Her expression softens, surprise melting into more warmth than she usually allows. “And you conned the psychotherapist.”
“He’s new.” I smirk. “He hasn’t learned to read the bullshit yet.”
She braces her forearms on the desk, her gaze steady on me. “You sure about this, Dom?”
I tip my chin in acknowledgment.
“Yeah.” I have spent four weeks thinking about this non-fucking-stop, and I know it needs to be done.
“You understand what you’re walking away from.”
“I do.”
She gives me a measured look. “Your clearance. Your trajectory. Your pension. All gone.” She lets out an elaborate sigh. “Not that you need the money.”
“No, ma’am.”
My parents own restaurants in Louisiana, and my sister is a Hollywood producer who invested her and my money wisely. I could sit on my ass and do nothing, and live a life most people only dream about.
“But staying will cost you too much, is that it?”
Bullseye! “That’s it.”
She gestures to the chair across from her. “Sit your ass down.”
I do as she instructs.
She opens the bottom drawer and brings out a bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail and two whiskey glasses. It’s her favorite. She calls it,“Peat, smoke, and regret.”
I prefer my whiskey not to taste like an ashtray, but my soon-to-be-ex boss doesn’t share her liquor lightly. This is her way ofshowing me respect, so I’ll drink the fucking Scotch—I’ve drunk worse things in the name of peace and politics.
She pours the amber liquid, and pushes a glass toward me.
“Sante.” She clinks her glass to mine.
“Slainte.”
We’ve always done this. She’s half French, and I’m half-Irish and half-Creole.
After a few sips, she says, “You did your job.”
“I did.” I hesitate, and add, “I hate that she was a job.”
She grimaces and then gives a weary nod. “Happens to the best of us. Happens to Ruiz a lot.”
I grin. “He says he’s got a big heart and bigger…ah…equipment.”
“That man falls in love at the drop of a security clearance.” She takes another long sip. “He mistakes exposure for attachment.”
I know what she’s implying. “I’m not doing that.”
“Then what are you doing?” she challenges.
“Ma’am, at the risk of sounding like I’m leading with sentiment instead of tradecraft, I want to earn the right to be with her.”
Director Han groans in exasperation. “Didn’t take you for a sentimental fool.”
“I’m a man in love, ma’am.”
