Wild Hearts (Novella) Read Online Free Page B

justice usually make the best J-Men. Plus, as it turns out, you’re suddenly available.”
    “Is that why you started the agency?” Risk asked.
    “Yeah, what’s your story?” Julian asked.
    Chase smiled, but there was an edge in his gaze. “I’ve been there, had my name and reputation ruined. I know what you’re going through firsthand. I won’t ask you to divulge your secrets, and I expect the same from you.”
    He turned to Julian. “The Justiss Alliance takes cases selectively. No criminals, rock stars, or straight-out security work. Unless there are mitigating circumstances. If you sign on, you’ll be paid well, even for the pro bono work. And TJA will never throw you under the bus. The credo applies: No man left behind. So far I haven’t lost oneoperative.” He slid them a sly smile. “But it’s been close a few times.”
    Danger. Justice. The two tugged at Risk, the same way the prospect of becoming a SEAL had. “What kinds of missions would we be undertaking?”
    “Corruption within governmental agencies. Drug rings. Human trafficking. You may hear about a situation that you think warrants our involvement. We discuss it and make the decision to pursue or not. There are some rules, but for the most part, I give my people autonomy in how they carry out their missions.”
    Risk was watching out the window, keeping track of where they were going. “It sounds too good to be true.”
    Chase smiled. “I grew up military, did my time doing the ‘yes, sir,’ ‘no, sir,’ shit. I don’t want employees who will agree with me to my face while planning to separate my balls from my body behind my back.” At the reluctant chuckles from the team, he said, “Yeah, I’ve had bosses like that, too. The loyalty I demand, I will earn.” He nodded toward the card Risk was rubbing between his fingers. “I wrote names and numbers on the back of your cards. Some of my current team. Ask them what Justiss is all about. You won’t find much on me or my agency if you’re sniffing around. We keep a low profile.”
    “We.” The guy kept using that pronoun rather than “I” when he referred to his company. Maybe he meant the team part of it.
    “What are the rules?” Risk asked.
    “No drinking while on a mission. No drug use at all. I’d prefer my operatives live in Miami, where headquarters is. As in the military, you’ll be required to keep up your skills during downtime. We have resources on-site, like a range and hostage scenario training. And with an international airport right there, it’s convenient for travel. Your assignments will be all over the country, maybe even overseas. Most of my operatives don’t find relocating to Miami a hardship.” He shot them a smile.
    The limo had driven around the block and now returned to the parking lot. The driver got out and walked to the door, but he waited outside.
    “I’m not asking for a commitment now,” Chase said. “Get the piss out of your system. It’ll take a month or so to do that and reintegrate into civilian life. That’s the hardest part, especially when it happens unexpectedly. I don’t want angry operatives; I want determined, loyal, and dedicated operatives. You are all of those things. Don’t letthe government destroy that.”
    He took them in with a level, sweeping gaze. “Call if you have any questions. That’s my direct line on the card.” He flicked the card back at Julian, and it landed on his lap. Then he closed the door and sauntered over to a black Maserati.
    The boys didn’t say a word until they reached the airport. The driver gave them a half-smile as he handed them their luggage and bade them farewell. Then what he said was “See you later.” It wasn’t a casual send-off. He figured they’d sign on.
    Once they were out of earshot of him or anyone else, they stood in a tight circle.
    “Who the hell was that guy?” Rath said, searching the crowd.
    “Never seen him before,” Risk said. “But I have to say, I’m