“I think that’s a good idea,” I hear myself say, chewing my lip for a few beats, while I think it through. “I agree with Falkor. You can’t go in there blind.”
Grim looks at me, surprise in his eyes.
“You’re making out like I plan on running in there half-cocked,” he says. “I plan on observing the situation first.”
“You could be caught long before you even have a chance to observe,” Falkor says. He shakes his head. “It would be better if you let me go in first. I’m just a forgetful old male. They won’t suspect a thing.”
Grim is quiet; his jaw works. I can see the conflict on his face. I know his first instinct is to protect Falkor; it’s how he’s wired. But the male is making a good case that’s hard to ignore.
“Are you sure you—?” Grim starts to say.
“I want to help,” Falkor interrupts firmly. He takes Grim’s hand in one of his and mine in the other. His skin is warm and papery, his grip surprisingly strong. “They won’t do anything to an old male. I’ll be fine. I need to do this for the two of you. For young love, even if you’re still in denial.” He smiles.
I squeeze his hand back, my throat tight with emotion. This sweet, kind man is willing to put himself at risk for us.
“I can do this,” Falkor says, looking between us. “Trust me.”
Grim is silent for another moment. Then he nods. “Okay. As long as you’re sure.”
Falkor beams at him. “For the last time: I am! I promise.” He releases our hands and stands. “Let me go fetch my coat.”
He keeps the reminder letter clutched in his hand as he shuffles out of the room.
As soon as he’s gone, Grim pulls me into a tight hug. I collapse against him, burying my face in his chest. His arms wrap around me, solid and warm, and I can feel his heart beating steady and strong beneath my cheek.
I’m sure he can sense that I need this, because I do. I’m falling apart, piece by piece, and he’s the only thing holding me together right now. Him and hope that we’ll make it out of this.
“At least it’s good news about Sally,” he murmurs against my hair.
I nod against his chest. “I’m happy. But I’m also worried, Grim.”
His arms tighten around me. “Let’s take it one step at a time. Right now, Falkor is going to get intel. I’ll have a plan by the time I leave later.”
“I don’t like it,” I whisper.
“I don’t either,” he admits. “But it will be okay. I have to believe that.” He pulls back just enough to look down at me. “I have tactical training, Wren. I’m more than capable.”
“I know you are,” I whisper; my throat is feeling tight.
But knowing he’s capable doesn’t make me any less terrified of losing him.
“You’re not coming with me this time, Wren. We do make a good team, but—”
“It’s fine. I get it. I don’t have the training you do. I’m not nearly as silent when I walk. It doesn’t make sense for me to go, even though I want to help you.”
“You can help me by staying safe.”
I nod, then I remember something he said when he hung up the phone, and I frown.
“What did you want to tell me?”
He looks confused for a second.
“Earlier,” I clarify. “Just before Falkor came, you said there was something you needed to tell me. It was right after you got off the phone with Drake.”
Understanding dawns in his eyes, followed quickly by something I can’t quite read. He shakes his head.
“Don’t worry about it. It wasn’t important.”
