“No.” Angus’s chin had the look of solid rock, and he strode toward the bullpen. “If you’re kicking us out, that’s fine. We’ll go through our files and personal items and box everything up on our own.”

Rutherford shook his head. “You know that’s not how this works. Everything here is owned by the HDD and we’ll break it down.”

“I. Said. No.” Angus stepped up to within a foot of the agents and crossed his arms.

In a movement that was as uniform as a choreographed dance, Wolfe, Malcolm, and Raider pushed away from their desks and fanned out behind Angus, big and strong. A solid wall of muscle and determination, all masking the surprise they must be feeling.

Brigid and Dana quietly disappeared back into the computer room, no doubt to start transferring files while they had the chance.

Nari stood in her doorway, her hand on the dog’s head, watching the showdown. She could fight as well, if not better, than most agents, but which of them would she fight? The HDD had the law on their side, but the Deep Ops team had rights as well. In their own minds anyway.

The elevator hitched and burped, opening again with an even higher pitch. Dr. Jethro Hanson strode out, limping only slightly. He paused and took in the scene, his gaze landing on Angus. “Got your message, mate. Lassiter is alive?”

“No,” Agent Rutherford bit out. “Not alive.” He didn’t turn to look at Jethro, but instead kept his gaze directed at Angus. “This department of the HDD is shut down, Professor. You can go back to your ivory tower and your new life away from danger. Godspeed.”

One of Jethro’s brown eyebrows lifted. “I see.” The professor was in black slacks and a button-down shirt, with his dark blond hair ruffled by the rain. “Why do I feel like I’ve been pulled into West Side Story?”

Nari bit back a laugh. Why did sarcasm sound so much better in a British accent? “The Sharks and the Jets are about to stand down. All of them.” If she didn’t take control of the situation, blows would soon be thrown. “I don’t have bail money for anybody, so here’s what’s going to happen.”

She waited for everyone’s attention to turn to her before continuing. “Agents Rutherford and Fields, you will take your workers back to headquarters while leaving the boxes. We will box up anything that belongs to HDD and just take our personal items home. In the meantime, because I’ve been ordered to headquarters today, I’m going to meet with my superiors and try to get an extension on that year. Or perhaps find another deal.”

Angus’s chin lifted. “Deal?”