Fuck. “I can’t even think about life without her now. I’ll convince her. We are going to have a future. I don’t quit when shit gets hard. Never have.”
He flashes a half-grin, but the mood stays serious.
“So did you get revenge for what happened to your girl?” I ask, my mind returning to the hard truth of what was done to Jade.
“I did.” He shifts, a cool flicker in his gaze. “Speaking of, do you want to keep working for Agile and Team Falcon?”
With a shake of my head, I look down at the mug in my hand. “I failed. I also didn’t fulfill my obligations to the team, so I think it’s?—”
He interrupts. “We’ve got an offer for you.”
I watch his expression, but the unreadable operator’s mask is firmly in place.
“What kind of offer?”
“This thing you two got caught in is going to take a dedicated team. The government’s asking for our help. We want you to lead the team.”
My heart is already beating out a dangerous, slow pounding rhythm. “Agile’s going to dedicate a team to this?”
“Looks like this crime ring is international.”
We know that means the government’s hands can be tied. Private contracts often fill the gaps.
The idea of making these people pay, puts new life in my battery.
He stands up, moves to the sink and rinses his cup. When he returns I’m still in the same spot.
“It’s bigger than you know, Ryker. It’s going to take time to unravel it.”
“I’m in.”
He clasps my shoulder. “Good, now let’s go for a walk so you can get your head clear before she comes out of that room.”
We’re walking toward the front door, June glued to my thigh as if she already knows that I’m now one of her people.
A woman steps in through the doorway as we approach. Andre, one of the Agile team is with her.
“This is my wife, Dr. Willow Barnhill.”
She shakes our hands, says hello to June, who wags her whole body, and offers me a gentle look. “They called me in to do the forensic exam.”
I freeze, heart rocketing upward. “Did Jade decide to proceed?”
She nods, but stays quiet.
“Does she need me?”
“Not yet,” Willow replies, touching my forearm. “But she may want you after. It’s up to her. Women process this in different ways. Some like to be alone for a bit to work through their emotions.”
Choked up, I rasp, “Of course. Whatever she wants.”
Scout clears his throat and motions to the door. “We were just going out for some fresh air.”
“Perfect,” she says with a kind smile. “I’ll send Andre for you in a bit. Probably an hour or so. I like to spend some time together, no rushing something like this.”
When I stand there mute, she follows her husband, one of Agile’s snipers, into the house.
Scout grabs my arm and forces me through the door. “We won’t go far. You’ll be here when she’s ready. Plus you need to meet with your new team before they interrogate the fuckhead they’re bringing in.”
