Cupping her cheeks, I hold her to my lips and kiss the damn woman with everything inside me. I only stop because I get a text message from my boss.
Stillman: Drop your prisoner off at the hospital, then report to the DC Office. Stat.
Chapter 21
Wolves don’t hunt singly, but always in pairs. The lone wolf was a myth.~John Fowles
Gwen
Over an hour ago, we dropped off Bourdeau and traded the Volvo for a Ford SUV in the hospital parking lot. Now, facing the bright sun, I lower the visor and glare at my partner.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong or continue to pout all the way to DC?”
He sighs. “FBI agents don’t pout, they strategize. You shot an unarmed man, and the DA will undoubtedly come after you. You should learn to think before you act.”
Call me cranky-pants, but his comment has no merit. “Do you think we would’ve gotten Ledbetter’s name or the hard drive if I hadn’t given this matter carefulthought?”
Blue eyes on the pavement, his scowl deepens. “You could be charged with attempted murder.”
“He threatened my daughter. He’s lucky to be alive.” If he hadn’t grabbed the gun when he did, I was so damn angry, I might’ve pulled the trigger.
Mr. Cool glances off the road and glares. “If you go to jail, your husband will have full custody, which was neveryourplan, right?”
“No, of course not.”Sometimes, I do wonder if she’d be better off. Everything that has happened is my fault, and I’ve done nothing except make things worse. Dammit.
I let him hear my heavy sigh. “Perhaps Farid was right. If I’d been a stay-at-home mom, my daughter would be safe.”
Axel’s voice softens. “Don’t even think about it. You shouldn't give up. You and me, we can beat them.”
He’s so sweet, my throat tightens, and my eyes water. “I’ve been flying solo for so long, I don’t think I know how.”
“We keep on fighting.” The squeeze to my knee acts like a faucet knob, and tears flow.
“I don’t want you to lose your job because of me.”
“We will find this bedwetter and use him to bargain for your freedom. First, I need a copy of everything you uploaded, where you sent it, and all of Henry’s intel, too.”
Sniffing, I search for a tissue in my purse and blow my nose. “Yeah, sure.”
His phone pings, he reads the text, and curses. “My boss wants me to send a report by end of day. Before I do, can you open this?”
After he hands me Bourdeau’s thumb drive, I stick it in my laptop and shake my head, no. “It’s locked. Do you think it’s important?”
“He almost pissed himself when I took it from him.”
“I didn’t notice. Being emotionally blind sucks.”
“I kind of like you the way you are.” His offhanded comment makes my face heat, and I struggle to find an adequate response.
“Ditto.” In the silence, Beyoncé bitch-slaps me on the side of the head.Damn girl, that’s all you got?
Shamed by my shoulder angel, I attempt to make light of the awkward moment. “Do you think, after I serve my time, we can spend our golden years together playing Scrabble?”
He grins. “Anything but Bingo. That’s where I say, hell no.”
“Deal.” As I place my palm on his strong thigh, I recall my legs tangled up in his, and all my lady parts tingle.
He must sense my dirty thoughts because his cock tents under his dress pants. “Damn, imagining you old and gray makes me hard.”
