before I lose what's left of my goddamn temper," Dane snapped.

Beau didn't look any happier.

"When did you get the idea that I or Beau or anyone at DSS would ever turn their back on someone who is not only in great danger and need but also saved someone very dear to us all, just because she isn't a paying client?" Dane asked through gritted teeth. "Jesus Christ, Isaac. We damn near lost you today and the woman you've sworn to protect is the only reason we still have you and aren't making fucking funeral arrangements instead. You'll protect her all right, but so will the rest of us. She gets my and DSS's full priority from now on."

"Means a lot," Isaac said around the knot in his throat.

"You don't get it, do you," Beau muttered. "You've risked your life for the most important person in my life. In Zack's life. In Wade Sterling's life for damn sure, and you've risked your life for us time and time again. Dane and I just had to sit through listening to you talk about damn near dying, and only because this woman risked her life to save yours are you able to sit here in front of us, whole, not dead. And you don't think that would mean something to us? That she wouldn't mean something to us, no matter who she is, what she's done or not done or what kind of baggage she brings to the table? Or that we wouldn't all take an active role in protecting her and eliminating the threat to her?"

The knot only grew larger in Isaac's throat.

"She's pretty goddamn special," Dane murmured. "I mean God, when I think of what Ramie, Ari, Tori and Gracie can do, it's mind-boggling enough. But this woman pulled you back from death. She performed a fucking miracle. I'd be more surprised if she wasn't in danger or if she didn't have assholes constantly trying to take her so they could take advantage of her powers. Because Isaac, she's always going to be in danger. No matter if we eliminate the current threat to her, with what she can do, she will never be safe."

"I know," Isaac said softly. "But she will never be without protection." 

The room went silent while Dane and Beau digested Isaac's response, but they didn't comment on it.

"Where is she now?" Dane asked.

"For now, my place with Dex, Shadow and Zeke guarding her. I need to get back as quickly as possible. I don't plan to keep her there. It's too risky."

"You got a plan?" Beau asked.

"Yeah, or at least an idea. Just need to finish working it out when I get back and hopefully get some intel from her."

"Let us know if you need anything, and I mean anything, Isaac," Dane ordered. "If it's all the same, I'd rather not be making funeral arrangements for one of my own."

Isaac smiled faintly. "You always were a fucking mother hen."

"You've been talking too much to Lizzie," Dane muttered.

"No, but I did see her when she left and she wasn't very happy with you," Isaac said with a grin.

"She's just pissed because not only does she work for an overbearing, overprotective asshole but now she's married to one as well, so there's nowhere she can go to escape it."

Beau and Isaac laughed, but they also knew it was very true.

Isaac rose. "Hate to cut out so quickly, but I have to go. She was still unconscious when I left her, so I need to get back so I can figure this shit out."

"You going to report in later?" Dane asked.

"I'll call one way or another. Just can't promise what information I'll be able to give you."

"Good enough. And be careful, Isaac. I do not want you getting shot again."

"No shit," Isaac muttered as he walked out of Dane's office.

He paused at the doorway and turned back to the two men he not only worked for but considered his only family.

"I need you to be patient on this. I don't want to drag DSS into this yet. Not until I know the whole story and know what we're dealing with. It's too dangerous. If any connection is made between her, me and DSS, then you'll all be in danger. The wives will be in danger. It's obvious that this woman is highly sought after and that they'll stop at nothing until they have their hands on her. Knowing now what she can do, I understand why. This is bigger than anything we've ever come across and I don't want anyone in this organization to be collateral damage like I almost was. I know this slays the control freak in both of you, but I need you to stand down and wait for my move. I'm not going to do anything stupid. I'll absolutely call if and when I need help. But for now I have to keep all risks to a minimum and I have to keep her off the radar. But I'll report in. I won't keep you in the dark. And at any time if I sense we're in any danger, you'll be the first to know."