“Think about it,” Agent Sanderson said as she and her partner rose. “But don’t take too long, and don’t make the wrong decision.”
She smirked down at Ava. “Hope to hear from you soon.”
“So, I’m free to go?” Ava asked as the woman stepped to the door.
Agent Sanderson popped it open, motioning with her folder. “Free to go. Have a nice rest of your day, Ms. Collins.”
As Ava rose, she resisted the urge to scramble to the door, determined to show her strength. “Great talking to you.”
She strolled from the room into the clinical hallway, her heart hammering as she headed for the doors leading outside.
She squinted against the bright sun as she gulped in deep breaths of fresh air when she finally stepped outside.
“Ava!” Alex’s panicked voice called to her.
She shielded her eyes with her hands as she searched for him. She found him and Kyle hurrying across the parking lot.
“Hey, what are you two doing here?”
“We were about to break in and rescue you,” Kyle said as Alex shot him a glance.
“What?” Ava asked, her attention turning to Alex. “Is that true?”
“No…maybe…Look, Avs, we’ve got trouble.”
Her stomach tightened, her heart skipping a beat. It seemed like they were always in a state of crisis, and the constant stress was taking its toll. What fresh hell awaited them now? And would this one tear them apart?
CHAPTER 3
ALEX
Alex’s stomach churned as the word “trouble” left his mouth. Trouble had become their constant companion, weaving itself into every aspect of their lives. It seemed like they couldn’t catch a break, always one step away from disaster.
“Trouble enough that you were about to break into a DHS facility?”
Alex shrugged, a wince tugging at his lips. “Well…that’s sort of strong. More like…some creative tricks with the power grid–”
“While I burst in triumphantly and drag you to safety,” Kyle added.
“Yeah, that part was still a work in progress, but…that was the rough plan.” Alex shoved his hands into his pockets.
“Okay? Does someone want to tell me why?”
“Umm, maybenoton DHS property. I feel like…we’re being watched.” Alex glanced up at the cameras on the corners of the building.
Ava followed his gaze before nodding. “Right. Yes, let’s head back home and talk there.”
Kyle hurried across the parking lot. “Shotgun.”
“Wait, with who?” Alex asked as they followed behind him.
Kyle twisted to eye them. “Ava’s my first choice. No offense. I know we’re bros, but…she’s way cooler. And you drivesoslow.”
Ava burst into laughter, smacking Alex’s chest. “He’s right. I told you. I so told you.”
“I don’t drive that slow! Come on!”
“Mmm-hmmm,” Ava said as she palmed her keys and unlocked her doors. “Race you home.”
