“It’s not fine, and you have nothing to be sorry about.” My hand runs up and down her back. “We have so much to talk about—”
My phone rings.
“Go. I know you have work,” she says softly, scooting back from me.
It’s the exact opposite of what I want to do, but I can sense she’s shutting down. I’m not sure how to approach things with her, but I do know I don’t want to leave her alone right now. Hell, I’ll never leave her alone again if she lets me.
“Yeah,” I answer, my eyes never leaving her.
“You okay?” Woodcroft asks.
“Mostly,” I clip.
“You still with her? I didn’t exactly expect you in the office this morning, but I assumed you’d be in.”
“Yeah, that won’t be happening.”
“Is Claire okay?” His tone instantly changes.
“Ah …” I hold eye contact with the woman I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. “She hasn’t been told much, but she’ll be okay.” I will Claire to see the truth in my words. If it’s the only thing I manage to do, I will make sure she’s okay. “There’s more, but …”
She nods, giving me permission to let the cat out of the bag.
“She’s pregnant.”
“Holy shit,” he damn near yells. “Lex was told not to give her information other than getting names,” Woodcroft adds.
“Yeah, well, I’m not Lex.”
“I realize that. That’s why I’m telling you to just be cautious. You’re smart enough to not spill the details of the case, but you’re approved to fill her in at your discretion. But if I get a whiff of you telling her more than she needs to know, then I’m pulling you.”
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “I’d like to see you try.”
“Morrison. Don’t fuck with me on this. I mean it. I understand you are connected to that woman, especially now, but we’re still working this case. Her safety is a priority to us.”
“And you think it’s not mine too?” My voice raises as Claire flees to the bathroom. That ounce of fear in her eyes nearly undoes me.
I hear the shower kick on, but Woodcroft’s voice draws my attention.
“Just … be careful. She’s had a hard couple of years, as have you. So just … go slow. This is a huge life change for both of you. You know we’re all here for whatever you need, and you can stay with her while you figure shit out. We still need you on the Cano case too. Did you bring your laptop?”
“I did.”
“Good. I’ll send you the shit I need. Stay available. I won’t ask you to come back unless it’s absolutely necessary or you fuck things up.” He chuckles.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Adam?”
“Yeah?”
“If you or Claire need anything, let me know. And congratulations. This is a good thing.”
“Will do. Thanks, Woodcroft,” I murmur then hang up.
Last night, I was initially blinded by the sheer relief at seeing Claire again. Now? I realize just how fragile it all is. How much of our late-night talks were actually real? How much of the secrets we told were true? And now we have, what, four months to figure out things before we have a whole-ass human to raise?
When I said we should start fresh, I didn’t really realize what that meant until now. She’s not just someone I like; she’s part of my job as well, as an informant. Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it.
