Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81076 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81076 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“But you signed up to be an invisible asset, not an officer who works nine to five at the local field office,” Al shoots back. “If you’d wanted that life, you could have had it. But you wanted the excitement and adventure of the more covert arm of the agency. And with that adventure comes certain sacrifices. Sacrifices you agreed to make for the duration of your employment and retirement, not until it feels inconvenient for you to do so.”
My shoulders tighten as I dip my chin to my chest. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just been one thing after another with this case. But Hanson showing up here could be the break I’ve needed. I can reunite him with his cat and hook him up with the FBI. Since the kidnapping has crossed state lines, it’s going to be in their jurisdiction.”
“Except that it’s a cat, not a kid,” Al says with a put upon sigh. “But I’ve been in touch with a few of my contacts. They’re ready to step in and offer assistance when we’re ready for a hand off.”
A bit of the tension eases from my muscles. “Great. Thank you. While the FBI is busy rounding up the lesser Sweetwaters on kidnapping and extortion charges, I can focus on getting the digital trail we need on Cassie Ann. Once we prove she’s supporting terrorist threats in Canada, we can close the book on the entire organization.” A rumble of thunder shakes the walls, giving me another idea. “The rain might even work in our favor with that. If it keeps coming down like this, I doubt the cupcake shop will be open tomorrow, and Wimpy and Rex are trapped on their compound on the other side of a flooded-out road. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get in, get the data I need, and get out without anyone noticing I’m there.”
“Don’t hope, make it happen,” Al says, but he sounds a tad less grumpy as he adds, “And stay safe on the roads if you head back into town tomorrow. The flooding in Bad Dog is already national news and it’s only supposed to get worse overnight.”
I nod. “I know. I’ll be careful and leave Nora here, since we have the room until Monday.”
“Extend through Tuesday or Wednesday if you want, on the agency’s dime,” Al says, surprising me. “You wrap this up by tomorrow afternoon and you’ll deserve a little vacation with your girlfriend.”
I almost correct him, almost explain that she isn’t my girlfriend, but stop myself before the words can pass my lips. Nora’s not my girlfriend now, but maybe by Monday morning…
Or even by tomorrow afternoon, if I can get out of my own way and trust the certainty growing in my gut that I don’t have to leave home to find what I’ve been missing.
“Thanks, Al,” I say, touched. “I appreciate that.”
“Consider it your retirement present from me,” he says. “But only if you tie this up with a pretty bow for me this weekend. I have four other shit shows in progress and would like to get at least one off of my plate before December. I have a fuck ton of presents to buy. Ten nieces and nephews and Hanukkah comes early this year.”
My lips curve. “Got it. I’ll do my best.”
“You do that,” he says. “And Matty?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t worry about what comes after. You’ll be fine. Some guys don’t thrive in the civilian life, but I doubt that will be the case for you. If anything, you should have left sooner. You were never cut out for keeping this many secrets. You’ve got too many siblings and people who love you up in your business, which, if you ask me, is a great problem to have. I don’t regret leaving surveillance duty when I did, that’s for damned sure. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have sealed the deal with my wife or be the kind of uncle my nieces and nephews know they can count on, no matter what. Sometimes the best way to save the world is just to be there for the people we love.”
It’s the longest speech Al’s ever given me, not to mention the kindest and most vulnerable. And it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. “Thanks,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “I needed that.”
“No shit, Sherlock,” he says, back to his old cantankerous self. “I know when my officers need a pep talk. Now, you’ve had it, so go make things happen. I’ll be in touch if there are any new developments on our side and shoot you the number for my FBI contact in a few minutes.”
I thank him again and end the call, heading into the bedroom to see Bear perched awkwardly on the foot of the bed, watching the silenced television. When he sees me, he lifts a hand. “Hey. Nora’s changing.” He motions toward the closet beside the bureau. “And Clyde’s in there. I’m only letting myself check on her every eight minutes.” He taps his smart watch. “I have a timer on. I think I was stressing her out, hovering over the box.”