“No,” Providence replied with a smile. “I co-run ALPHA with Dakota. His cover is his real estate company and he splits his time between the two.”
“Is Stryker in ALPHA?”
“No. But not for lack of trying.”
“What would my cover be?” Emerson asked.
“That’s a detail we’d figure out if this turns out to be the right fit for both of us.”
The interview continued for another forty minutes. When it ended, Providence gave her an abbreviated tour.
“The organization used to be an hour away, but I needed to be closer to my children. We can hop on the beltway and be at either Reagan National or Dulles in minutes. We’re in DC in twenty.”
“What would I be hired to do?” Emerson asked.
“You’d be an operative.”
When they returned to Providence’s office, Emerson’s mind was made up. “I would love working here.” She fished out a resume and handed it to Providence.
“Thanks, but I’m familiar with your career. Plus, Stryker recommended you and I trust him completely.” She extended her hand. “The position is yours. Let’s discuss starting salary and benefits.”
Forty minutes later, Emerson walked out with a verbal job offer and a tentative start date. Just like that, she was going to be an ALPHA operative.
I’ve gotta be dreaming.
When Emerson got home, Pima greeted her and they went upstairs. A beautiful bouquet of peach and pink roses was perfectly arranged in a vase. She inhaled their beautiful robust scent before reading the card.
All my love, always.
Stryker
How romantic.
Then, she read the sticky note taped to the table. “Meeting a friend for dinner. Be home around nine.”
“Yeah, me, too,” she said with a smile.
* * *
Stryker couldn’t wait to find out if Emerson had accepted the job. But he wasn’t sure how she’d feel, learning he was Justice.
He sat in the private dining room of Raphael’s, a bottle of champagne chilling in the bucket. In order to create a more intimate experience, the staff had pulled the curtains closed on both sides, leaving only the glass front exposed.
He spotted her the second she entered the restaurant. She spoke with the host and was escorted toward the private dining room. His heart pounded harder. When their eyes met, her smile was filled with love.
“It’s good to finally meet you, Justice. I’m Boomslang.” She extended her hand. When he captured hers in his, he knew. This was his forever woman. His soul mate. His life partner.
He kissed her cheek, letting his lips linger an extra second. “Hello, baby.”
“Hello, my love,” she said.
“Did you know?”
“I suspected it when I learned your club name is also Justice. You?”
“Your boomslang tat, plus, you texted me a picture of Pima.”
“You’ve known for a while.” Leaning up, she kissed him. “I’m glad it was you.”
