Nova:
No, I’m trying to keep us both alive, dickhead.
I’ve been thinking about our potential signal, as well as how paranoid Nova’s been, and she’s right. I need to ramp up my precautions for myself, not just her. Which is why I’m at the edge of town, making a phone call.
“How’s the weather where you are?” Juliette asks instead of saying hello.
I sigh. “Sunny as ever. Some rain on the way, though.”
“Do you need Woodcroft?”
“No, just relay it all to him.”
“Whatcha got?” Juliette may joke around in the office, but when things are serious, she’s the first to focus and jump into her job.
“I’m making headway. Getting closer to the big drop. We have the drop-off location, or we will if it stays the same, and it’ll still take some time for O to fully trust me.”
“Okaaaay. Good progress report, but nothing groundbreaking.”
“I have a partner,” I mutter, afraid of Juliette’s reaction.
“A partner? Like a girlfriend, or someone helping you with this … assignment?”
“When have I ever gotten involved on assignment?” I scold, but the truth is, I want Nova. I just can’t have her with all of this at stake.
“There’s always a first time, geez. You’re a little touchy there, A.”
“There’s a woman who has motivation to be on our team. She’s helping me and, hopefully, I can help her in the end too.” I hold my breath, knowing Juliette is about to chew me out.
“Do you know what you’re doing, A?” she whispers.
Laugher is my immediate response even though none of this is funny. “God no. But there’s a light at the end of a very long tunnel, and I’m rolling with it.”
“Just … be careful. If I know you, and I’d like to think I do, you aren’t telling me who she is because you know there’s more to her and you’re scared to find out what it is. Whether that’s her identity or background, you don’t want to know. Living in LaLa land is dangerous, A. Watch your back.”
“Will do. I’ll call you when I know more.”
We hang up without another word, which leaves me thinking about Juliette’s words.
She’s right. I’m scared to death that things with Nova will blow back on me, but I believe her story. Sure, I know there’s more to it somehow, but her motivation and her drive are true. I feel it in my gut. And if there’s anything I’ve learned in all my years undercover is to trust my gut. It’s served me well this long.
My other phone rings, forcing me to pocket my burner and answer my “work” phone.
“Roth.”
“New drop-off. I haven’t gotten an update on your pick-up system. I was hoping you’d have the new setup ready to go, but it appears you do not. Have I misplaced my trust?” Oscar’s tone is unhappy.
“No, sir. I was going to work with Nova after her shift tonight and get it set up. When is the drop-off?”
“Three days from now. Get me the details by tomorrow, or I may be rethinking my plans.” The click of him hanging up echoes in my brain as the sliver of fear shoots down my spine.
Guess I’m heading to Bella’s.
Three hours later, I’m sipping on my club soda, trying desperately to keep my eyes open. It’s been a long-ass day, but it’s no closer to being done until Nova is done dancing. Shespotted me almost immediately. I cocked my head toward the door, telling her we need to chat. She subtly nodded back, and here I am, waiting until close.
Living this double life is about to kill me. I’m exhausted, and now is the time I need to be on top of my game.
The last dancer of the night finishes up, and the house lights come up, signaling I’m good to head toward the dressing room and wait for Nova.
