Page 53 of Cops and Robbers
She frowned. “What? Why?”
“He has an undercover alias in Matsuda’s inner circle,” Raz said.
Oh. Wow. She gave a pointed look to Caige. “Why didn’t you mention it sooner?”
“It wasn’t pertinent information until now.”
Shit. This man knew how to play his cards right, only giving away secrets when needed. And she couldn’t be upset at him. Because it didn’t change the overall mission, only how she needed to revise this next part. Matsuda had people everywhere, and given both her and Caige’s aliases worked in similar circles, it would make sense their paths would cross. Caige would act as a strong presence to the people at the gala, and this event might help put him in good favor with Matsuda if their plan worked as she’d hoped. Or it could blow his cover.
“Fine,” she said. “But I expect you to follow my lead and wear a suit.”
“I can help with the latter.” Lewis jumped to his feet.
Caige grumbled. A knock silenced the room. Everyone swiveled toward the door.
“Relax, guys. I’m expecting someone,” she said, heading over to investigate. Peering out the peephole, a familiar face came into view with round cheeks and deep crow’s feet.
She breathed out a relieved sigh and opened the door. “Just the man I wanted to see.”
“Gomen-nesai, Ichikawa-san,“ Clyde said, short black hair bobbing as he bowed.
“No need to apologize.” She ushered her Coheart inside.
He removed his shoes outside and placed them just next to the door with hers as he walked in with a large navy backpack. She took in the deep bags under his dark oval eyes like punches to her gut. He’d been dealing with Bonnie falling off the wagon while Kate was away. Bonnie thought they were going on a honeymoon when, really, Clyde had taken her back to rehab.
A deep weight crept over the relief running through her. “How’s Bonnie doing?”
“She checked herself in, thankfully. I’m heading back after this to make sure they can handle her.”
“This shouldn’t take too long. Come and meet the others.” She guided him through the entryway into the living room. All the men stood to their feet. Raz stepped out of the kitchen to eye their visitor. The Dragon SEALs all together before her were picturesque, a moment to remember.
“Kuso…you’re all here.“ Clyde looked at her.
She laughed. “Everyone, I would like you to meet Takeshi, Clyde. Clyde, this is Sid, Lewis, Caige, and Raz.” She pointed to each one. Clyde bowed.
Raz stepped forward and offered his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.” Clyde’s fingers barely clasped Raz’s as he bowed his head. The Western handshake was awkward to him, even though he had spent decades in the United States as her Coheart. He pivoted to Kate. “Anyway, I have your toy.” Clyde rummaged in his dress pant pockets until he pulled out a compact mirror.
“Oh! It’s perfect.” The pink circular mirror with a cat face on the front hid a wireless network interface controller.
“Do I want to know?” Raz asked, leaning over her shoulder.
“It’ll allow Clyde to gain access to Ziegler’s hacker’s computer.”
“I’ll set up here,” Clyde said, placing his bag onto the island in the kitchen. While he unpacked his equipment, Kate slipped the mirror into her clutch. It clanked against her lipstick.
“Do you have an extra pair of Micron Ears?” she asked Clyde.
Clyde lifted an eyebrow. “Who’s going in with you?”
She nudged her head toward Caige, who gave a blank look back.
“I have a couple extra,” Clyde said, scratching the back of his neck. “The rest will have regular headsets.”
“What are Micron Ears?” Sid asked, stepping closer to Clyde’s laptop and router.
“An untraceable earpiece and microphone that is pierced into your tragus,” Clyde said, pulling out a plastic piercing gun and two small blue boxes. “Your body pushes it out within twenty-four hours.”
