by Jackie D.
Emma nodded. “You’re Special Agent Caden Styles. You’re thirty- two years old, graduated sixth in your class from the University of Florida, where you studied criminal justice. You started out in the FBI but moved over to Homeland Security four years ago. Your father spent twenty-five years in the Coast Guard, and your parents have been married for thirty-five years. You’re the oldest of four and the only female.”
At first, Emma thought Caden was angry; her expression was blank, and she merely blinked at her. Then, a smile started to creep across her face. “So, you’ve seen all our files?” Caden asked.
Emma nodded and pointed at Tyler. “Special Agent Tyler Monroe. Thirty-years-old, both parents are deceased. You spent your teenage years living with your aunt in North Carolina. Your uncle was killed during the World Trade Center attacks on nine-eleven. You started your career in the Marines, and you did four tours in Iraq before being injured. Then, you taught for six months at the CIA training facility, Camp Peary, where you met Hart, Glass, and Styles. After that, you came to work for Homeland Security.”
Emma didn’t know if she should continue, but her nerves didn’t allow her to stop. “Analyst Brooke Hart, twenty-six years old. You’ve excelled at everything you’ve ever done. You played several varsity sports in high school and then went on to play in college. The CIA recruited you and you went straight to the Farm after college. You were a Navy kid and raised on several continents, and you speak four languages. You also are the only female of four children.” Brooke stopped making eye contact, and Emma decided not to mention her parents. She looked over at Jennifer Glass, who had started tapping her fingers on the table. Jennifer seemed uneasy about the personal disclosures, and Emma didn’t want to continue, and no one pushed her.
Caden chuckled. “That’s a pretty neat trick. You seem to have our files memorized, but we don’t know anything about you.” Caden leaned back in her seat, clearly waiting for Emma to answer a question she didn’t ask.
Emma looked at the four expectant faces staring at her. They were right; she’d had the advantage of knowing who she’d be working with before today. She knew they could look her up. Hell, they could investigate anyone in the world with their resources. But they wanted to hear from her, a step in the direction of cohesive teamwork.
Emma nodded and tried not to bite her lower lip. “Okay, well, I have an older sister and a younger brother. I grew up in Texas, right outside of Dallas. I graduated high school at sixteen and Texas A&M at nineteen. The NSA approached me right after graduation, and I’ve been with them since then.”
Jennifer cocked her head to the side when she spoke. “How old are you?”
Emma pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. This was a question she was asked often, and the answer was rarely well received. “I’m twenty-five.”
Brooke smiled at her. “That’s very impressive.” Her eyes were genuine, which relaxed Emma.
Emma was accustomed to people shrugging off her capabilities because of her age, but she didn’t see that in Brooke’s reaction. She assumed it was probably because Brooke often faced the same reception as she did regarding her age versus her capabilities. But Brooke apparently had something she didn’t—self-assurance. Maybe some of that would rub off on Emma. She hoped so, anyway.
Tyler stood and put her hand out again. This time, Emma took it. “It’s nice to meet you, Emma. We’re looking forward to working with you.”
Emma continued to shake her hand. “Thank you. I’m very excited about this opportunity.”
Tyler smiled, and Emma realized it was probably because she was still pumping her hand up and down.
“Do you want to go get dinner with us? We could all get to know each other better.”
Emma felt her breath catch in her throat. She looked around at the faces staring back at her. She shouldn’t go out to dinner; she needed to get ready to leave. She’d never been off-site for a mission, and she wasn’t even sure what to bring. But that’s not what came out of her mouth.
“Okay.” The surprise of her own answer forced her body to release Tyler’s hand.
Emma picked up her bag from the floor and put it on her back. “So, I’ll follow you to the restaurant? Or you could just tell me where we’re going.” She pulled the straps of her backpack forward. “Are we going now or did you all want to go later? Is it too early to eat? What time is it?” She blew out a breath. “I ramble sometimes. Like when I’m nervous. Or when I’m not sure what to say.” Just stop talking, Emma.
The blank stare on Tyler’s face transformed into a wide, amused smile. “We’re going to Rocco’s. Do you know where that is?”
Emma nodded her head once. “The pizza place. Yes, I know where it is. I’ll meet you there.”
Tyler shoved her hands in her pockets and moved toward the door, and the other three followed her. “See you in a few.”
Emma waved, and Tyler cocked her head and smiled again before the door closed behind them. Once there was only the quiet hum of computers in the room, Emma covered her eyes and shook her head. What is wrong with you? Get it together, or they’re going to think you’re an idiot, and you’ll never be let out of your little box again.
Chapter Three
Tyler was practically salivating when they pulled up to Rocco’s. It was home to some of the best brick oven pizza she’d ever tasted, and she was already mentally ordering when she got out of the car. They were about to embark on the final leg of their long sought-after objective to put Carol O’Brien and her organization down for good, but that could wait until tomorrow. Tonight, she was going to enjoy Brooke, her friends, good food, and try to get to know the newest member of the team.
She heard Caden before she saw her, explaining to Jennifer her initial thoughts about Emma. “I’m just saying she’s a bit odd.”
Jennifer was holding Caden’s hand, but her face showed her annoyance. “You need to give her a chance. She’s clearly brilliant, and not everyone has your charm.”
Caden stopped, turned, and put her hand against her heart. “You think I’m charming?”
Jennifer rolled her eyes and walked past her. “I’ve changed my mind.”
They were able to get their favorite round table in the corner of the restaurant without any issue. Tyler and Caden took their usual spots, backs to the wall, with a clear view of the front door and the windows.
“Are we splitting a pizza or are we each ordering?” Caden asked, and she looked over the menu.
Brooke put her hand on Tyler’s, but she spoke to Caden. “Let’s wait for Emma.”
Caden frowned, but she tossed her menu onto the table. “I was just planning ahead.”
The server brought water over, and Jennifer told him there would be one more. Then she turned her attention to Caden. “What is your deal? You don’t know her well enough to not like her.”
Caden sipped her water. “I didn’t say I didn’t like her. I’m just not sure she’s going to fit in with us. Like I said, she’s a bit odd.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being odd. I’m odd, and you like me,” Jennifer said.
Caden leaned over and kissed Jennifer’s cheek. “Yeah, but it took a while for you to grow on me.”
Jennifer pushed Caden away, but she was smiling. “Not everyone is wired like you and Tyler. Give her a chance.”
Tyler sipped her water. “Don’t drag me into this. I’m always more comfortable when I’m familiar with the people I’m working with. Why else would I have started hanging out with Caden?”
Caden hit her in the arm. “I’m the—” She looked over at Brooke and shrugged. “Second best thing to ever happen to you.”
Tyler was about to make a smart-ass comment back when Emma came through the door. She took a moment to study her in the few seconds she had before Emma found them and came over to the table. Tyler didn’t agree with Caden in this instance. She didn’t think Emma was odd as much as she was a little socially awkward. She had graduated early from both high school and coll
ege, meaning she was constantly around people who were slightly older and probably intimidated by her. Tyler didn’t think many sixteen- to twenty-two-year-old people would’ve gone out of their way to befriend her, much less bother to get to know her. This would’ve made her socially isolated and probably lonely. She assumed Emma would’ve become accustomed to these interactions and never bothered to try something different when she graduated. Emma just needed someone to give her the opportunity to be herself.
Emma had her hands pulled underneath her sleeves and her arms crossed. She pushed her glasses up on her nose and tucked her short sandy hair behind her ear, even though it hadn’t fallen in her face. All these little tells indicated to Tyler that she was right. Emma wasn’t odd; she was nervous and probably overwhelmed.
Brooke patted the chair next to her, and Emma took a seat. “Hi, Emma. Did you have trouble parking?”
Emma shook her head and grabbed the menu. “No, I rode my bike. So, no issues.”
This seemed to pique Caden’s interest. “Oh yeah? What kind of bike do you have? I have a Ducati Scrambler, and I love it.” She leaned forward on the table, waiting for Emma’s response.
Emma scrunched her nose. “I ride a Schwinn, but I don’t remember the model. You can look at it after dinner if you’d like. It’s very comfortable.”
Caden leaned back in her seat and put her arm along the back of Jennifer’s chair. “That’s okay.” She was trying to suppress a laugh. “I’ll take your word for it.”
Brooke shot Caden an annoyed look and then opened her menu. “Everything looks so good.” She turned to Emma. “Did you want to share something with us, or did you have something in mind?”
Emma’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “I could go for a veggie pizza if anyone is interested.”
Brooke closed the menu and smiled at her. “That sounds perfect.”
Tyler didn’t want a veggie pizza. In her book that didn’t even count as pizza. But she could make this small sacrifice to show Emma they wanted to be friends. The server came, and Brooke ordered a veggie pizza, and Caden ordered a meat lover. Tyler’s stomach rumbled at the mention of Caden’s order but said nothing. Caden gave her a sideways glance, topped off with an annoying smirk.
Dinner continued without any significant missteps. Emma seemed thoughtful and kind, a stark contrast to the people Tyler usually worked with. The chatter was light and simple. They were in an unspoken agreement that after today, their time would be filled with the harsh realities of their jobs.
Tyler took her time, enjoying the people she was with. Meeting Brooke had helped her develop this skill. She now saw the beauty in the comfortable and secure instead of always looking for the next new thing. She took Brooke’s hand under the table and felt the butterflies bubble in her stomach when Brooke squeezed her hand while laughing at something ridiculous Caden had said. Tyler wished she could stop time at this moment so she could enjoy it a little longer.
* * *
“Packing is a science,” Tyler said, laying out all the items she’d be taking into neat and precise stacks.
Brooke came up behind her and ran her hands up her back and onto her shoulders. “You treat everything you do like a science.”
Tyler smiled and grabbed her hand, pulling her around in front of her. “Not everything.” She kissed her lightly at first and then with more determination. Tyler wanted to convey the depth of her feelings with her body, not just her words.
Brooke put her hands on Tyler’s face and smiled. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
Tyler kissed her forehead and pulled her into a hug. “I feel the same way.”
Brooke stepped out of Tyler’s embrace and went back to packing her own bag. “How do you feel about working with my father?”
Tyler rolled each of her shirts and placed them along the bottom of her bag. “Captain Hart is one of the most decorated military officers we have working in our country right now. I consider it an honor.” She rolled her pants next and placed them on top of her shirts. “But the real question is, how do you feel about it?”
Brooke looked through her toiletry bag and zipped it up. “I don’t know. He makes me nervous.”
Tyler sat on the bed, turning her full attention to Brooke. “Tell me more about that.”
Brooke glanced up at her and smirked. “You sound like a therapist.”
Tyler knew Brooke was deflecting, but it wasn’t going to deter her. Brooke rarely showed a chink in her armor, and if she was now, they needed to talk. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.” Brooke threw a shirt in her bag with a bit more force than what was necessary. “I mean…after everything that has happened between my parents and us, now I’m just supposed to be around him like everything is normal?” She continued to throw items of clothing in her bag. “They think you’re a phase of some kind, and the very idea of that is insane. They act like you’re the first woman I’ve ever told them about. It’s just infuriating that they don’t listen to me. They treat me like a child who doesn’t know what she wants. My dad says that he’s going to have an open mind, but you have no idea the power my mother has over him.” She sat on the bed.
Tyler pulled Brooke to her, allowing her head to rest against Tyler’s stomach. “Do you want my advice?”
Brooke kissed the top of Tyler’s hand and then intertwined their fingers. “Always.”
“Treat your dad exactly how you’d treat any commanding officer on this mission. He’ll see what you’re capable of, that you’re no longer a child, and just how good you are at your job. Your mom, well, we can deal with that when we get home,” Tyler said.
“It’s hard for me to even look at either of them. Denying you is like denying a part of myself. I’m not comfortable with any of it.” Brooke’s voice was quiet and uncertain. It was a sharp contrast from her normal confident tone.
“We’ll get through this. I promise we will.”
Brooke kissed her hand again. “I know. I’ve never had any doubt.”
Tyler didn’t know what else to say. She’d been young when her parents died and her aunt Claire had been exactly who Tyler needed her to be when she came out, and she’d accepted it immediately. She didn’t know if she’d given Brooke good advice or if it fell into the realm of asinine. But Tyler knew, regardless of how Brooke’s parents felt, she’d never give up on Brooke. Tyler would never leave her, would never walk away, and would never turn her back on her. Brooke was all that mattered.
Chapter Four
The early morning sun that slipped through the makeshift curtains helped to enhance the hangover Dylan Prey felt throbbing in the front of her head. She looked down at the arm draped across her body and followed it up to the stranger’s face. Dylan tried to remember the woman’s name. Misha? Yana? It didn’t really matter. Dylan would never see her again, not if she could help it, anyway.
Dylan carefully removed the woman’s arm and slipped out of bed, a small creak from the frame when she moved the only announcement of her actions. The woman made a slight noise and rolled over, giving Dylan the perfect opportunity to leave unnoticed. She found her pants, shirt, and shoes lying in different locations around the small room. She made sure she had her phone and keys and slipped out the front door.
Once outside, she pulled her phone from her pocket. There was a notification from her handler, which she cursed herself for missing. It came in the form of a package delivery update, and she only had an hour to get there. She looked around, knowing full well her car was here somewhere. Even in her most intoxicated states, needing her car would’ve made it through the haze. She remembered asking one of her guys to drive them back to the woman’s apartment last night. Which, of course, he did without hesitation. She walked to the back of the apartment building and felt a sense of relief when she laid her eyes on her Lada Granta.
In all honesty, she hated the car. It looked like a Toyota Echo and a Mitsubishi Lancer had an ugly baby. But they were popular here, and it helped her ble
nd in to the culture. Dylan got to the car and opened the trunk. She pulled out a fresh pair of jeans and a shirt. She looked in the mirror she kept in her bag, unimpressed with what she saw staring back at her. There were mascara circles under her eyes, and her face was blotchy from the heavy drinking the night before. She grabbed a bottle of water from the trunk and splashed it on her face, and then ran some through her hair. She did her best to smooth her hair back, attempting to give herself a fresh look. She knew her handler would see right through the attempt, but this was all she could do for now.
Dylan got in her car and plugged her phone into the charger. She now had forty-five minutes to make it from the Lyublino District, to the FedEx location in Moscow, where her package was waiting. It was only about seventeen kilometers, but in the morning traffic, she’d use every bit of her allotted time.
Dylan was nine minutes late when she pulled into the parking lot of the FedEx store. The traffic that morning had been particularly unforgivable, but making Merrick wait was even worse. She found his car parked on the other side of a dumpster and got into the front seat.
“You’re late.” He growled at her from the driver’s seat. He pulled a cigarette from his pack and lit it with the one already burning between his fingers. “It’s dangerous to just sit out here like this. Especially in the daytime.”
“I know,” she said. She did her best not to cough from the smoke that was swimming all around her. “I didn’t see your message until this morning. I had to go out last night.”
He scratched at the stubble on his chin. “Were you with Alekperov?”
She rubbed at her eyes, the hangover worsening from the smoke. “Yeah. I think we’re getting close. It’s taken three years, but he trusts me. We’re going to be able to pick him up and flip him soon.”
Merrick reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “We need you to help on this assignment, too.”