She swallowed. “Yes, but knowing you were down the hallhelped.”
He shook his head. “I don’t need a roommate,Alexandra.”
“Crockett, I…um…it’s not agood—”
This time he stopped her with a tender kiss. “Don’t fight this,” hemurmured.
More. Her body hummed with need. And again, his mouth brushed againsthers…
Tap!Tap!
Decker plowed in, almost crashing the door into them. Alexandra jerkedback.
“Whoa, okay.” Decker squeezed in, coffee cup in hand, and shut the door. “This istight.”
With a smile in his eyes, Crockett eased into the chair at the head of the table. “Sit.”
Alexandra and Decker sat across from eachother.
“Other than Larry’s slip up, the interviews went well, don’t you think, Alexandra?” Decker sipped hisdrink.
“What slip up?” Crockettasked.
“Larry said his team catches each and every problem before the products fly,” Alexandra said. “He could have meant ‘fly out the door’, but I’ll make sure that’scut.”
“He also mentioned Ruth,” Decker said to Crockett. “More likegushed.”
“Ah, crap,” Crockettreplied.
“Who is she?” Alexandraasked.
“Someone I terminated,” Crockett replied. “I’m not concerned about his ‘fly’ comment, but don’t includeRuth.”
“I’m glad you were there, Decker,” Alexandra said. “Anythingelse?”
“No,” Decker said. “I was against this interview, but you did a goodjob.”
Progress. “It was a pleasure interviewing you, Decker. I admire yourloyalty.”
“Decker, I need your help,” Crockett said. “I have an off-the-record task for you on the darknet.”
This didn’t sound like a request. Deckerwaited.
“There’s a members-only sex play club here in Crystal City called Incognito.” Crockett’s voice rumbled from the depths of his chest. “Some men ask for and receive something called ‘rejuvenation’. See if you can find out what thatis.”
“My mind is blown,” Decker said with a sly smile. “I would never have guessedyou—”
“This information does not leave this room,” Crockettsaid.
Decker dropped his playful expression. “Of course not. Just to set expectations, this could take awhile. It’s not like there’s a Google in the dark web and a few clicks later, I’ve got ananswer.”
“Don’t use any of Wilde’s computers. Purchase one if you don’t want to use your own. I’ll reimburse you from my personalaccount.”
“I’ve got one at home I canuse.”
“After I walk Alexandra out, let’s discuss your report on Maverick’s Eagle,” Crockettsaid.
“It’ll have to wait. Charlie’s crafts arrived in Jessup.” Decker stood and opened the door. “I’m headed therenow.”
