“Holy shit,” I say, looking up to where Owen is now standing. “It worked!”
“What? Really?”
“Why do you seem so surprised? This was your plan?”
“Yeah, I know, but that was before you said he faked his death.”
“I’ve no idea what it means. Here.” I pass him the phone and watch as it illuminates his features in the dimly lit apartment.
“Can you get me a pen and paper?”
He’s quiet as he alternates from looking at the phone to taking notes on the paper.
“It’s a meeting place.” He frowns. “That’s weird, right?” He passes back the phone. “See there? That’s the time, place and date.”
“Is that One Time Pad cipher? Not many people use this nowadays. Was popular in World War II, used by the Russians.”
“He said his dad taught him or something.”
I tap my lips, shaking my head. “It’s not him,” I say, grabbing the paper.
“But it’s exactly the code we use. Who would know that?”
“Luca’s dad wasn’t Russian. Besides, he understood what disappearing would mean. He knows he can’t come back to London. I’m telling you, Owen, it’s not him. We’ll go ahead with the meet, but we need to be clever about it.”
“Aren’t we always?” he replies, and I roll my eyes.
“Police. Interview. Need I say more?”
“You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”
“What, you mean calling out the people who want the hard drive and us dead. No, Owen, I’m not going to let you live that one down.”
“It’s not been too bad.”
“Oh God, you’ve gone all politician man on me, glossing over the shit storm behind your smile and using diversion tactics.”
“What diversion tactics?” he asks, pulling me into his arms.
“These tactics.”
“Hmmm.” He places a kiss on my lips and pulls back smiling. “I seem to remember you’re the inventor of this misdirection.”
He kisses me, and like every other time, everything stops.
“Owen, please,” I mumble, “I’m trying to come up with a plan. And you’re supposed to be going to the office, remember?”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to scout the location. Make sure your calendar is clear for tomorrow.”
“Yes, dear.”
I pinch him. “I’m a dangerous woman, you know.”
He raises an eyebrow and leans forward, brushing his nose against mine. “What about going back to my apartment for clothes?”
“I’ll add that to my to do list. I’ll rendezvous with you back here for 18:00.”
