Eye of the Sh*t Storm by Jackson Ford (most romantic novels .txt) 📕

“As it is, her actions must have consequences. From now on, she will be continuously monitored. Location, communications, all of it. And in ways she cannot disrupt or remove. I have given her far too much leeway, and that ends now.”

It hasn’t escaped Reggie’s notice that Moira has yet to mention her, or what she did. And as if picking up on this thought, Tanner says, “Ms McCormick, you lied to me. You compromised the integrity of our operation, at the worst possible time.”

“I—”

“I am removing you from your post, effective immediately. You are no longer head of operations for China Shop.”

And there it is.

Africa sucks in a breath, grips the back of Reggie’s chair, as if steadying himself. Reggie knew it would happen quickly, but it still hits her like a punch to the gut.

“I understand,” she says, amazed at how calm she is. “I assume you’ll want me to continue to act as the systems expert for—”

“No. As of now, your clearances are revoked. You are not to participate in or advise on any missions conducted by this government. Your services are no longer required.”

This time, it’s Reggie who sucks in a horrified breath.

A demotion was expected. A punishment of some sort. But this…

She should argue. She should fight this. She is one of the best hackers in the country, and China Shop can’t possibly run itself without—

And yet even as the thought occurs, she’s questioning it. What good would protesting do? Even if she could convince Moira to let her keep her position, it wouldn’t last.

Nemila was one thing. There was a time when Reggie would have called the bond between her and Moira unbreakable. The six days they spent in that forest had forged them in steel. They were closer than friends. They were sisters.

But it’s been a long time since Nemila, and both of them have changed. She knew this, even if she didn’t want to think about it. The bond between them had become as fragile as spun glass, and the last twelve hours have shattered it. From now on, every briefing Reggie gave would be suspect. Questioned. Interrogated.

Doubted.

That’s how Moira thinks. Why continue with her, when they could hire someone almost as good – and who, more importantly, will play by the rules? Moira is nothing if not a pragmatist, and what could be more pragmatic than that?

Tanner’s face softens almost imperceptibly. “Your medical insurance with the federal government will continue for the notice period, per your contract. Your final pay cheque will still arrive. And you have your settlement from the Army, of course. You can remain in the office quarters until you find suitable accommodation. But you are not to take part in any operations, in any capacity. Am I clear?”

She does not, Reggie notices, mention that this is the third destroyed chair in two years. Her version of being generous, she supposes.

“Mrs Tanner…” Africa’s face has gone grey. “This… I don’t think…”

“Mr Kouamé.” Tanner’s attention snaps to him. “You are the only person in China Shop who obeyed orders, and worked within mission parameters. As of now, you are the acting head of operations.”

Reggie can’t stop a stunned gasp from slipping out. Africa. Head of China Shop.

But why not? Why the hell not? China Shop as it stands is finished. Paul is dead. Annie may soon follow him. Teagan is… not herself. Reggie is no longer part of anything. So why not have Africa run things? What harm could he possibly do?

She finds herself embarrassed at the thought. As if he’s an imbecile, an amateur. She has to remind herself just how far he’s come, how seriously he’s taken his new role. He’s a long way from the damaged homeless man Teagan first made contact with. He has a life now, a steady relationship, a home, a job he clearly cares about and wants to be good at.

But this isn’t what he wanted.

Africa has always lionised Moira Tanner. Why wouldn’t he? She gave him everything he ever dreamed of. But as she looks him, Reggie is more sure than anything: he never saw himself doing it at the expense of the team. He probably thought that he might one day take over when Reggie retired. Not when she was pushed out, in the wake of a failed operation.

A spiteful part of her – a part she would have utterly ignored yesterday, but which is heard far too easily today – wants him to throw it back in Moira’s face. To say no, that is unacceptable. That he will work with Reggie, or he will not work at all.

But of course, he doesn’t. He straightens, and with only the barest glance at Reggie, says, “I understand.”

Reggie tries to be angry, but she can’t do it. Can’t even fake it, mostly because what she feels is relief.

Cold, calm relief.

A worrying thought tugs at her. Before she can get there, Africa voices it. “But so I am clear: you are saying I am acting head. Who is—?”

“It will take time to wrap up my commitments in Washington, and to meet with the various stakeholders to give them answers on what happened today.” There’s no hint of emotion from Tanner now – it’s as if she’s reading from a script. “Until I can relocate, you will take point on our operations.”

Until she can relocate?

“You are coming to Los Angeles?” Africa says.

“China Shop has not been as effective as it should. And given recent events, it’s clear that that is a situation I cannot allow.” She narrows her eyes, very slightly, as if steeling herself to begin an unpleasant job. “I will be taking command of the operation directly.”

FIFTY-SEVENReggie

“Mr Kouamé,” Tanner says. “Your mandate is simple. You are to gather as much intelligence as possible on the man who attacked your team today, and his handler. Who they are, what they are planning, where they are located. If they were in Los Angeles, then they will have left a