Page 27 of No Fear

“It’s too risky, Sam. I won’t do it.”

“Someone that’s been under a long time could be compromised.”

There was a long pause before she spoke. “There is always a risk yes.”

That had him standing up. Every muscle in his body tensed. “What aren't you telling me, Tess?”

She sighed. “Nothing other than there is always a risk.”

Sam closed his eyes, remembering the last time he’d seen Tess. It had been in DC just after she retired. She’d been dressed for business, tailored pants and a white shirt, long black hair pulled back in a low pony tail, looking sexy as hell. She always did.

“Isn’t it about time you retired properly? Travel, settle down?” he asked with a smile. Tess could handle herself. She had been a field agent for years, but he hated knowing she was still getting pulled back in by the Company when they needed her.

Laughter rang in his ear. “And take up knitting? When you’ve been in this game as long as I have, it’s hard to know how to do anything else. You know that. You could easily retire now too.”

She was right. He could. He wasn't ready yet either. “Just be careful. We’re not as young as we used to be.”

“Are you saying I’m old?” Her teasing tone made him smile. She was a few years young than him, 49. In their world that was considered old. But age brought wisdom and knowledge. They both had tons of that.

“Never. But I know I don’t run as fast as I used to.”

“Noted. You still look good though, Sam.”

He sat back in his chair, surprised by the unexpected compliment.

“How do you know?” It had been ten months since he’d seen her and while they talked, they didn't do the FaceTime thing the youngsters did these days.

“Oh, I know. I have to run. Good luck on the op.”

“Thanks. Let me know if you hear anything?”

“I will. And Sam?”

“Yes?”

“Tell your boys to watch their backs. It’s just as personal to Reborn as it is to Onyx.”

Sam ended the call not feeling much better about this op than before. He would have the Onyx intel team go over every detail, and more than a few briefing sessions with the team before they headed out. Looks like Raven would be having their downtime cut short.

***

CHARLIE LOOKED OUT the window of her room at the Royal York hotel, downtown Toronto. The CN Tower stood proud, still as breathtaking as she remembered. The concierge had mentioned the Blue Jays were playing at home tonight and the tower would light up blue later when dusk fell. The summer evening was warm, so the roof would be open at the stadium.

This was her second time in Toronto. Her first time she had gone to a game with some colleagues from the embassy. Charlie wasn't a big baseball fan, but it had always been on in her house, Nate being a Yankees fan, so she had enjoyed the odd game. Seeing a game live was fun and the Jays stadium, with its view of the CN Tower, was something not to be missed.

Charlie had the weekend to herself before reporting to the embassy on Monday and she planned to explore. She loved this city. Friendly, there was always lots to see and do. She looked forward to some sightseeing and taking her mind off... everything. She didn’t want to think about Simon, the wedding, or Donnie. A little ripple of guilt washed over her at leaving before talking to Donnie. Maybe he genuinely had wanted to apologize, but the thought of bringing it up again after all these years seemed pointless. He’d broken her heart. Let her down. She’d moved on. Was getting married. Leave the past in the past.

It should be easy. Yet she’d never quite been able to stop thinking about Donnie and wondering what he was doing.

Hearing her phone ring, she grabbed it from the dresser where it was plugged in. Simon. She sat on the edge of the bed and hit the green button.

“Hi.”

“Charlotte. I’ve been tied up in meetings or I would have called sooner. How is your visit at home?”

Tied up in meetings all day and all night? With Dominique?

“It was good. I just got to Toronto tonight.”