“What about Alice? Is she on board?”
“Yes, but this is my decision. I’m in charge of field operations. She’s been promoted.”
The idea of getting back to normal, coming back to an empty house after the kids went to school and a day of housework and chores and chauffeuring kids from one thing to the next, that had been fine for a while, but she hated laundry.
“Would I still be filling in for Darcy Dagger?” she asked.
Valentina shook her head no. “You completed that assignment. From here on out, you would be yourself, Agent Gabby Greene.”
There was a nice ring to that. A swell of pride surged through her chest, hitting her harder than the caffeine. Pride—that was the rush she’d been seeking, the one that had always evaded her. No cup of coffee, no tub of Ben & Jerry’s, no random purchase from TikTok could give her the feeling surging through her body right now. This was the person she wanted to be for Kyle and Lucas, a woman with purpose, direction, and pride.
When she thought of Kyle’s decision to dye her hair mostly red, she knew—secret agenting was the right move. Either that or Kyle was seeking her approval because she wasn’t getting enough attention. They’d figure that out, though.
“Your second assignment should be easy for you.”
“Really?” What assignment could possibly be easy? Also, she’d heard that one before.All you need to do is make coffee and smile.Ha!
“You will need to go undercover as a housewife.”
Gabby guffawed. “Really?” Couldn’t she be a vineyard owner or an art collector?
Valentina said, “What, do you think I should have Markus do that one?”
She wanted to say, “Why not?” but she kept it to herself. “I guess I can do laundry, if it’s for national security purposes.” Thatwould be a hell of a lot more satisfying than scrubbing ketchup stains out of Phil’s work shirts.
“So are you in?” Alice asked.
“I am,” Gabby said. “I accept the position.”
Valentina almost smiled and slid a badge across the desk. “Welcome to the Elite Operatives Department, Agent Greene.”
