Page 109 of Until the End

There had to be more to life for him than this never-ending grind. Maybe he was finally willing to find out what that might be.

Undermining Sanborn’s authority with insubordination was dicey. Castle was banking on their rapport, the years of grooming, how his boss sometimes called him son. The relationship wasn’t something either of them took lightly.

The odds were high Sanborn didn’t want to lose him and might yield to keep him.

“I hope you’ll extend me the latitude to finish this mission under the purview of the Gray Box,” Castle said, “as one of your operatives, but I understand if that’s not possible.”

Sanborn tipped his head back. “You realize the magnitude of what you’re saying to me?”

“Yes, sir. I stand by it.”

Tense energy whipped around the room as neither man spoke. Castle was tempted to say something, anything, but it would’ve put him in a position of weakness. He had to ride out the discomfort and let the chief speak first.

“You’re really that besotted with her?” Sanborn asked in a tone that was somewhere between utter disbelief and what in the hell is wrong with you. “It’s going to be hard to protect her when the head on your shoulders is clouded by the one in your pants.”

Castle cleared his throat. “I’m committed to finishing what I started. I’ve never bounced in the middle of an assignment. My gut is telling me not to start now. I gave her my word and I need to honor it.”

Duty to his team tugged at him, but his duty to Kit pulled harder in the opposite direction.

Sanborn’s gaze raked over him as his boss was assessing, deciding. Finally, in a soft voice, he said, “Every man must choose his own path and accept the consequences. I hold you in high esteem and will respect your decision, even if I don’t agree with it. I’m putting you on a leave of absence until this situation is resolved.”

Castle released the breath he’d been holding. “Thank you, sir, for understanding.”

Sanborn leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk. His patrician face darkened as he held Castle’s gaze. “It’s a slippery slope down the rabbit hole. Don’t forget who you are or which side you’re on. I’d hate to lose you, Castle.”

38

Gray Box Headquarters, Northern Virginia

Wednesday, 3:02 p.m. EDT

Suspicion niggled at the edge of Emily’s mind.

She knew and accepted that complete transparency with Sanborn wasn’t possible. Or realistic.

But she wanted it anyway.

Sanborn was having his secret meeting today. With Ashley.

Emily didn’t know what time or where, but she’d found ways to keep tabs on him in the facility. Giving him CDC updates and asking him operational questions. They’d already had lunch together earlier, but she found herself strolling to Sanborn’s office yet again.

She hoped she wasn’t being a nuisance. “Hi,” she said to Sanborn’s assistant.

Janet sighed. “You’re back.”

Emily gave a tight smile, trying to hide her embarrassment over being such a pest. “Is he free for one minute?”

“I’m sure he’ll drop whatever he’s doing for you. Go in.”

Doc fluffed her hair and walked inside. “I hate to bother you again.”

“You’re never a bother,” Sanborn said while typing. “What do you need, darling?”

She loved when he called her darling. It sounded old-fashioned and sweet and warmed her heart every time. Reminded her how perfect he was. Maybe she needed to go for a jog to work off her paranoia. “Should I make a reservation for dinner?”

“As much as I’d love to,” Sanborn said, looking up at her, “I have an appointment this evening I can’t cancel. It’s work.”

That was it. His clandestine meeting. And the little niggle returned.