And speaking of disappointing… She stared at the missed calls on her phone she had yet to return.
She’d been putting him off on purpose. Her uncle must have learned about her administrative leave. Chris North was good like that. The man had connections all over the place and the leeway to do a lot, both legal and illegal, when he had the urge.
She knew he wouldn’t step into her business unless invited because she’d set those boundaries before leaving home to go to college, and again when joining the Marine Corps. Uncle Chris had respected her even when she’d joined the FBI against his wishes.
Staring at her cell phone, which she’d also cleaned a few times, leaving it streak free, she bit the bullet and dialed his number, careful not to leave smudges.
Despite what her cousin thought, Jane wasn’t a germophobe. She just prized cleanliness and order above all else.
Uncle Chris answered on the second ring. “About time you checked in.” His deep voice had that unsettling effect of making her stand straight and tall, as if at attention awaiting orders from her commanding officer.
Annoyed, she purposefully slouched. “Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. I didn’t do anything wrong. But I’m bored out of my skull. Will you be home for Christmas?”
Home meaning Bainbridge Island in rural Washington. Situated in the Sound a short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge had plenty of rich forest and property for those who could afford it. Her uncle maintained a large home there they called “the ranch,” as well as a bigger plot of land in Central Oregon.
A proper getaway for him and his team when they needed to unwind.
“I’m not actually home at the moment, but Joe and Hal are headed that way. The rest of the guys are with me.”
She liked both men. Heck, she considered all her uncle’s misfits family. She’d grown up with the members of Team Ten. Joe and Hal were the most fun of the bunch, easily bribable and not prone to snitching.
Even better, her old Resident Agency, or RA, in Poulsbo wasn’t far from the ranch.
“I was thinking of going out there for a little bit. I’m bored here.”
“I heard you the first time.” He paused. “You need any help with the situation? I was sorry to hear about Dan Simmons. He had a great reputation with the DEA.”
“Yeah.” She didn’t know what else to say about Simmons. Grief at his passing still made her uneasy but not exactly sad. Which was good, because Jane didn’t do deep emotions. Even anger should be tempered. Accessed sparingly but not exploited.
Jane had learned her lessons the hard way a long time ago.
“Well, then.” Uncle Chris cleared his throat. “Just so you know, your cousin might get out there for the holidays. I think she’s had some problems with work lately.”
“Seems to be going around.” Jane sighed. “What has the hothead done now?”
“Jane, be nice,” he growled.
Jane counted to ten then said, “I’m always nice. I’m the rational, clear-headed one, remember?”
He chuckled. “Sure you are. You just hide it better is all. Look, I’m heading out for a stint. I’ll be back sometime next month. You need anything, just ask. You know the boys will get you anything you want. And keep your head down while you wait to go back to work.” I love you, honey. Be safe.
“Will do. And watch your six. I’ll be around when you get back.” Love you too. Come home soon.
He grunted then disconnected. The master of saying a lot without saying anything at all.
Jane felt better about no longer having to follow Scott’s ridiculous orders. With Simmons’ death at the forefront of her mind, she couldn’t stop thinking that her team had a mole. She also couldn’t ignore her cousin’s return—cue the inevitable drama. On the plus side, she’d soon see Hal and Joe.
She missed the guys. Missed her cousin too, though she’d be hard pressed to admit it aloud. Though two years younger, Jane typically found herself talking Raine out of a bad idea. It would take several shouting matches, much name calling, and eventual forgiveness before they’d share a beer and some laughs, right before her cousin would be off again on some secret mission. For the Corps, the CIA, or some other alphabet organization.
Raine would never tell, but their uncle always seemed to know when and where his nieces were, and he never tired of telling them he had eyes everywhere. The know-it-all.
With a grudging smile, Jane packed a bag then rechecked the ferry schedule. She had time to combat the ever-present downtown traffic. After saying goodbye to her thriving succulents, she locked up after herself, and, with a spring in her step, pondered what to do next.
She’d make sure to visit with Hal and Joe, but she’d only use their expertise if she failed to get any information from her friend in Poulsbo. The RA had been her first assignment with the FBI, a place full of good memories and lessons learned, mentored by the best—not counting her uncle. A place where she had connections to help her dig into her peers at the Seattle field office.
It was time she stopped playing around and got some real answers.
CHAPTER THREE
