Raine, allergic to sympathy, saw that kindness and stomped on it by growling, “Helping out my stupid cousin, apparently.”
“No, really.”
“We’ll get back to me in a minute.”
Jane sighed.
Raine continued, “This is a mess. You have a murdered DEA agent, a potential leak in the Seattle office, and likely someone inyour squad working on the Mazzuca case.” Raine paused. “How sure are you that this apartment is clean?”
“I went over every inch of the place last night. Found nothing.”
“Okay. But you should have Hal…” Raine trailed off when she noted Jane’s gaze on the gadget Hal had given her years ago to sweep her house for surveillance devices. “Oh, right.”
“I wasn’t born yesterday.”
“Fine. I’m sorry for worrying.”
After a moment, Jane deflated. “No, I’m sorry for not accepting your concern.”
“That’s a mouthful.”
They grinned at each other.
“I did miss you,” Jane admitted.
“I bet that hurt to say.”
“Seriously did.”
They laughed.
“Now tell me why you’re here,” Jane asked again. “We can talk about me all you like when you’re done. But I’m more worried about you, to be honest.”
Raine shrugged. “I’m having a crisis of conscience, I think.”
“Since when do you have a conscience?” Jane teased, hoping for a smile.
She didn’t get one.
“It’s like all this interrogation work has turned me into a monster. I know we’re trying to protect democracy, to save lives. I’m talking big picture, right? But I’m tired of stepping on the small picture to get there.”
Talking in broad terms didn’t help. Obviously, Raine had been through something she couldn’t talk about, not in specifics.
“Help me understand.”
“I’m questioning the validity of some of the missions I’ve been sent on. I don’t see who they’re helping or what we’re reallydoing there. And I’m tired of being told to shut up and follow orders blindly.”
“But that’s part of being in the military.” Jane knew it, didn’t always agree with it, but she had loved, and still did love, being a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
“I know. Don’t get me wrong. I love it, but I’m not in love with it.”
Jane blinked. “Are we talking about the Marine Corps or a guy?”
At that, Raine huffed. “Right? I love the Corps. I love my job, mostly. But some of my bosses really suck, you know?”
“Trust me. I know.”
They shared a commiserating nod.
