Free MAC WALKER'S BENGHAZI: The Complete Collection by D. W. Ulsterman Page B

going on? Why the hell do we have FBI in Benghazi?”
    Tilley’s reply came back slow – he was being very careful of the words he used.
    “Mac, I know I have to be looking pretty suspicious to you right now. I get it, and at this point, all I can do is apologize and do my best for you to keep the assignment proceeding so you stay safe and eventually we all get paid. I have no idea on the FBI information…if you saw who you say you saw, then the first thing I’m going to do after talking to you is confirm that information here on my end. My contact is with the State Department – at least officially. That is who was supposed to send you some help out there. And I trust him one hundred percent Mac. I really do. I know at this point you don’t trust me, and that’s ok, but hopefully after Ella gets you set up, I’ll start to earn that trust back.”
    Mac sensed Tilley was being sincere, though he also had to consider the man was likely at this point in his career, an exceptionally proficient liar.
    “Who is this Ella? How do you know her?”
    Tilley’s tone was slightly more relaxed.
    “Ella Lerner is top tier Mac. That’s all I want to say over the phone. You’re in very good hands. She owed me one, and her helping you and your team out is payment for that debt. She’s nobody you want to fuck with though, so don’t even think about it.”
    Mac grunted, remembering Ella’s recent display with the MG-42 machine gun.
    “Yeah – saw a bit of that already. She’s not so bad on the eyes too.”
    Tilley chuckled. He was becoming more relaxed – more like his usual self.
    “I need you to stay focused Mac. Plus, word is, you already had a bit of down time with a certain attractive and very wealthy someone right before you flew out of D.C. I figure you should have that kind of thing out of your system for at least a few days, right? Just let Ella get you to the safe house and then we can confirm your assignment details once you’re settled in.”
    Mac saw Udi motioning for him to follow him down from the roof and back into the building’s interior.
    “Ok Tilley – I’ll let you know when we are at the safe house.”
    Mac hung up the cell phone and nodded back to Udi while also noting the street below remained clear of trouble. The angry mob may return soon, but it hadn’t done so just yet.
    Standing back inside the lobby of the Libyan Freedom Network building, Mac was glad to see the three other members of his crew were already inside and waiting for further instructions. Benny and Minnick appeared calm, though focused, while Jack looked somewhat more on edge.
    Ella stood looking back at Mac, her arms crossed over the front of her black blouse.
    “I am certain I made clear you were to make your way back down here as soon as possible Mr. Walker. You have kept me waiting.”
    Mac was about to respond with one of his more typical smart-ass comments, but looking back at Ella’s humorless, dark eyes, thought better of it. She was in no mood.
    “I apologize – I was speaking with Tilley.”
    Ella Lerner’s mouth curled into a smirk, her high cheekbones made more prominent by having left her blonde hair still pulled back in a pony tail.
    “I would imagine your confidence in your Mr. Tilley is a bit…lessened, yes?”
    Mac shrugged, looking back at his men to let them know they were in no immediate danger.
    “Things went to shit. It happens.”
    Ella shook her head.
    “Not when I’m in charge they don’t. I have been told the location of your safe house Mr. Walker. Udi here will see that you are safely transported to there in my vehicle. After that, I must reiterate, our business together is to be concluded. You are not to contact me again. Do you understand?”
    Mac simply nodded, though as he looked Ella over again, quietly hoped they would have an opportunity to get to know each other better, and soon.
    Unknown to Mac, Ella was hoping the same.
     
    XI.
     
    Mac, Benny, Minnick, and Jack sat inside the