Tom Clancy's Power Plays 5 - 8

by Tom Clancy

  “Thought you were going for a jog,” Ricci said.

  Julia shrugged.

  “No reason it can’t wait,” she said.

  Ricci straightened, looked at her from where he stood in the morning sunlight.

  “It’s better to eat afterward,” he said. “You don’t want your stomach to cramp.”

  Julia shrugged again.

  “Weren’t you intending to join me?” she said.

  “I was,” Ricci said. He took in a breath, produced a long exhalation. “But I let myself get out of shape lately, figured maybe we could go jogging together first . . . that is, if you don’t mind.”

  Julia noticed what he was wearing—really noticed—and came close to slapping her head.

  “No,” she said. “I don’t.”

  “You’re sure,” he said.

  “I’m positive,” Julia said. “In fact, Viv and I would really like the company.”

  They looked at each other a while. Then Ricci nodded, and Julia opened the door wider for him.

  “C’mon in,” she said. “I need to put this bag away for when we get back.”