by Donna Hill
* * *
Alice usually arrived around eleven and Avery was gone by eight. He paced the bedroom, debating while he turned the phone over and over in his hand. He had to know for sure. He tapped in his password, swiped for his contacts until he reached her name.
The phone rang and rang on the other end until the voice mail kicked in.
“Janae, this is Rafe. Look, I know this may sound crazy because you should be in Florida, but I’d swear I saw you at the hospital when I was discharged, and Alice says she saw you near my house yesterday.” He paused a beat. “Are you here in Virginia? I don’t know what’s going on, but I need to know that I’m not crazy. Call me.”
He exhaled and put the phone into the back pocket of his jeans just as Alice came through the front door with a shopping bag and headed straight for the kitchen, bypassing Rafe in the living room.
“’Mornin’.”
“Hey, good morning.” He followed her into the kitchen and watched her unpack the shopping bag. “Alice, we couldn’t possibly need more food in here.”
Her brows shot up and then drew together. “What would you know? Fast as I fix it, it’s gone.” She threw her hands helplessly up in the air.
Rafe came over, wrapped her in a bear hug and kissed her cheek. “That’s ’cause you put some of that black-girl magic in every pot.”
She swatted him away. “Oh, go on. How’s that leg?” She put clear plastic bags of fresh vegetables in the refrigerator bin.
“Good.” He instinctively rubbed the area. “Stronger.”
“You eat yet? Hungry?”
“I’m good. Don’t worry about me.”
“Been worryin’ about you since forever.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “I’ll fix something. Then get to the laundry.”
“Why do you ask if you’re gonna do what you want anyway?” He took a grape from the bowl and popped it in his mouth.
“To make you think you’re in charge!” she said.
Rafe chuckled and wagged a finger at her. “Right.”
“You make that call?” she asked. She took a tray of eggs and put them on the table.
“Yeah... I did.”
Alice stopped puttering and stared at him. “And?”
“No answer. I left a message.”
“Humph. That thing worried me all night long.” She shook her head and then began cracking eggs in a bowl.
“Anyway, we’ll see if she calls back. I’m going to the gym. Haven’t been able to work out in more than a month. Making me crazy.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t fall out of planes, and you wouldn’t have that problem.”
“Love you, too,” he called out as he headed down to the basement.
“Don’t overdo it!”
“Yes, ma’am. But I gotta get in shape. Getting married in two months!”
* * *
Avery walked past several of her seated colleagues to the front of the small conference room, opened her laptop and turned on the big screen. After several link connections her computer was paired to the big screen.
“Good morning, everyone.”
The hum of “good morning” rounded the rectangular table. There were a dozen agents present from the joint task force that had been hand-selected by Avery, the director of the FBI and Homeland Security. As she took a brief look around the table she was pleased at the diversity—a good mix of not only cultures and gender, but expertise.
“As you all know for several months Homeland Security has been receiving chatter emanating from these areas.” She pointed to spots on the map to areas of Turkey. “We have reason to believe that some kind of plan is in the works. Our intel suggests that it will be a cyberattack, much like what happened to the credit-reporting agencies, Wells Fargo and the pharmaceutical companies last year, only bigger, more widespread and potentially crippling. Mike, would you bring everyone up to speed with what we know so far.”
Avery took a seat and all eyes turned toward Mike. As she listened to his detailed explanation and precise intel she was once again reassured that she’d made the right decision in bringing him on board. They may have had their problems over the years, but she could never deny that Mike was one helluv an agent and investigator. He’d actually turned down the promotion that would have been hers in order to join this team. To her that spoke volumes about his character and dedication.
“In your folders I’ve prepared a list of all the possible targets that we anticipate being hit.”
Everyone opened the red folders and began to scan the list.
“Wall Street, the stock market?” one of the agents said.
“Any attack on Wall Street would create worldwide panic and instability,” Mike responded. “And we have elections coming up. We know what happened last time. It’s inevitable that another attempt will be made, and we have it on good information that it will be. We have teams fanned out across the country, evaluating the voting machines and registration sites.”
“Thanks, Mike,” Avery said. “In the coming days you’ll begin receiving your assignment and your partner. I need everyone to stay on task. As we know there is no item that is too small or insignificant. Don’t ignore anything, no matter the source, even if its 1600. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am,” they chorused.
“Thank you, everyone.”
The team dispersed, but Mike hung back.
“I haven’t really had a chance to tell you thanks.”
Avery glanced up and tucked her laptop and folders under her arm. “For what?” She pressed a button and turned off the big screen.
“For asking me to be part of this team.”
“Nothing to thank me for, Mike. You’re a damned good agent.”
“That I know,” he joked and got her to smile. “I also know that I’ve been a real prick, but whatever I threw at you, you let it go, rose above it. A page right out of Michelle Obama’s playbook,” he added with admiration.
Avery smiled slightly. “Mike, after it’s all said and done, the bottom line is it’s about the work, what we’re charged to do. It’s about protecting the public, keeping us safe and stopping anyone or anything that threatens our way of life. We took an oath. That’s what I think about.”
Mike nodded with understanding.
They walked together to the door.
“How are the wedding plans coming?”
“Full steam ahead now that Rafe is fully recovered.”
“Lucky man.”
“That he is,” she said with a smile and walked with an extra bounce to her step back to her office.
When she got off work she was thrilled to find Rafe waiting for her in the lobby.
She beamed with delight. “What are you doing here?” She gave him a quick kiss and then looked him up and down. “Suit and tie?”
“We haven’t been out on a date in much too long. Figured tonight was the night. I made reservations.”
“Reservations! Rafe, look at me. Dark blue pantsuit, white blouse. I reek ‘government,’” she joked.
Rafe put his arm around her shoulder. “You could wear a sack and still be beautiful to me. Preferably a short one to show off those fabulous legs that I love wrapped around my back,” he said into her ear.
A shiver scurried up her spine. She nudged him in the side. “You always know how to charm a girl. So, where are we going?”
He held the glass-and-chrome door open for her. “The Lafayette.”
“How in the world did you get reservations? It’s usually weeks.”
“I wish I could take all the credit. I told my father I wanted to take my girl out—someplace special. He put in a call.”
Avery giggled. “Pays to have people in high places.”
Chapter 30
The Lafayette was located inside the Hay Adams hotel on 16th Street Northwes
t, a stone’s throw away from the White House. Although renowned for its exquisite cuisine, there were few restaurants that could compare to The Lafayette’s décor and superior service.
“At least I have on heels,” Avery murmured as they approached the maître d’s podium.
“Good evening. Welcome to The Lafayette. Reservations?”
“Yes. Lawson.”
“Oh, yes. Of course. Your table is ready. Let us take your coats.” He signaled one of the staff.
Rafe helped Avery out of her white trench coat and handed it over.
A waitress appeared. The maître d’ murmured something to her.
She turned to Rafe and Avery. “I’ll show you to your table. Please follow me.”
They were shown to a semi-private dining area with an incredible view of the DC skyline, which was already lighting up for the approaching evening. The iconic outline of the White House stood out against the twilight.
Rafe helped Avery into her seat. “Fan-cy,” she murmured and bit back a cheesy grin.
“Only the best for my woman.” He kissed her cheek and then took his seat.
They were seated near the pianist, who teased the keys with soft music for a perfect backdrop.
The waitress appeared and poured sparkling water into crystal goblets that seemed to shimmer like diamonds when hit by the soft light from the chandeliers. She placed a menu in front of each of them and recited the specials for the evening. “I would recommend for an appetizer the lobster-and-butternut-squash soup and for your entrees perhaps the pan-seared halibut fillet sautéed with maitake mushrooms, white wine, togarashi spice and a side of wild rice pilaf. Or if you prefer a meat dish I would recommend our Shenandoah Valley rack of lamb. It is lamb croquettes, with ratatouille, lamb jus seasoned with Georgian spice.”
“Everything sounds delicious,” Rafe said.
“Can I get your drink orders while you decide?”
Rafe deferred to Avery.
“Apple martini.”
“Bourbon.”
The waitress gave a short nod and hurried off.
Avery folded her hands on the white-linen-topped table and admired the inlaid walls that framed the portraits and landscapes of Renoir, van Gogh, Basquiat and others whom she couldn’t name.
“So, tell me, what prompted date-night?”
“Just felt like we were falling into a routine and a change in atmosphere was in order.”
The waitress returned with their drinks and they placed their orders for the house specials. Rafe opted for the lamb and Avery took the halibut.
They raised their glasses and toasted to their happiness.
“Did you work on any of your music today? I’m eager to hear it.”
“Coming along. Didn’t get as much done as I wanted to. Was actually listening to some stuff that Quinten sent over.”
She tilted her head to the side in question. “And...”
“Just got me thinking about how much I miss playing on stage.”
She reached across the table and covered his hand. “Then you have to play. You’re back on your feet. Nothing is stopping you.”
“Actually, me and Q have talked about playing together again at the upcoming jazz festivals—the big ones, Monterey, New Orleans, New Port, Montreal, and there’s also Tuscan. That one’s pretty new but getting a lot of buzz.”
The appetizer arrived.
“Oh, God, this smells good,” Avery said. She snapped open her napkin. “Then you have to go. Simple as that.” She took a spoonful of soup and her eyes closed in rapture.
“Starting to look into it. We’ll finalize everything after the wedding.” He winked.
Avery pushed out a sigh. “Another month. I have to admit. I know I gave you a hard time about your sisters taking over the wedding, but the truth is I don’t know what I would have done without them. I mean Dominique is a one-woman machine,” she said and laughed.
“That she is.”
“I mean she’s handled everything from finding the perfect invitations, color scheme, the flowers, linens, selecting the menu, locating the designer down here to design my gown.” She shook her head in amazement.
“No one could be happier than me that it all worked out,” he chuckled.
Avery laughed along with him.
The waitress returned with their entrees and between bites of the mouth-watering food they talked about the wedding and their planned trip to Bali for their honeymoon, and Rafe broached the topic of house hunting.
“I’m thinking that your place is fine for the time being. It’s close to your office. But I’d really like something that’s ours.”
She put her fork down and leaned in. “Are you sure you’re okay with moving down here to DC? I know how much you love New Orleans.”
“When I’m with you, cher, anyplace is home. I have everything worked out at the foundation, the housing projects are moving along. I can play music anywhere. It’s all good. Besides, I’m a phone call, Skype or a plane ride away.”
“My place doesn’t have an in-home studio or gym or Alice.”
“While you’re at the office doing spy stuff, I can work out or record at my place. I’m pretty sure Alice would be happy to help out.”
She sighed. “Sounds like a plan.”
He lifted his head a bit and looked at her from beneath lush dark lashes. “My plans don’t end there.”
“Meaning?”
“I have a little surprise for you.”
Her eyes lit up. “What? Tell me.”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. After dessert. Promise.”
She huffed. “Fine.”
After a dessert of strawberry soufflé, Rafe paid the bill and collected Avery’s coat. When they got to the exit, Rafe asked Avery to wait while he went to the car, which she thought was crazy, since they were leaving.
He returned shortly with his trusty go-bag and a black garment bag.
“What is going on?”
“Date night isn’t over yet, darlin’.”
He guided her past the restaurant through the lobby of the Hay Adams hotel to the check-in desk.
“Rafe...”
He held her hand. “Reservation for Lawson.”
“One moment, sir.” The clerk checked the computer and glanced up with a smile. “I see you’ll be with us for one night, Mr. Lawson, in the penthouse suite.”
“Yes.” He turned to Avery and winked.
“How many keys will you need?”
“Two.”
“Any luggage?”
“No. Just us.” He grinned and pulled Avery close.
“The bellman will take you up to your room. Enjoy your stay.”
“Thanks.”
A red-vested young man appeared as if by magic, took Rafe’s bags and took them up to the penthouse floor and opened the door for them.
“There is a full bar and separate seating and dining area.” He opened double doors. “Master bedroom with an en suite bath. There is a second bathroom down this short hallway. And there is seating on the balcony, as well.” He turned to Rafe. “Anything you need, someone at the front desk will assist you.”
“Thank you.” He reached in his pocket, took out his wallet and handed the young man a sizeable tip.
“Thank you, Mr. Lawson. Mrs. Lawson. Enjoy your stay.”
The instant the door closed behind him, Rafe swept Avery into his arms. “Mrs. Lawson. Love the sound of that.”
“Me, too,” she said softly. “You had this all planned out. You’re pretty good at keeping secrets.”
Inwardly he twinged with guilt. Yeah, he was getting good at secret-keeping. “Only when necessary.”
“What’s in the bag?”
“I took the liberty of selecting your outfit for tomorrow.” He laid the garment b
ag on the bed and unzipped it. “Voilà.”
Avery burst into laughter. “Dark suit, white blouse.”
Rafe shrugged. “Aw, that’s nothing. The real goodies are in my go-bag.”
“I can only imagine.” She rubbed up against him.
“And I ordered some champagne.”
“Of course you did,” she said, and kissed him like she’d been wanting to kiss him all evening.
* * *
It was clear that Rafe was fully recovered in every respect. There wasn’t an inch of her body that he’d left untouched. Her blood still simmered, her skin still tingled. Would it always be like this between them? Would she always need him like the air she breathed? It was a scary thought for the girl who only needed her wits and her gun.
She eased out of bed, careful not to wake him, and tiptoed to the sitting area. In a few hours she’d have to be up and ready for work but for some reason she was restless, unsettled in a way that she couldn’t quite get her head around. They’d had an amazing evening. Not one wrong note. They’d talked and laughed and made real plans. There was no reason not to be curled up next to her man, deep in the throes of sleep. Instead she sat in the dark—looking as she always did for the boogeyman.
A buzzing noise coming from the end table drew her attention. The light from the cell phone lit up the darkness. She reached for the phone and her breath caught. The phone continued to vibrate until she crossed the invisible line and answered Rafe’s phone.
“Janae...please don’t hang up.” She heard the quick intake of breath. “This is Avery.”
“I shouldn’t have called.”
“But you did. I need you to tell me why.” When she didn’t get an answer, she continued. “I know that he came to see you. Rafe told me everything. I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through.” She waited a beat. “It was you at the hospital when he was discharged wasn’t it?”
“Yes. But you have to believe me, I didn’t want to cause any problems. I needed to see for myself that he was okay.”
Avery heard the pain in her voice and a part of her heart went out to the woman who’d loved him first.
“I came to his house the other day.”
“What?”
“I didn’t see him. No one answered the door. I don’t know what I was thinking other than I was going back to my life in Florida, and it might be the last time I’d ever see him. I think Alice may have recognized me as I was driving away. I’m not sure.”