But I am asking why.
Henry Darnelle steps from the sedan and pulls several cases from its trunk. He’s in canvas trousers and sturdy boots, but the white button-down is pristine. He approaches the entrance with the confidence of a man who routinely walks into sandstorms. Or rather, he does until his gaze lands on mine.
“Agent Little?”
I nod.
“I thought you would be…”
Home, resting up for my examination, like a sensible apprentice field agent? Yes, I probably should be.
“I remembered that I left my suit coat here.” He lowers first one case and then the other to the ground. “I thought I’d return for it.”
It’s a reasonable excuse. If he weren’t carrying all manner of equipment, I might even buy it. I narrow my gaze not on his face but on the larger of the two cases.
“And perhaps take a few of my own readings while I’m here.”
This is a breach of protocol. My job might be hanging by a thread, but I am the acting agent in King’s End. A flush darkens his cheeks, making him look boyish. With him standing there in the golden hour glow, he’s distracting and captivating, so much so that I could forget he’s here to fire me.
Well, almost.
“And yes, I should’ve stopped by your house and asked permission first.”
I feel a smile tug my lips. Because here’s the thing. I wasn’t home. Henry Darnelle could have lied.
That he didn’t? That makes me wonder.
“There’s just something about this space that’s nagging at me,” he adds.
“Yes.”
“You feel it too? Well, obviously, you do. So, will you allow me? I know I suggested a survey team, but honestly, it will take them ages to schedule an actual appointment, and then they’ll move the date and move it again. I simply thought?—”
“Agent Darnelle, I’ve already said yes.”
He blinks as if I’ve derailed an express train of thought. “Did you?”
“I did. Please. Do your survey. It might be helpful.”
Considering what Adele just told me, it might be very helpful.
He claps his hands together. “Excellent.” He reaches for the two cases but halts mid-crouch. “You know, Agent Little, if you’re up for it, I could run you through your paces as well.”
“You mean my examination?”
“Yes, the main part. I have all the equipment in the trunk.” He shields his eyes, his gaze taking in the whole of the development. “Things seem quiet. No sign of activity.”
“They’re chastised,” I say. “They weren’t expecting two of us.”
“Of course. And this is far more private than the green.” He grins with the delight of a schoolmaster devising a devastating final exam. “I can deploy all manner of obstacles.”
I must make a face, because that grin turns into a full-fledged laugh. “I have every confidence in you, Agent Little.”
Does he? Does he really? I consider the man before me now. He is the polar opposite of the one who left me in the cemetery this morning. He’s a man embracing a mission rather than slogging through a chore.
Where that leaves me, I don’t know. But I do know this:
I’m not about to turn down his challenge.
