“You left me a long message. Remember? You spouted off a lot of information that yes, I’ll use with discretion. As you might imagine, there’s a lot to process and several careers that could be ruined.”
“I know. I just thought you could use some background in what I’ve been dealing with.”
“You do know you’re no longer a member of the agency. Right?” There was a hint of admonishment in her tone, yet she was genuinely amused at the lengths I’d gone to.
“Yeah, I get it. You know what kind of man I am.”
“Always seeking justice. I admired that about you. Even when you stalked me. Bastard.”
We both laughed and at least the tension that had comprised our relationship for years wasn’t nearly as strong as before.
“As crazy as it sounds, doing so helped me get inside his head.”
“I’m glad for that. You saved Alexia. Twice. That’s something special.” When she looked over her shoulder at the door, I knew exactly what she was doing since the other four members of Raven Intel were still inside my house. We were supposed to be decompressing.
Preparing for another mission should it rise in ranks.
Even though I wasn’t certain if I was interested.
“So you’re going to tell me there’s no truth to the rumor that you and those guys in there are part of some covert organization who goes around demanding justice. Right?”
I glanced toward the door, able to see Hudson and Kendrick in a heated conversation. “They’re just my poker-playing buddies.”
“Uh-huh. Whatever you say.” She took a few seconds. “I will admit. Whoever the Justice Served guys are, and I assume they’re men. Maybe I’m wrong, but they’re heroes within the agency. I just wanted you to know that.”
“Interesting. Good for them. Whoever they are.”
Her laugh was short. “All kidding aside, Maverick. You should be careful. Take care of yourself. It looks like you have a lot to live for. Thank you for the information. I’ll handle it with kid gloves.”
“Any idea what might happen to Samuel Wells?”
“I haven’t heard officially yet, but my guess is the execution will be put on hold, and new trial set in motion although with yourevidence of his actual involvement, my guess is he’ll be set up in a secure setting where he can get help.”
I took a few seconds, rubbing my jaw. “That’s for the best.”
“Alright then. I’ll leave you alone.” She walked to the door. “Just one last thing. You felt your life was in danger, which was why you shot Steven Wells. Correct?”
After all these years, we still had each other’s backs. “Yeah, correct.”
“Good. Understood. Take care, Maverick. Maybe I’ll see you some day at a book signing.”
As she left, I shook my head, only to realize I was being watched by the woman I’d fallen in love with. How did I know I was in love? Because all I’d thought about was protecting her without care for my own life. Truly. I would have lay down and died for her.
But I had to admit, I’d much rather enjoy the time spent together very much alive.
Alexia walked closer, taking her time as she did. “What did your old partner want?”
“Just to see if we were okay after our ordeal.”
“You know the reporters are making the five of you out as heroes. I have to agree. They’re also curious if you left a message anywhere like you did with dealing with some other criminals. What was it you used to write on buildings and trees, cars? Oh, yes. Justice served.” She wrapped her arms around me.
As soon as she did, I pulled her close. “No, of course not. That would be a crass thing to do.”
She shook her head and rubbed her hands up and down my arms. “You’re not a very good liar.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I lowered my head and she lifted hers, but for now, just being close was all we needed.
Sighing, she tipped her face toward the ocean, sadness streaming into her eyes. “Looks like I might be out of a job.”
