The vibrating phone rattled on the desk, breaking Avery Halsey’s contemplative silence. She sat alone in her tiny office at Myrmidon headquarters beneath the Truman White House in Key West. Tam had loaded her down with work and she really didn’t have time for a personal call. She reached over to tap the Decline button, but then she saw the name on the caller ID.
“What’s up?” she said by way of greeting. “I haven’t heard from you since you called to tell me you’re engaged. You haven’t already gotten cold feet have you?”
“No, it’s still a go,” said the familiar voice on the other end. “So, how’s it going, Sis?”
“Maddock, do you really think I don’t notice when you do that?” He was so predictable.
“What’s that?”
“You only call me ‘Sis’ when you want something.” She grinned at the sudden pause on the other end of the line. She and Maddock had only known one another for a short while, and she enjoyed ribbing him.
“No, it’s not like that. I’m trying to be more personable, that’s all. You’re always telling me how distant I am.”
“So you don’t want anything?” Another pause.
“Well…”
“What is it? I’m glad to help if I can, but Tam’s got me working on something she says is urgent and the last thing I need is her catching me taking a personal call, particularly if it involved doing you a favor while I’m on the clock.”
“Are you ever really off the clock when you work for Tam?”
“Good point,” she admitted. “What do you need?”
“Bones and I have made some new friends.”
Avery sighed. “Of course you have. I thought you left the Myrmidons because you wanted a quieter life with your new fiancée. By the way, tell her no pink or yellow for the bridesmaids’ dresses. I look hideous in both.”
“I’ll try and remember to tell her that. I’m actually avoiding the whole wedding topic. No hurry.”
“Oh, Maddock. You’re a mess.” Avery rubbed her temples. What was it about her brother that every time they talked he managed to stress her out. “Tell you what, I’ll call Angel myself. We’ll get these wedding plans moving.”
“Gee, thanks.” Maddock cleared his throat. “Anyway, these guys showed up out of the blue and they came after Bones’ grandfather.”
Avery sat up a little straighter. “That’s terrible. Why would they do that?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it when we both have more time. Anyway, we’re wondering if the Myrmidons have run across a group called the Trident.”
“The Trident.” Her heart skipped a beat. She knew that name very well.
“Yes. And I’ve got two names which might be connected: Tyson and Ahmed.”
“Maddock, you’ve heard of both the Trident and Tyson. When Tam and I went to the Jefferson Memorial, Tyson is the guy who tried to trap us down there. He works for them. He said so.”
“You’re right. I should have remembered. I’ve been distracted for a while now.” Maddock pause. “So, have you guys got anything on them?”
“I’m not sure. Tam said she’d put out some feelers but it’s not a priority. We’re all about the Dominion, as you well know.”
“Feel free to keep them off of our backs. I’ve had enough of those guys to last a lifetime.”
Avery managed a small laugh. “Maddock, this sounds serious. You really ought to talk to Tam. If anybody knows about them, she does.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“She’s not one of the bad guys. You just don’t like dealing with someone who’s as stubborn as you are.”
“I deal with you, don’t I?”
“You’re such a jerk. But even if that’s true, you’re stuck with me. I’m your sister.”
“Tam never does a favor without expecting something in return. I know that from experience.” She heard a muffled voice in the background. She couldn’t make out the words, but she recognized Bones’ voice. “All right,” Maddock finally said. “We’ll touch base with her when we know a little more about what’s going on. In the meantime, see what you can find out, okay?”
Avery sighed. “All right, but promise me you’ll be careful.”
“When have I not been careful?”
“Not funny. I’ll talk to you soon.”
The call ended and she sat staring at the phone. Sometimes she wondered if having a brother was worth the worry.