“One hundred percent,” Caroline replied.
Frustration slithered down her spine. Halston lifted the cloth napkin from her lap and set it on the table. She rose, glared at Evangeline. “I know we just met. I know being a double agent comes with risks, but I spend nine months—nine long, lonely and sometimes terrifying months—in a country where I put myself at risk every single day. Who the hell are you to question my loyalty? And by the way, you insulted me. You didn’t have to ask Caroline. Yes, she trusts me. Yes, we go way back. Yes, we’re actually friends, but I’m sitting right here. You got a question about me… ask me.”
Evangeline studied her for several seconds. “That was a test. I’m sorry, Halston. I was told to do that. I brought Caroline so you’d feel safe, but we had to test your loyalty.”
Halston raised her eyebrows, shifted from Evangeline to Caroline, back to Evangeline. “Do. Not. Test. Me. Again.”
“Understood,” Evangeline said, then offered a little smile. “You’ll love my husband. You two are definitely cut from the same cloth. You cross him, he’ll put a knife in your chest.”
I hear you on that.
Halston’s blood pressure decreased, but she didn’t move.
“What can I do to make things right?” Evangeline asked.
“Have my back from this moment on,” Halston said. “I might be back in the US, but I’m still in hella danger.”
“You have my word.” Evangeline extended her hand.
Halston shook it, then made her way over to the small bar in the suite. “I haven’t had a drink in nine months.”
Except for the Chianti at the villa, but I’ll skip sharing that.
She stared at the wine selections before choosing a white. Using the electric corkscrew, she opened the bottle and poured herself a glass. “Am I drinking alone?”
“I’ll join you,” Evangeline said.
Halston poured her a glass. “Here’s to the beginning of atrustingrelationship.”
Caroline raised her water glass. All three women toasted. As the dry white wine hit her taste buds, an eruption of flavors teased her tongue.
“So good.” She sat down, finished the delicious meal.
Evangeline retrieved a backpack, unearthed a phone. “Your new burner. My number is in here, along with Caroline’s, no last names. I’ve also added my husband, Sinclair Develin. He’s listed as Sin. Call or text us day or night, for any reason. We can meet as often as you need. I’ll text you regularly.”
Halston handed Evangeline her old burner, took the new one before Evangeline gave her a credit card. Username Barbianna Bogdanova.
“That’s perfect,” Halston said. “Barbi for short.”
Next, Evangeline pulled a pair of black framed glasses from the backpack. “These have a micro camera on the frame.”
Halston leaned close and spotted a pin-sized camera on the left side of the left frame. “Touch the left frame—right here, there’s a little nib—like you’re adjusting the glasses, and you can take a photo,” Evangeline said. “If you tap twice, you can record a ten-second video.”
“Got it.” Halston slipped them on, felt the tiny bump on the frame. “How do I upload?”
“It’s automatic,” Evangeline explained. “If you’re ever in danger, we’ll be notified as soon as the photos or video reaches us. The only issue?—”
“Gotta have signal.”
Evangeline nodded. “These come from inventor Crockett Wilde and his team. They’re very James Bond-ish, don’t you think?”
Halston fiddled with the spectacles. “These are great.”
“There’s one more thing,” Evangeline said. “I need to insert a chip in your neck.”
Halston barked out a laugh. “Good one.”
“It’s for your protection,” Evangeline said. “We can monitor your whereabouts. We’ve had Ops who’ve gotten kidnapped.”
