Rhea had taken one look at Aarthi and asked, “What branch were you in?”
“Branch of what?”
“She was a florist,” Sejal supplied helpfully.
“Uh-huh.” Rhea narrowed her eyes at the other woman. “Not CIA or FBI. Indian intelligence?”
“Floristry,” Aarthi said flatly.
“How did they let you stay in the States? Foreign agents aren’t usually welcome.”
Aarthi fumed. “I didn’t betray my country, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Rhea held up her hands. “Hey, hey, cool it. I have no loyalty to anybody, I’m not mad either way.”
Aarthi still hadn’t admitted her affiliation, but Rhea had grown to like her enough that she didn’t care.
“Thanks,” Sejal said now, gathering up her cards. The snow was falling outside while they were ensconced inside, the fireplace roaring. She’d visited Krish’s hometown a couple of times, but they’d all gotten used to gathering at the Wyoming safe house. Though Naveen and Mira had balked at the doorbell system in the woods.
“Sejal has a new show opening soon,” Ken bragged, helping himself to more chai. Sejal had moved him back to the States and found him a wonderful assisted living facility near her and Krish.They could see him often, and he was in much better spirits, with delicious food he didn’t have to worry about smuggling in.
“It’s not a show, Ken. It’s opening for another act at a magic dinner club.” With the goal of thinking more long-term, Sejal had decided to throw herself into magic with abandon. She wasn’t quite Vegas act material yet, but she’d done a couple of corporate gigs. Since she had no real reason to stay hidden anymore, she’d also started posting videos on social media, and her content had taken off.
Turned out, breaking free from the chains of constantly being in survival mode could be a lot of damn fun.
“Everyone has to start somewhere,” Patrick said genially.
“Opening today,” Ken declared, and waved his hand. “Headlining at the Wyatt tomorrow.”
Sejal hunched her shoulders, cringing a bit. Though she was unaccustomed to it, she couldn’t deny that she loved the praise, and these four older adults gathered around the table. The whole vibe was so... parental.
A childish laugh tore through the room, and they all smiled as Ananya jumped up from where she was sitting with Naveen, Mira, and Isha in front of the TV and stumbled over to them, her gait wobbly. When Ananya bounced off her knees, Aarthi gave the toddler a genuine smile.
Sejal picked her niece up so they were face-to-face. “What’s going on here?” she demanded in mock seriousness.
“Isha Auntie,” the toddler said, around giggles. “Tick!”
Isha rose, her eyes sparkling. “Now I’m really going to tickle you!”
Ananya didn’t seem to care that that promise came from a woman who was running a formerly criminal, and still shadowy,organization. The child laughed and wriggled down to the floor, then ran right for Isha, despite the threat.
“We’re going to have to work on her evasion tactics,” Mira observed wryly.
Though Mira was joking, Aarthi nodded. “Don’t worry, Mira. I had the boys running evasive drills by the time they were three. I would be honored to train her when she’s a little more steady on her feet.”
Mira nodded. She’d been constantly nonplussed by Aarthi in the beginning, but she was learning to take her in stride now. “Thank you, Aarthi. I’m sure that’ll come in handy at some point.”
“My niece won’t need to learn any evasive tactics.” Isha swung Ananya up, to a great many giggles. “I’ll kill anyone who comes near her.”
Sejal agreed, privately.
Naveen wrinkled his nose. “Let’s try to nix the “k” word around the baby, Isha.”
The door opened, and Krish walked in, his brother behind him. An ankle monitor blinked on Avi’s leg. The two of them had been in the study for the past hour, going over Avi’s court appearance next week.
When Aarthi had tracked Avi down and told them that she’d convinced him to return and face the music, Sejal had prepared herself to have mixed feelings toward the man. Yeah, sure, he was the reason she’d met Krish, but he’d also sold her out. Twice!
Not to mention, he’d sent his brother on a dangerous quest with that damned letter.
