“Where’s Luther?” Z asked.
“Upstairs,” Sin replied.
As Z pushed out of the chair, he expelled a sound that sounded like a growl-sigh.
Clearly, I’m not his first choice.
As they made their way back to the lobby, Sin asked, “How are the babies?”
Z beamed like he’d won the lottery. “Adorable, hysterical, stubborn, and life changing. As much as I’ve enjoyed my career, I’m looking forward to this next chapter even more.”
“You deserve it,” Sin said.
On the executive level, Sin pulled Carrera to a stop as soon as they walked through the glass doors.
Luther had been talking with the FBI Director, but when he saw Z, he came right over. The two men shook hands, then Luther pulled Z in for a hug. Two men who had gone rogue, creating a secret organization that went against everything law enforcement stood for. They spoke quietly for a few minutes until Luther waved them over.
All four men walked into a small conference room and shut the door.
Z sat at one end, Sin at the other. He and Luther sat across from each other.
This felt more like a standoff than a meeting.
“Sin, I understand you’re partnering with Carrera, but doing so from outside the organization,” Z began.
“Yes,” Sin said.
Z glanced at Luther. “While Luther has green-lighted this decision, I have not, nor am I okay with Mr. Santini. He’s too green to have this kind of power.”
A tense silence fell over the room.
After several long seconds, Luther said, “Philip, Carrera is loyal to the Bureau. He’s a risk taker and he’s fearless. More so, he’s doggedly determined. He’s an excellent team player, and he’s got a degree from our alma mater.”
“You went to the Penn?” Z asked.
Carrera nodded slowly. “I did.”
“He graduated summa cum laude,” Sin said. “I sent over his resume.”
“I didn’t read it,” Z said.
Luther chuckled. “That’s the Philip I know and love.”
“And it’s just the two of you?” Z asked.
Oh, boy.
If either of them knew Luciano was involved, the deal would be DOA. His cousin’s white-collar crimes were legendary. And from the bag of counterfeit money sitting in Carrera’s safe, they still were.
“If there were anyone else, wouldn’t that person be here?” Sin asked.
Carrera couldn’t look at him, so he kept his gaze firmly cemented on Z.
Note to self, answer a question with a question.
This meeting was better than any of his psych classes.
“Carrera will take an office up here,” Sin continued.
