What the hell? I look around the bar as I pull the napkin into my lap so the men don't see it.
"Darling, please, I can get you a job at Scotland Yard or the consulate. With your linguistics skills and education, they'd both want you," James states, interrupting my panic. I love this man so much, but I'm going to disappoint him. I look at Duncan, he appears to process this a little more. I bite my lip and hope he didn't see the note and they both don't push me about my jobs.
"Maya, what linguistic skills and training is my father talking about?" Okay, here goes. Most men run for the hills when they find out about me. This is how I'll make sure he doesn't want another night with me.
"Wait, before I answer that, James, explain about Greg."
"He didn't mean to hurt you, he was doing what I asked. I will try to understand why you want to do this, but it is my job to make sure you survive all this."
"Derek is with me, I'm fine."
"Okay."
"Now, Duncan, other than the Krav Maga, I went to the FBI training classes for sidearms and sniper training. I've been a competition sharpshooter since my teens when I was in the biathlon. My father wanted me to go to the Olympics. I speak fluent Yiddish, Hebrew, Arabic, French, Gaelic, Spanish, and Italian. I'm currently learning Pashto, Dari, Mandarin, and Farsi. Plus, I have a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice." I feel like I'm reciting my resume. James looks so proud. On theother hand, Duncan appears to want to either rip my clothes off right here and have his way with me or lock me in a cage to protect me. Okay, only part of what I expected.
"Maya, I just got out of the British Army. I'm working for a friend who runs a security company. He’d love for you to work for him. Ana and Father would love you to come to London." By the look in his eyes, he'd like me here too. I swallow more of my bourbon.
"No, no, both of you. James, you know better. Duncan, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I need to finish what I've started. I like my condo. I love my life in DC." Even if it's a bit lonely. "I can't drop everything. Besides, Uncle Marcus would be lost without my visits up to Boston. I don't want to buy a house or make any decisions until after Savta's solicitor gets everything figured out." I can't tell James I haven't been to see Marcus in months. I've been too busy and something has changed between him and me. The last time I was in Boston he tried forcing his nephew on me. Even after I said no.
"I'm so sorry, Maya, I forgot. She was an amazing woman. What she lived through and accomplished is astounding," James says with a sympathetic pat on my shoulder.
"May I ask what's Savta?"
"Savta is Hebrew for grandmother. She liked me to call her that, as a nickname. James, it’s okay, she needed peace. She’d buried most of her family and some extended family. I'm the only grandchild and family she had left." My heart does a slight drop when I think about losing her last winter. She was so ready to leave this world.
"Did you go back to Tel Aviv forthe funeral?"
"Yes. I stopped by and blew a kiss toward Momma and Abba too."
"Oh, child, loss of a loved one is very hard. You didn't go alone, did you?
"No, Greg and Derek went with me."
"Your mother and my Isabella were such good friends, for that I loved your mother like family. As for Marcus, he can skip the pond once in a while too."
"Wait, Uncle Marcus in Boston?" Duncan chimes in startled.
"Ya," I say and smile. "He and your mother were neighbors with my mom growing up."
"So that's how this all fits. Father would go see his cousin... What’s his name again?" Duncan pauses and looks at his father.
"Oh, you mean Shawn." I see the wistful look in James’s eyes when he thinks of Shawn.
"Yes, that one, he lived near Mum and Uncle Marcus," Duncan states.
"That's right. Marcus isn't my uncle, but he won't let me call him anything else." I laugh.
"Duncan, Maya, come to the house for brunch tomorrow, before you need to leave, Maya." I want to decline, I can't be around Duncan. All I want to do is climb into his lap and make out with him. Then Ana's words begging me to help her father and Duncan come to mind.
"Okay, James, but only if Duncan doesn't mind giving me a ride there. I can get a taxi to the airport from there. I also have a message from Greg, he said to tell you hello. Something about getting together with you next week." I look to Duncan and back to James.
"Of course, what time?" Duncan is almost stuttering as he looks to his father. Is he nervous? What's this?
"How about eleven? Gives you time to get checked out. Yes, I'll see Greg next week. Anything you want to confess before he spills the beans?" James smiles at me.
"He was in the interview, insisting I double over into Special Services," I confess.
"Alright, children, I'm going to head home. One night in a strange bed is enough for me. Too many years of traveling, now I like my own bed. Have a good rest of your evening. Maya, I'm proud of you like you were my own daughter. I worry about you, but I know this is what you want. I also know Greg will keep an eye on you." He bends over to kiss my forehead. I know where Duncan gets his height. He shakes Duncan's hand and walks out, looking tired.
