“Okay.” She hesitated for a second. “I have to admit, I never expected to get this call from you. So you’re willing to work on a contract-by-contract basis? That is, if you’re 100 percent sure about this.”
He put his head down and swallowed hard. “Em, there are a lot of bad people out there in the world and not enough good people to take them on. I know that now. I’m one of the good ones. And while I’d love to say I can sit on the beach and sip Mai Thai's all day and not worry about it, the fact is I will. As long as there are evil people out there, I need to be out there too.”
She resisted the urge to say that was what she’d been trying to tell him all along. “I agree. It’s a burden, a blessing, and a curse.”
“You got that right. Single contract ops is best. There might be times when I’m not as available as others. Use your best judgment on when to call and when not to.”
He’d always trusted Emily’s ability to assess people’s strengths and weaknesses. Sean wasn’t just handy with a gun or good in combat; his ability to figure out a situation made him one of her best. Those same skills had served Tommy and the IAA well.
A few seconds went by as he pondered what to say next. “Any word on Dufort’s location?”
“Not yet. He’s gone dark. We’ll find him though.”
“Let me know when you do. I’d like to handle that one.”
“Something personal between you and him?”
An announcement came through the airport speaker system that his plane was beginning the boarding process. People stood up from their seats and started moving toward the line that had already formed.
He shook his head. “Not for me. I just don’t want him to hurt any more innocent people. And I want to make sure he pays for his crimes.”
There was a tentative silence for another moment before she said, “When can you come in?”
He thought about what he was doing. Despite the stress, the danger, and the way too many close calls he’d had through the years of working at Axis, Sean knew that it was his life’s mission to keep the innocent safe. There were no two ways about it.
“Whenever you need me. All you have to do is call.”
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to my editors, Anne Storer and Jason Whited, for their incredible work on my books. Their efforts make my stories shine brighter than I ever imagined.
I’d also like to thank all of my VIP readers for their support and constant feedback that helps guide me along this writing journey. My VIP group is more than just a group of fans; they are truly my friends, and I hope I always entertain them with my words.
Dedication
For my father, whose mind is blown every time I tell him I write books.
Thanks for the love, wonder, and support you’ve always given to me and so many other kids with dreams.
About the Author
Ernest Dempsey is the author of the uptempo, Sean Wyatt thriller series. He makes his online home at ernestdempsey.net. You can connect with Ernest on Twitter at @ErnDempsey or on Facebook.
Send him a message if you feel so inclined. He’ll be happy to get back to you.