Page 66 of Aviatrix

I inhale sharply as I step into the office.

I don't owe Eli anything.

I don’t owe anyone anything.

Frances hands me the handset, then quietly excuses herself, leaving me alone.

I sink into the worn chair and set my coffee down.

“Lark?”

He exhales like he’s been holding his breath for hours. “Kin. I found Amber. She’s alive.”

I nod instinctively, even though he can’t see me.

“Thank God,” I whisper. “I was so worried.”

“She was with a few friends in Georgetown,” he says. “She was able to flag down military personnel and reach out. She said she had just stepped out for lunch and saw the attack from the deli window.”

“Ugh,” I breathe out raggedly. “She must’ve been devastated.”

“She is,” he says, “but she’s safe.” A beat. “Were you able to make contact with my old friend?”

Cryptic. Vague. We’re keeping things carefully veiled over an open line.

“Yes,” I reply. “He didn't give up much.”

“Oh.” Lark clicks his tongue, a sound I know well. He’s probably running his fingers through his ashy-blond hair, over and over. “I thought maybe he would… Never mind.”

“How are you doing?” I ask.

“Haven’t had a chance to breathe,” he says. “But I’m meeting with some people today. Once I tie up a few things, I’ll head to Colorado, base the new team out of there. If they let me. Amber’s going to come with me. She still doesn’t know… everything.”

Everything.

She still doesn’t know he was screwing his secretary during the day and coming home to share my bed at night. To whisper how much he loved me into my ear like I was the only woman in his life.

I take a slow, steadying breath. “You need to tell her.”

“I will,” he promises. “But she’s been through a lot.”

“We all have,” I remind him.

“Just give me a few days, Kin. I’ll tell her.”

“I, uh…” I hesitate. I have to tell him Eli’s flying with me to Colorado, but there’s no easy way to say it. And no way to make it sting less.

“Just spit it out, Kin,” Lark says with a soft laugh.

“Eli is flying with me,” I say quickly. “He came with me to see your… friend. He was helpful.”

“I’m sure he was,” Lark snaps.

I want to ask him about the Legion. About whether he really sat in one of those meetings Walker described, or if the old man is just unhinged. But not over the phone. Not when anyone could be listening.

“I’ll let you know when I arrive in Colorado,” I say.

He exhales, long and hard. “Be careful. I love you.” There’s a heavy pause. “Say it back, Kin. Please.”