Free Code Name: Red Rock by Taylor Lee Page A

Franklin waltzed in. The one thing the assholes would’ve noticed was an empty room when Franklin should have been making his rounds.”
    Jesse laughed. It was easy to do now that she was out in the Square among the thousands of tourists. Even at 2 a.m. eager revelers filled the streets going from pub to pub. Jesse was struck again at the uncanny genius of their target miscreants. Who would believe that two stories in an unprepossessing office building in the heart of London’s most famous tourist center housed an international gang of criminals preparing to sell stolen weapons to some of the most dangerous terrorist organizations on the planet?
    “You’re right, Rory. It was close. I was just securing the mic when Franklin walked in. Fortunately he was more interested in the fact that an ugly babe was working late than in what I was doing. But I got pictures of all the files, and Rory, when we finish tomorrow night we are going to take down the most evil enterprise I’ve seen in many a moon. I only had time to skim the reports but if the details are as damning as the summary, we are talking about multi millions of dollars of black market weapon systems including everything from RPG’S to AK47’s.”
    “Phew, that’s gonna be some party tomorrow night. Wish I could be on the inside. But watching you even from a surveillance truck is a treat. You’re a pro, hot cheeks, one of the best in the business. And this operation is going to earn you yet another commendation. I can understand why the Colonel wanted to be a part of it. If it’s as big as you say, it’s no wonder our fearless ass-kissing leader wants to be front and center.”
    Jesse grunted in agreement. In two years of working with this undercover team it was the first time that their ‘leader’ had put himself in the fray. Which to Jesse confirmed that the higher-ups must be watching. Rory was right. Their leader hadn’t gotten to where he was by being modest. If accolades were given, he would be front and center. When things got sticky as they often did, the Colonel was AWOL.
    The Colonel should know the rules of the game. Once they completed the mission it would be as though it never happened. It was never on the books. The team members, like Jesse, understood that the accolades were given, just not publicly. Like every other mission she’d been a part of for the last 10 years, the higher-ups would deny it had happened with their dying breath.
    ~~~
    The light on her desk phone blinked. Jesse stammered into the receiver, “Yes, yes, Sir. Can I help you?”
    Mason Walker’s brusque voice filled the room.
    “Please come in here immediately.”
    Jesse walked cautiously into the inner office and hovered uncertainly in the doorway. Speaking to the large dark-haired man behind the desk, she squeaked, “Did… did you need something, Sir?”
    He waved an impatient hand.
    “Yes, Miss. I need something or I wouldn’t have called for you.” He turned to the urbane gentleman sitting across from him. “Believe it or not, Stanley, this unassuming young woman is one of the most efficient secretaries we’ve had since we opened our London office. She’s only been here for little more than a week but she’s worked her way through three people’s work.” He snorted. “Even Miss Ambrose, my personal dragon at the door, finds her work acceptable.”
    Walker threw his guest a knowing smile and muttered as though Jesse couldn’t hear, “Wonder if it has something to do with her looks?”
    The slender man tweaked the crease in his tailored trousers and quirked a brow.
    “Yes, Walker. We all know Miss Ambrose’s reputation. Am I correct that she attempts to protect you from temptations as well as annoyances?”
    Walker laughed. “That she does. And this young lady is a good example of Miss Ambrose’s diligence.”
    Turning to Jesse, he frowned. “Miss… what’s your name again?”
    Jesse lowered her eyes shyly. “Millie. Millie Roane, Sir.”
    “Right,