“And you work undercover.”
“Mostly drug trafficking. That’s how my stint with Oscar started until we realized there was something much bigger here. The higher-ups didn’t want to give us the slack, but Woodcroft showed them some of the artifacts and how much money was involved, so they let us turn our focus. I didn’t think I’d be under for as long as I was.”
“Seems anything dealing with Cano takes five times as long as it should.” I gesture around me.
“This won’t be forever,” he says as he finishes up his meal. He places his plate on the nightstand before his hand automatically finds my stomach again.
It brings a smile to my face, but I don’t draw attention to it.
“Maybe.” I shrug.
He can’t promise that. Who knows what will really happen in the future. I’m their only real witness, outside of Adam, to many of these guys doing illegal shit. I’m not sure it’ll ever really be over.
Adam’s phone rings just in time to cut through my melancholic thoughts.
No one can promise the future, but I really wish what Adam believes is what will really happen.
Chapter 23
Adam
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“And this is urgent?” I ask Juliette, pacing the living room.
“I wouldn’t be recalling you if it wasn’t. I’m sorry, A. It isn’t my call.”
“I know.” I sigh. “I just … can’t leave her. She’s been alone for six months, J.”
There’s a long pause. “You can go back as soon as we’re done. But, Adam, we have a big crack in the case that needs all hands on deck.”
“What if I bring her? Our office is probably the safest she’ll be,” I offer, grasping at anything that would let me keep Claire close.
“Adam …” Juliette sighs.
“She’s pregnant, J.”
Silence greets me until Juliette finally talks. “I can talk to Woodcroft about you working there until we figure out a different solution. I’m not sure if she wants to just move into your place,” she says but realizes it’s probably way too soon for that.
“Fuck. Fine. Fine.” I continue to pace. “I’ll head out within thirty.”
When I step back into the bedroom, Claire is sitting on the bed, with a small smile.
“Gotta head back?”
“Unfortunately.” I sigh.
“Hey, I always knew this was temporary. It was … nice seeing you again. Maybe we can do it again sometime.” Her smile doesn’t grow.
“Claire, I’ll be back. I promise.”
“Sure.” The smile on her face transforms into misery.
“Text me when your appointment is, and I’ll be there.” I hand her my phone to get her new number.
She hesitantly puts it in, but it’s a lifeline nonetheless.
There’s nothing else I can say. We both know it’s not as simple as being able to come back, especially if there is a break in the case.
