“You know people in the US military?”
He looks away. “Not exactly in the armed forces, but?—”
“Other spies,” I interrupt.
He shrugs. “Colleagues.”
That’s one way to put it. I take a sip of coffee, buying myself a moment. “I have my own contacts.”
His gaze sharpens instantly. “Who?”
“My best friend,” I say. “Well, actually her husband, who’s also my former boss, runs a security company. They do extractions.”
Julian’s jaw clenches. “You worked for a security operation?”
A sharp bark of laughter escapes my lips. “No. My friend’s husband is co-owner of the security company, but it’s his brother who runs it. I worked at the bar that my friend’s husband owns.” I look up at Julian. “Did you think I was a fellow spy? And that I’ve played you this whole time?”
He shakes his head. “I’m a little disturb by how much pleasure you take in that possibility.”
I lean back. “It would have been a nice twist to our story.” I smile, but then I have to look away and blink away the tears gathering in my eyes as I remember that this is the end of Julian’s and my story.
Julian clears his throat. “Do you trust these two brothers?”
“With my life.”
“That’s a strong endorsement.”
I smile faintly. “You don’t know April.”
He exhales slowly. “I threw your phone away.”
“I noticed.”
“For your safety.”
“I know. But you still have yours. Can I borrow it?”
His jaw tightens. “It’s encrypted,” he says. “Tracked only if I allow it.”
“I wouldn’t?—”
“I know,” he interrupts. His gaze softens. “But your friends might try to track the call and I don’t know what kind of technology they have. The call could be an enormous risk for me.”
I nod. “I get that.”
We sit there, the tension humming between us like the jungle itself.
Before either of us can say more, Lucien’s voice drifts in from behind us. “You should finish breakfast, quickly.”
We both turn to see Lucien standing at the edge of the terrace, immaculate as ever, hands loosely clasped behind his back, expression mild.
“Why?” Julian asks flatly.
Lucien’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Because supplies will be… limited, soon.”
My stomach drops. “What do you mean?” I ask.
Lucien steps closer, lowering his voice as if the jungle itself might be listening. “The rebels have surrounded the villa.”
