“You already have. More than you know.” This time, I can’t help the waver in my own voice as tears fill my eyes. This isn’t what I want, but I don’t know how else to protect her. Things are going to get worse, and I’m likely going to jail for a very long time. I can’t have her, or anyone else I love, go down with me.
This is something I need to do on my own.
I end the call before she can talk me out of it and text Dec.
Nova:I think you need to promote or reassign Ella. She’s fantastic, and I don’t want my trial reflecting poorly on her future at the CIA.
The text bubble pops up instantly but disappears before popping up again.
Dec:Ok. I won’t fight you on that, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to find you anyone near as good as she is.
Nova:I know. But my mistakes aren’t fair to her.
Dec:When do you want her reassignment?
Nova:Immediately.
Dec:Have you told her?
Nova:Yes.
Dec:Ok, then it’s done.
Nova:Thank you.
I stop typing and throw my phone on the bed and tunnel under the covers in my work outfit and let myself cry until I fall asleep.
The screaming—I can’t get it out of my head. Everything happens so fast. The jewelry stand is now knocked over, and the colorful trinkets are scattered across the street. I look behind the stand to find a frightened child, but there’s nothing I can do to help him.
I glance at the building behind the child, and an open door catches my eye.
“Go!” I shout in Italian and point to the door.
The child looks behind him and back at me, shaking his head vigorously.
A series of shots brings me back to my goal: get to the rendezvous spot.
Reluctantly, I leave the child.
I wake drenched in my usual sweat. This time, though, something sparks in my brain—the door in my dream. The boy was more afraid of that door than the bullets flying all around him.
The sign above the door is blurry in my vision, but I recognize the word.Vivario—or Vivarium in English. A reptile store.
Chapter 22
My head is pounding from a long night of little sleep and spent emotion.
I don’t regret my decision to reassign Ella, but it still hurts. I want to call her, but I know it will only make it worse. I need to give us both time. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
“You set up the extra surveillance?” I ask Gray through the phone, stuffing breakfast in my mouth and trying not to think too much about the lack of texts from Owen.
“Yup. All done. I have your comm, and I’ll be at the bar. Backup will be right outside.”
“Good.”
Though I know everyone is prepared, I still can’t help the sinking feeling in my gut. It’s like I’m missing some significant piece to the puzzle.
“You’re covered, Nova. Don’t worry. Nothing will slip by me.”
