“For bringing you into the mix in the first place,” Carmen said.
Bree’s expression flickered; hurt, then understanding. “You were in a complicated spot,” she said. “Doesn’t mean you get a lifetime pass, but it does mean I get it.”
“Can we call it even if I buy you coffee next time I’m in town?” Carmen asked. “Assuming I’m allowed in your new fancy studio without an appointment.”
Bree smiled, the ache in it obvious. “You’re always allowed,” she said. “We’ll paint over the Dragon logo on your jacket if it makes you feel better.”
Carmen laughed, startled and real. “Deal.”
People began spilling out of the tent, the temperature shifting as bodies moved through the night.
Carmen hesitated, then stepped forward and hugged Bree, quick and fierce. When she pulled back, her eyes were bright.
“Take care of her,” she said to Hank.
“Planning on it,” he said.
“And let her take care of you, Marine,” Carmen added. “You’ve got that ‘I can handle everything’ look. It’s bullshit.”
He smiled. “Noted.”
She nodded once, squared her shoulders, and walked back toward the tent; the Dragon logo on her back caught the light, then disappeared into the crowd.
Bree watched her go, her hand finding Hank’s.
“That felt like a goodbye,” she said softly.
“It was,” he said. “But not the permanent kind.”
“You think she’ll take the Cup job?” Bree asked.
“I think she already has,” he said. “She just hasn’t said the words yet.”
Bree exhaled. “I’m glad she’s stepping away,” she said. “Even if it hurts.”
“Step one,” he said. “People who were quiet before are starting to talk. That matters.”
“Are you going to be able to sleep tonight?” she asked.
He thought of the shell company rental and the Brooklyn rasp Carmen had described.
“Eventually,” he said. “After I watch the hallway for an hour and rearrange the chair under the door handle twice.”
She bumped his shoulder with hers. “Good thing you’ve got a girlfriend who’s good with hard things,” she said. “Including talking you down when your Marine brain plans ambush drills in the stairwell.”
He pulled her in, pressing his lips to her hairline. “Yeah,” he said. “That is a good thing.”
Behind them, fireworks popped over the harbor, painting the sky in brief, bright flashes. The crowd roared in appreciation.
Hank watched the reflection in Bree’s eyes; for the first time in a long time, the explosions did not make his muscles tense. They were just light and sound and a town celebrating being alive.
Tomorrow, they would go back to numbers and security plans and shell companies.
Tonight, he wrapped an arm around the woman who had somehow become home and let himself just stand in the warm dark, the threat still out there but held at bay for a few precious hours.
Chapter 19
By late morning, the paddock had emptied out enough that Copper Moon started to feel like itself again.
