“I know. I’m a mess,” I offer, sitting on the step leading up to the house.
“You’re not a mess. You’re conflicted. I have no major issue with you going to talk to the expert, but that would leave Claire alone and would give you less time with her to figure all of this out if we actually get good information.”
“I know.”
Whatever he hears in my voice apparently gives me away.
“You want to bring her with you.” Not a question.
“We went to the MET together while we were undercover. She has an interest in some of the art. It might be helpful.”
“I can’t sign off on that.”
“Is she truly unsafe right now? I understand wanting to keep her around for identifying, but does she need to be full-on hidden from everyone? Who’s left in Cano’s squad that would give a shit?”
“We don’t know.” I can tell he’s getting frustrated with me.
“Cano is dead. Nico is dead. Who else knew of her involvement?”
“You’re a stubborn asshole,” he grumbles.
“I am.”
“I don’t like this.”
“I can protect her,” I offer.
“And what if you get into a trap? What if someone follows you and you don’t have backup? She’s pregnant, Adam.”
“You think I don’t know that? I won’t let anything happen to her, and you know that. Give me backup. Send me Stone or Sin. They can follow and make sure everything looks clear.”
Silence meets my ear as I hear Claire walk to the door. She gestures over to the kitchen, and I nod in understanding.
“I’ll set it up and send you the details.” Then he hangs up.
Well then.
I get up and join Claire in the kitchen for breakfast. “This looks delicious.”
We eat quietly while I try to come up with a way to bring up putting Claire to work with me. Hell, maybe it’s not something she even wants to do.
“You look like something’s on your mind.” She sighs.
“I just had call with my boss.”
“And you’re leaving.” She nods.
“Well, I’m hoping maybe you’ll come with me.”
“What?” The sound of her fork hitting the table echoes in the bare house.
“We got some information, and someone needs to go to the MET to talk to one of the experts.”
“The MET,” she whispers, and I know the connection to her brother is probably too much for her.
“I overstepped. I apologize. I can go by myself.” I want to push her, but I know I need to not make huge jumps too soon. She doesn’t trust me yet.
She sits for a minute before looking at me in the eyes. “Tell me what needs to happen.”
