“Let’s go back inside.” Zane’s suggestion was met with grumbles but also with slaps on the back before everyone headed in.
Luke held back. “Zane. Really. I’m sorry.”
“No need. I was prepared for you to punch me, so all things considered, I think you exercised impressive restraint.”
“I’d like to punch somebody.”
“Yeah. Maybe hang on to that thought.”
Luke followed Zane inside, and as soon as they resumed their seats, he said, “Explain.”
Zane explained about the cuff link, the Janus symbol, the paintings in the Carmichael estate, and the photos of Monteith, Meadows, and McCloud.
“Do we have anyone looking into this Janus group?” Charles asked.
“Not yet. Tessa agreed with me this morning that we need to investigate it further, but she didn’t want to divert any resources until after the president is back in DC.”
Luke, Gil, and Benjamin groaned. Charles snorted. “Again, I do not understand women. What I do understand is that not one of us fell in love with a woman who doesn’t have a razor-sharp mind of her own, a stubborn streak ten miles wide, and a heart bigger than the Milky Way. Tessa’s made up her mind, and getting mad at her won’t change it.”
“Point to Charles.” Zane shrugged. “For now, it’s crucial that you know what’s happening and you’re aware of the possible ramifications of members of this Janus society being present tomorrow night. Tessa still has nothing but a few fuzzy memories of that night, but she studied those photographs today hoping she could place any of them at the bar. No luck.”
“Can Sabrina help us?” Gil asked.
“Possibly, but she’s working with the Carrington officers to track the Calvin Cross protestors, who are currently the most likely threat we have against the president.”
“Tessa will be devastated if anything happens to the president tomorrow night. But if she thought that she’d been a distraction to the investigation or the protective detail, it would destroy her.” Benjamin rubbed a hand over his face. “Charles is right. She’s stubborn. But she’s one of the best agents I’ve ever worked with. I’m willing to give her this.” He looked at Zane. “But to be clear, I will not leave this alone. Once POTUS is back in DC, we dig deep into this Janus situation.”
“Agreed.” Luke nodded.
“Definitely.” Gil looked at Zane. “We’ve got her back, man.”
“I know. Thank you.”
Benjamin blew out a long breath. “So, I’m not sure I want to do this right now, but just so we’re clear on one point, youarein love with Tessa. Am I right?”
Zane started to speak. Stopped. Started again. Stopped again.
Charles leaned toward Benjamin. “Pretty sure that’s a yes.”
Gil took a sip of his Coke. “That’s been a yes since she walked in the door.”
Luke laughed so hard he choked. “Worst-kept secret ever.”
Zane pointed to each of them in turn. “I hate all of you.”
“Sure you do.” Luke stood. “Now, why don’t you text Tessa and tell her you survived and find out how she’s doing.”
Zane didn’t need to be told twice.
Done here. How’s it going there?
Good. They’re all furious, of course, but they love me. How’s it going there?
Good. They’re ready to go for blood. But they’ll follow your lead for now. You should expect them to be all over it next week.
I guess that’s to be expected.
It is. I’ll text you again when I head your way.
