“It saddens me that it is so easy to stifle facts.” She shrugged. “In this case, it worked out. But I still consider censorship a problem.” She understood the need to keep things quiet but it smacked of censorship.
“You and me both. I really am tired of this business. I think I’m going to retire. Maybe I’ll settle down here. This seems like a nice quiet town.”
“It is, if you like nosy neighbors, gossip, and strong community spirit. You should check it out while you’re here.”
“Next time. I’ve got to get this information back. I recommend you stay active. Don’t let on you suspect anything.”
She saluted. “Yes, boss.” As if she didn’t know better than to keep her suspicions to herself.
“Am I interrupting anything?”
She looked up. She hadn’t seen Ira arrive. “Ira. Hi. This is my boss and good friend, Cameron Zindle. Cameron, this is Ira Castillo. Honorably discharged from the Canadian Army.” The last bit of information would enable Cameron to research Ira, and vet him to allow her to reveal the true nature of her job.
“Her fiancé,” Ira lied.
“You neglected to mention being engaged,” Cameron groused.
“We’re not. We’re dating.”
“We’d be engaged if I had my way,” Ira countered.
Honey glared at him. What was he playing at? Engaged? He hadn’t even said I love you, and he was claiming they were engaged. He was up to something. Was he jealous or just trying to find out more about her work?
“Good luck with that,” Cameron chuckled. “She’s one stubborn lady. If she says you’re not engaged, you’re not. You better try harder if you want to catch this one. She’s steadfastly single but worth the chase. Mark my words.”
“What am I? A prize to be caught?” She rose to her feet and inched past Ira. “I’m back to work. Catch you all later.” To her surprise, Ira slid into the seat she’d vacated and struck up a conversation with Cameron.
* * *
Ira glancedover his shoulder at Honey as she strolled away as if she didn’t have a care in the world. He suspected the attitude was a façade.
“You look familiar, Zindle. Do I know you from somewhere? You in the service?”
“I am.” He folded his hands together on top of the table and leaned back.
This wasn’t going to be easy. Zindle wasn’t going to give anything away. “What division?”
“How’d you get those cuts and bruises?” Zindle countered.
“Fight with my brother.”
“Serious?”
“Nope. Difference of opinion.” None of Zindle’s damn business.
“Over a woman?”
“Nope.”
“Move over farm boy.”
Ira stood to make room for the new arrival. “And you are?”
“Alexandria Zindle. He’s my father. We’re here on vacation. Who are you?”
Ira introduced himself as a former soldier and Honey’s fiancé.
“Alleged fiancé,” Zindle added.
