Page 9 of The B-Team

Rachel glared in their direction. “This isnotgood publicity for TayFor Pharmaceuticals.”

“Ain’t too great for Benson Security either,” Joe drawled. “Our stellar international reputation could take a serious hit.”

“I’m more worried about being locked up for the rest of my life.” Elle glanced toward the blank-faced cop who watched their every move. “We should have come up with a secret language sowe can talk freely in front of the fuzz. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before now.”

“Maybe because it’s crazy.” Rachel turned to the police officers. “Do any of you speak Spanish? I need a translator.” Her upper-class English accent made it clear that Spanish wasnother first language.

The cop was clearly confused but followed protocol. “I’m afraid none of us speak Spanish, but we can get an interpreter for you once we’re at the police station.Ifyou need one.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Rachel said before switching to Spanish. “See? No weird Klingon language needed.”

After two missions in South America, most of the team had learned the language.

Joe already spoke it fluently. “Guess we’re all talking in Spanish now.” He grinned at Rachel. “Respect.”

“I’m still inventing a Benson Security language.” Elle folded her arms defiantly, although she too spoke in Spanish.

“Whatever.” Rachel rolled her eyes before turning to Lake. “I think now would be a good time to tell us why Fitzwater is out to get you.”

“What she said,” Callum agreed.

Lake ran a hand through his military-short blond hair. It was the first agitated gesture Callum had ever seen him make, and it did nothing to appease his sense of unease.

“You know the family?” Lake asked Rachel.

She nodded, one arm curling around her massive belly in a protective gesture Callum would have sworn she was incapable of making. “Old money. Government positions. Military careers. Some law enforcement, but usually management. They consider themselves movers and shakers within the aristocracy.” She inclined her head as though giving them their due. “They do have power and connections. Whereas my family is known in the business world, they’ve always had influence in government andlaw. They aren’t liked.” Her lip curled. “Outside of their personal circle, they’re barely tolerated.”

“Why?” Elle leaned forward to peer around Grunt, who sat between her and Rachel like a massive mountain separating nations. “I mean, I know why the commander is unlikeable, but why the whole dynasty?”

“They don’t play well with others.” Rachel gave a sniff of disdain.

“Rach,” Elle said. “Youdon’t play well with others. What’s the difference?”

“They’re vindictive.” Rachel looked disgusted. “They keep records, hold grudges, and ensure their enemies pay. And don’t say I do that. There’s nothing underhanded about any retribution I may seek. I let people know I’m coming and what they can expect.” She smiled. It was terrifying. “Take the former commander, Tessa Sharp, for instance. I promised her I’d ruin her life for getting you kidnapped, and Ryan shot, and I did. Well, my lawyers did.” There was no disguising the satisfaction in those words. “But I did warn her beforehand. That’s just cricket.”

Grunt grunted and grinned, obviously approving of Rachel’s attitude.

Time was running out for chatter. The Chelsea custody suite wasn’t far from their office, which meant a short van ride.

Callum turned to Lake. “What did you do to Fitzwater?”

Lake’s expression darkened. “We went through Special Forces training at the same time. He seemed to think he was competing against me.”

“When it’s not a competition,” Callum muttered. He remembered his training well. It was about being a team and upping your own game. It wasn’t about the performance of anyone around you.

“He was desperate to get through,” Lake continued. “His family all went the officer route, and he would’ve been the first to make it into Special Forces. It would have been a real feather in the family cap.”

“Guessing he didn’t make the cut,” Joe said. He, too, had been Special Forces, along with Grunt. Only, they had served in America.

“He cheated,” Lake said evenly. “Put other men in danger. I took issue with his behavior, and he was kicked out of the program.”

There was a moment’s silence before Elle spoke. “This is all about him not getting into the SAS?” She gaped at them. “That’s it?”

“No.” Rachel sighed in disgust. “It’s about a perceived slight to his overinflated ego.”

Elle still seemed shocked. “It can’t be. I mean, seriously? Who holds a grudge over something like that?”

Grunt rumbled and spoke: “A little prick.”