We’re beginning to attract attention.
“There is a small park around the block,” I say, reaching a decision.“Why don’t we walk in that direction?You have exactly fifteen minutes.”
Frank nods, and the black Lincoln pulls away, likely to circle the block.I have no doubt there is additional security staying out of sight, just like my men.There is no way the CIA would leave one of their own with me without protection.
“All right, talk,” I say as we start in the direction of the park.I gesture for Lucas to follow at some distance.“Why are you here?”
“The better question is: why are you?”Frank’s voice is edged with frustration.“Do you know how much trouble your presence is causing us?The FBI knows you’re in their jurisdiction, and they’re going apeshit—”
“I thought you took care of that.”
“I did, but Wilson refuses to let it drop.He and Bosovsky are sniffing around, trying to dig up a cover-up.It’s a fucking mess, and your visit isn’t helping.”
“How is this my problem?”
“We don’t want you in this country, Esguerra,” Frank says as we round the corner.“You have no reason to be here.”
“No?”I quirk an eyebrow.“My wife’s parents are here.”
“Your wife?”Frank snorts.“You mean that eighteen-year-old you kidnapped?”
Nora is twenty now—or will be in a couple of days—but I don’t correct him.Her age is hardly the main issue.“That’s the one,” I say coolly.“As you know full well, since you dragged me from dinner with her parents… my in-laws.”
Frank gives me an incredulous stare.“Are you fucking serious?Where do you get the balls to look these people in the eye?You abducted their daughter—”
“Who is now my wife.”My tone sharpens.“My relationship with her parents is none of your fucking business, so stay out of it.”
“I will—if you stay out of this country.”Frank stops, breathing heavily from keeping up with my longer stride.“I’m not kidding about this, Esguerra.We can delete files and records, but we can’t erase people.Not in this matter.”
“You’re telling me the CIA can’t silence two nosy FBI agents?”I give him a cold look.“Because if they’re the only issue—”
“They’re not,” Frank interrupts, quickly realizing where I’m going with this.“It’s not just the FBI, Esguerra.”He reaches up to wipe the sweat off his forehead.“There are higher-ups who are nervous about your presence here.They don’t know what to expect.”
“Tell them to expect me to visit with my in-laws and leave.”For once, I’m being entirely truthful with Frank.“I’m not here to conduct business, so your higher-ups don’t need to worry.”
Frank doesn’t look like he believes me, but I don’t give a fuck.If the CIA knows what’s good for them, they’ll keep the FBI off my back.
I’m here for Nora, and anyone who doesn’t like it can go straight to hell.
When I returnto the house, I find Nora arguing with Rosa about cleaning up the table.
“Rosa, please, today you’re the guest,” Nora says, reaching for the platter with the remnants of the lamb.“Please, just sit, and I’ll help my mom—”
“No, no, no,” Rosa objects, walking around the table and picking up dirty dishes.“You have the baby to worry about.Please, this is my job.Let me help.”
“I’m ten weeks along, not nine months—”
“She’s right, baby,” I say, stepping up to Nora and plucking the platter from her hands.“It’s been a long day, and I don’t want you overtiring yourself.”
Nora starts to argue, but I’m already carrying the platter to the kitchen, where Nora’s parents are packing away the leftovers.As I walk in, Gabriela’s eyes widen, but she accepts the platter from me with a quiet “thank you.”
I smile at her and walk back to the dining room for more dishes.
It takes a few more trips for Rosa and me to clear off the table and bring everything to the kitchen.Nora sits on the living room couch, watching us work with a mixture of exasperation and curiosity.
Finally, the table is clean, and the Lestons come out of the kitchen to join us.I take a seat next to Nora on the couch and pick up her hand, bringing it to my lap so I can play with her fingers.
“Gabriela, Tony, thank you for a wonderful dinner,” I say when Nora’s parents sit down next to Rosa on the second couch.“I apologize that I had to step out and missed dessert.”
