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The fogthathunginthe air was dense enoughto be scooped outwitha spoon Charli was crouched ina hiddenposition behindthethick,dampfoliageofthejunglethatbreathedstrange,foreignnoisesinthesquawksandmoansoflivingthings. Thescentofdecayingvegetationontheground,mixedwiththefaintsmellofdieselfuel,filledtheair.Charlistrainedtosee throughthe oppressive haze as she struggled to focus onthe dilapidated buildingup ahead Sporadic blinkingfroma pale exterior lightintermittentlybroke throughthe shroud ofvapor before gettingswallowed up and digested into the fathomless bellyofthefog
There were sixofthemonthe ground. Their missionwas to rescue anambassador who’d beenkidnapped bya terrorist cell Theambassadorwasacriticalintelligenceasset,escalatingthegravityofthesituation
Charliwasabouttorespond,butanotherofherteammembersbeathertoit “Onebytheentrance Oneatfiveo’clock One atseveno’clock.Afourthismovingtowardstherearofthebuilding.”
Charli tightened her hold onher submachine gun. To her trained ears, the slightestsound or rustle was tantamountto the crackofa rifle She halted inher tracks whenher bootfell ona twig Blood furiouslypumpingagainsther temples as she swallowed,prayingthatthe soundhadn’tcarriedtoanyofthe guards.Asecondlater,whenall seemedwell,she cautiously continued.
Simon, the teammember on her right and one of her closest friends, glanced in her direction. No words needed to be spokenbetweenthemforhertounderstandthathewasaskingifeverythingwasokay.Shegaveaquickthumbsup.
At that, Charli and Simon made a dash for the door and then charged inside. It was dark, but the night vision goggles allowedthemtosee everythingclearly.Charli surveyedthe area.Large shippingboxes were scatteredhaphazardlyover the concretefloor.Simonpointedtoaglow oflightemittingfromthesecondfloor.Theywoveapaththroughtheboxesandthen madetheirwaytothemetalstairsandstartedclimbing Whentheyreachedthetop,theypositionedthemselvesoneithersideof theopendoor.
Clutchingher submachine,Charli bravedaglanceinside Athinmaninhismid-twenties,dressedinall camouflage,was sittingina foldingchair beside a metal table. His booted feetwere propped up onthe seatofanadjacentfoldingchair. A small, older-model TVwithantennas was perched atop the table. Abasketball game was on. The manwore a set oflarge headphones He was bobbinghis head insync to a beatthatonlyhe could hear The manwas munchingona bagofchips, routinelywipingthesaltandgreaseontohispantsbeforedigginginformore.
Ina swiftmovement, Simonaimed his gunand fired, hittingthe guard square inthe heart. He grunted insurprise before fallingtothefloorandgoingstone-still,thebagofchipstopplingfromhishandsandspillingout
Charliheardherownshockedintakeofbreath.“What’reyoudoing?”sheshrieked.Simonhadbeenunderalotofpressure ever since his wife Bev left him, taking his two kids Bev claimed that Simon had knocked her around a few times and threatenedtodoevenworsethenexttime.Simonwasforcedtogothroughapsychologicalevaluation.Everythingcameback clean, and he was cleared for duty. Charli, like mostofthe other agents inthe division, firmlybelieved thatthe accusations madebySimon’swifewerefalse awaytoslanderhim.Now,however,inthemostinopportuneofcircumstances,Charliwas havingtorethinkthatstance.
HorrorshotthroughCharliwhenshesawastreamofbloodtricklingfromthedeepgashintheOwl’sforehead.Shesawit all throughthe slow and distorted lens ofa nightmare a terrible, agonizingnightmare fromwhichshe couldn’tawake. The Owl’seyeswereglassyandunseeing,hisbodytwistedatanawkwardangle Itwasallshecoulddotogethermouthtoform thewords.“What did you do?”
Her heart pounding erratically in her chest, she went through the motions of kneeling down to check the Owl’s pulse, knowingalreadyhowthiswouldend.Herthroatclosedassheswallowed.
Her eyes popped openina snap as Charli wildlylooked around She became aware of her surroundings as her vision focused onPoppy, her younger sister, who was hoveringover her. The ends ofPoppy’s longred hair tickled Charli’s bare arms
“Youwerehavinganightmare,”Poppyexplained.
CharliblinkedseveraltimesandthenscootedtositupasPoppybackedawayandsatontheendofthebed Charlinoted that her body was clammy, her forehead bathed in a cold sweat. Her heart was still hammering in her chest, and she was trembling.Sheclaspedherhandstogether. Get a grip! Sheknewfromexperiencethatthebestwayoutofthiswastofocuson thedetailsofthepresent “Whattimeisit?”Sheglancedatherphonerestingonthenightstand Thenightmareswerenothing new.They’dbeenherconstantcompanionoverthepastseveralmonths.Shehopedthatwithretirement,shecouldfinallycome totermswitheverythingthathappenedandgetsomeclosureandpeace “Alittleafterthree-thirtyinthemorning.”
Theterrorofthememoryrushedbackfullforceasamercilessfistsqueezedherchest. Control your breathing. In through the nose for two beats out through the mouth for two beats Force your lungs to relax “Nothing specific that I can remember,”shelied,“justvagueshadowsofvariousmissions.”
“Yes,” Charli agreed. She twisted her bodyaround and propped a pillow behind her backbefore sinkingbackinto the comfortofitandrestingherheadagainsttheheadboard.
“Iam”Charlihopedshesoundedmoreconvincingthanshefelt Thetruthwasthatshewasn’tsurehowtherestofherlife was supposedtolook.For solong,Charli hadpouredherselfintoher work,believingheartandsoul thatshe was makinga difference,notonlyforhercountrybutalsoforthoseindividualswhomshe’dsoughttosave Shehadmadeadifference,she knew thatmuch.Butthenshe’dfailedherfriendwhenheneededherthemost,andshe’dneverforgiveherselfforthat! What good is it to save the world if you can’t save those you love?
“Itis.” Charli couldn’tcountthe number oftimes she andPoppyhadhuddleduptogether onthis verybed.The tradition started after their parents were killed whentheir private jetcrashed Charli was ten, and Poppywas seven Their charmed worldimplodedinaninstant.Thesistershadalwaysbeenclose,butthegriefandshockoflosingtheirparentsinsuchatragic accidentbondedthemtogetherevenmore
Their granddad,Charles,anEnglishmanwhohadacrustyexterior butaheartofgold,becametheir legal guardian.They grewupinthisverymansion,exploringthevariousroomsandroamingalloverthewell-tendedgrounds.
After graduatingfromhighschool, Poppyspread her wings and attended college at UCLA She fell inlove withsunny California and decided to settle there. Charli, onthe other hand, attended college at Oxford and was recruited to joinMI6 shortlyaftergraduating Charlihadbrieflyconsideredgettingherownflat,butGranddadwouldn’thearofit,sosheoptedto stayatthemansioninheroldbedroom.She’dreplacedherchildhoodfurniturewithmoremodernandgrownupcounterparts. However,shecouldn’tpartwithherbed
PoppyletoutalongsighassheremovedherhandfromCharli’sandshiftedaroundtofacehersister.Thenightlightfrom the bathroomcastenoughlightfor Charli to be able to see the softoutline ofPoppy’s face. Her sister possessed a striking beautywithporcelainskinandathickmaneofcurlyredhairthattumbledtohershoulders Atthirty-oneyearsold,Poppywas acelebratedanchorforanewsstationinMontereyandlivedintheexclusivecommunityofCarmel-by-the-Sea.She’dworked hard to get where she was It couldn’t be easyto constantlybe inthe spotlight And yet, Poppyheld up under the scrutiny remarkablywell, exudinganeffusive grace and magnetismthat drew others to her. It was fascinatingto watchhow easily Poppycould turnonthe charmwhenshe wanted Whereas Charli’s workmade her more ofa bluntinstrument Growingup, Poppywasthesocialbutterfly,andCharliwasthebookwormwhopreferredtostaybehindthescenes.
The Cavendishfamilycame fromold moneythathad beenpassed downfor several generations Their holdings were as diversified as they were numerous, ensuring the continuation of wealth for generations to come. Charli and Poppy both receivedlargeinheritanceswhentheyreachedtheageoftwenty-six.CharlibeggedPoppytomakeEthansignaprenup,butshe wouldn’t do it
Fromthe moment Poppy met him, she had stars in her eyes Granted, Ethan was handsome and charming, alwaysknowingtherightthingtosay,butCharlididn’ttrustthemanasfarasshecouldthrowhim.Herinstinctsscreamedthat Ethanwasusinghersister,andthatdidn’tsitwellwithCharli
“Yeah,” Charli utteredquietlyas she swallowedthe unexpectedlumpofemotionthatrose inher throat.“FindingNorth” wasthefamilymantra.Itwasstartedbytheirmumwhen,forChristmas,shegaveherdaughtersidenticalnecklacesthathada compass charm. While Charli was too young to fully understand the significance or symbolism of the compass, she rememberedthewordshermotherspoke.ThecompasswasareminderforCharliandPoppytofindtheirfootingregardlessof what else was going on around them To always keep a clear perspective To recognize that their value was tied to their identities notnecessarilybecausetheywereaCavendishbutbecausetheyweredaughtersofGod. Their mother died a month after Christmas The necklaces weren’t super valuable as far as money was concerned However, theywere the sisters’prize possessions. Itwasn’tuntil Charli grew and matured thatshe beganto understand the significanceofhermother’swords.Mostpeoplespendtheirentirelivesnotknowingwhotheyare.Charlihadalwaysheldher mother’s words close Infact, once the seed ofher beinga daughter ofGod was firmlyplanted inher heart, she thoughtof herself differently. And it affected how she viewed others. Growing up, she and Poppy attended church regularly with Granddad Charli still did,as didPoppywhenshe came home tovisit Charli was grateful for the claritythata relationship withGodhadbroughther.Notthatherlifehadbeeneasyorperfectbyanymeans.Infact,itwasoftenhardertowalktheroad ofdiscipleship However,itwascomfortingtoknowthathelpwasonlyaprayeraway “Backtothebrightside.Nowthatyou’reretiring,it’llgiveyoumoretimetodate.” Charli’seyesrounded.“Date?”shegurgled.PoppyandGranddadkepturgingCharli tosettledown,butthatwasthelast thingonhermindrightnow
“Idon’thearfromhim,”Charlisnapped,“andthat’sagoodthing.”JamesWyattFitzgeraldhadbeenafellowagentatMI6. She’dfallenhardandfastfor him,as he hadfor her The twowere the dynamic duo Thatis,until Fitzgotsqueamishabout thembeingsoclose.Hewasworriedthattheywouldbecomealiabilitytooneanother,especiallyifwordweretogetoutto theirenemiesthattheywereinvolved
“I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if anything happened to you because of me, ” Fitzhadsaid. Charlididn’tbuyit.Sheaccusedhimofbeingnoncommittalandgoingbacktohisoldways.Toherknowledge,shewasthe onlyseriousrelationshipthatFitzhadeverhad.Heaccusedherofbeingtooemotional.Therelationshipendedbadly.Shortly thereafter,FitzleftMI6andwenttoworkforaprivatecontractor.Fitzclaimedthatheneededachangeandcouldn’tpassup
the opportunityto workfor billionaire philanthropistSuttonSmith, who rana protectionagency. However, Charli suspected thatFitz’shastyexitfromMI6hadmoretodowithherthananythingelse.
“Rubbish”AnalltoofamiliarhurtslicedCharli’sgut ShehatedtalkingaboutFitzbecauseitbroughtbackallofthehurt Time to move to another topic. She switched to somethingthatwould be a surefire wayto divertPoppy’s attention Ethan. “How’stheprepgoingfortheupcomingpoliticalcampaign?”
“Okay” Charli sucked ina breathand pressed her lips together, tryingto reininher dislike for Ethan He was Poppy’s husband,andforsomereasonunknowntoCharli,hersisterlovedtheman.“WhyisEthansobusy?What’shedoing?”
“As a legislator, he has gobs of responsibilities.” She ticked throughthe list. “Budget meetings, speakingengagements, committee work, an advocate with agencies and other legislators, conducting town halls, research and policy analysis, constituentoutreach ”
Charli cuther offwitha flourishofher hand “Igetthe idea Butyou’re busytoo,” she argued,feelingprotective ofher sister.“Andyet,I’msureyoumaketimeforEthan.”
“ThisthingwithyouandEthan…isitjustaboutwork?”Charlifeltastabofguiltfortheunreasonablehopethatsprouted inherchest IfonlyPoppywoulddumpEthanandmoveontogreenerfields No,thatwasflawedthinking Charlididn’twant Poppytosuffer,butshecertainlywishedhersistercouldseeEthanforwhathewas orwasn’t. “I’mnot sure.” Tears glistened in Poppy’s eyes. “Ethan and I have this distance between us that has never been there before”Shehesitated,gnawingonherbottomlip “Ijustdon’tknowhowtogetthroughtohim”
“Things likethis don’tnormallyjustgoaway”Charli rubbedahandover her forehead Shecouldn’tbelievethatPoppy hadwithheldthisfromher.Whatgoodwasittohavespecializedtrainingandskillsifshecouldn’tevenprotectherownsister? Or one of your closest friends,thelittlevoiceinherheadaccused
Don’t go there. Shecouldn’tthinkaboutwhathadhappenedbeforeandhow shehadfailedSimon,orelseshe’dgomad. The reasonwhythe painful memories surfaced inher sleep was because she wouldn’tgive anycredence to themduringthe day.Shehadtocompartmentalizeandkeepmovingforwardthewayshe’ddonewhenMumandDadwerekilled.Eventually, theguiltwouldsubside.
“Theywere benignatfirst.He’dmake a remarkabouta particular aspectofa storyIcovered,sayingthathe enjoyedit. Sometimes,he’dcomplimentmyhairoroutfit”
“He?”
“Hesignedthem, Harry. ”
“Howoftenareyoureceivingtheseemails?”
Poppyscrunchedherface,thinking.“Maybetwiceamonth.LikeIsaid,Ididn’tthinkmuchofit,butthentheemailsbecame morefrequent HarrystartedcriticizingmystanceonthestoriesIcoveredandevencomplainedaboutwhatIwore,mymakeup, or how Istyled myhair. His emails progressivelystarted gettingmore demanding. Once, he wrote thatIwould regretitifI didn’tcomplywithhisdemands”
Sheshrugged.“I’mreallynotsure.Atanyrate,theyweren’tabletotracetheemails.Acoupleofweeksago,Igotaflower deliveryfromH.Itwassenttomydressingroom.Myproducergotthenetwork’ssecuritypersonneltolookintoit.Theynever coulddetermine whichshoparranged the flowers and questioned ifperhaps Harrypurchasedthemfroma grocerystore and thenarrangedthemhimself.Therewassecurityfootageofalankyguyalittleundersixfeettalldroppingoffthearrangementat thefrontdesk Hewaswearingahoodieandstrategicallykepthisfaceoutoftherangeofthecameras Thereceptionistwasat lunchwhentheflowersweredelivered,andnoonewasmanningthefrontdesk.”
Charlilettheinformationsoakin “Itsoundsliketheguywenttogreatlengthstokeephisidentityhidden Andhemust’ve knownwhenthe receptionist would be out for lunch. Is there anythingelse?” She studied Poppy’s strained expressionand couldtellthattherewas.
Charli worked through the scenario “So he probably parked nearby and then walked Had you called the police, they could’vequestionedtheneighborsrightaftertheincidenttoseeifanyonesawhim.”
Charlirolledhereyes “Youkeeptellingyourselfthat,”shesmirked,repeatingPoppy’sphrase “Back to you going to Carmel. I would absolutely love that. Now’s a great time for you to start your billionaire matchmakingbusiness”
“Well,youhavemetohelpyou,”Poppysaidbrightly.“I’mhappilymarried,andIknowathingortwoaboutromance.” Poppy certainly had the romance part down pat She dated scores of guys before ending up with Ethan As far as the happilymarriedpart.Well,Charlididn’thavethehearttopointoutthatPoppy’smarriagewasfar fromperfect.Soshetried theworktactic.“You’llhelpmeinallofyoursparetime?” Heranswerwasimmediate.“Ofcourse.”
“BecauseIneedtimetoprocessmyretirement.AndIpromisedGranddadthatI’dhelphimwithafewofhisprojects.You knowhimandhisnever-endinglist,”Charlichuckled ShewasgladthatGranddadwassoactive,butblimey,themanworked like a Trojan. He never sat still. The manhad two speeds full-throttle and dead-to-the-world whenhe was asleep inhis favoritetweedchairandsnoringlikeafoghorn
Charli heldupahand,cuttingher off.“I’ll startwithavisitandseehow itgoes.”ShemissedPoppyterriblyandwould lovetobenearher.However,shedidn’twanttoleaveGranddad,andshewasn’tsureifshewasreadytomovefromEngland. Sheneededtimetosettleintoherretirementbeforemakinganydrasticdecisions.Shewasonlythirty-fouryearsoldandhad herwholelifeaheadofher Maybeshewouldeventuallystartabusiness Despitetheobjectionsshe’draisedtoPoppyabouta billionaire matchmaking service, the idea was intriguing. It would be nice to help other people avoid heart-wrenching situationswheretheyweretakenadvantageof Yes,she’dstruggledwithherownromanticrelationships,butthatdidn’tmean shecouldn’trunasuccessfulmatchmakingservice,right?
HopekindledinPoppy’seyes.“Okay,we’llstartwithavisit.”Asmileslidoverherlips.“AndthenI’llconvinceyouto move there” Her voice wentbubbly “Infact ” she broughther hands together “ Idon’tknow whyIdidn’tthinkofthis before.Sinceyou’resoagainstgivingFitzanotherchance,I’vegottheperfectguyforyou.”
Arguing with Poppy was a waste of breath Poppy firmly believed that she could convince Charli to eventually come aroundtoherwayofthinking.“Let’sstartwithavisit,andthenwe’llseehowitgoes,”shesaidevasivelyasshegaveintothe longyawnthatstretchedoverhermouth.“Weneedtogetsomesleep.”Wearinesssettledintoherbones,hereyelidsbecoming asheavyastwocoins Hopefully,thistime,she’dsleepsoundlywithnonightmares
“Yes, we do.” Poppyscooted offthe bed and stood. Her jade eyes were brightwithexcitement. “I’ll go ahead and call AlishaHowardandhaveherkeepaneyeoutforahomeintheneighborhood” “Poppy,”sheprotested.
“No pressure,” Poppy shushed. “I figure it can’t hurt for you to see the options that are available. Just in case,” she repeatedsweetly.“Goodnight.”Shetraipsedoutoftheroomwithconfidentsteps,herhairbouncingonhershouldersasshe went.
Charli punched her pillow into formbefore adjustingit to her liking. Thenshe snuggled under the covers. She grinned, thinkingofPoppy theeternaloptimist.
Charli, Poppy, and Granddad were beingchauffeured to the statelyhome ofMonroe Lewis, where the retirementpartywas beingheld.MonroewasCharli’sbossandheadofherdivision.Herstomachtightened.Anerawasending.Itwassurreal to thinkthatCharliwouldnolongerbeanagent.Shewascertainlyreadyforachange.However,makingthetransitionwasharder thanshe’danticipated
Ifsomeone had told her thatshe’d be retiringfromMI6 atthe youngage ofthirty-four, she would’ve balked. However, consideringeverythingthathappenedwithSimon,sheneededadifferentlife
Granddadwassittinginthefrontpassengerseat.Heturnedandassessedherwithinquisitiveeyesbehindhisstylish,retro glasses Inhis earlyeighties,Granddadwas tall andleanandas physicallyfitas mostmenhalfhis age Asharpdresser,he worehistuxlikeasecondsetofskin.For years,he’dhadathickheadofhair.However,over thepastfew years,hissilver hair was thinningever soslightly,andhis recedinghairline was becomingmore prominent.He was animposingfigure who wieldedanauraofconfidenceandrefinementthatspokeofhisaristocraticupbringing “Areyoureadyforthis,bumblebee?”
Without warning, moisture gathered in her eyes as she offered a brief smile. “I know,” she said hoarsely and then swallowed Thatwastheproblem Shedidn’tknowanythingrightnow Simonwashermentorandfriend Whenshelosthim, shelostherbearings.Shewasadriftinswiftrapidsofuncertainty.Thebestshecoulddoatthemomentwastokeepherhead abovewaterandfighttokeepfromgettingsuckedunder.
The chauffeur Max, a withered man who looked a decade older than Granddad pulled the Rolls Royce up to the entranceofMonroe’shome.MaxhadbeendrivingforGranddadforaslongasCharlicouldremember.Maxmovedtoopenhis door,butGranddadstoppedhim.“Noneedtohelpusout,oldchap,”hesaidpleasantlyashepattedMax’sarm.“We’lltakeit fromhere”
PoppylookedatCharli andscrunchedherface.Theywereboththinkingthesamething. Thank goodness they could just get out of the car themselves!Maxmovedslowerthancoldmolasses
Earlier,whenMaxhadpulledthecararoundandpickedthemupattheCavendishMansiontotakethemtotheretirement party,ithadbeenpainfultowatchhimshufflearoundthecartoopentheirdoors.Hetrippedoverhisownfeetandwould’ve fallenhadGranddadnotbeencloseenoughtocatchhisarmandsteadyhim.Numeroustimes,Charlihadbroughtupthetopicof MaxtoGranddad,questioningifhewasgettingtoooldtodrive.However,Granddadfeltanobligationtohisfriendandhadno intentionofremovinghimfromhispost WhileCharliappreciatedloyalty,shedidn’twantMaxtocauseanaccidentandinjure himself or someone else. It unnerved her to know that Maxwas drivingGranddad around ona regular basis. She couldn’t fathomthethoughtofanythinghappeningtoGranddad HewastheoneconstantinherandPoppy’slives Sheknewhewasn’t gettinganyyoungerandwouldn’tliveforever,butshehopedtokeephimaroundforaslongashumanlypossible.
Charli grinned in amusement when Poppy threw open the door and quickly scrambled out as if afraid that Max would ignoreGranddad’sadmonitionandtrytocomearoundandopenherdoorafterall Charlislidacrosstheseatandalsogotout Butterfliesfannedherstomachasshesmoothedahandoverherdress.
Ironicthatshehadnoproblemholdinghercomposureonmissions However,shedetestedsocialgatheringswithapassion They tied her in knots. Still, she’d managed to navigate her way through plenty of them, realizing that they were often a requirementofherjob
However, tonight, everythingwas different. This partywas for her. She couldn’t hide behind a false identityand go in disguisebecausethesepeopleknew her therealCharliCavendishbehindtheglitzyfaçade.Theyknew herweaknessesand flaws Andtheyknewwhatshe’ddonetoSimon
Charli’sstomachtightenedtoafist.She’dbalkedwhenMonroefirstannouncedthathewasthrowingheraretirementparty. Shetriedtotalkhimoutofit,butherefused,sayingthatshewastoomodestforherowngood Sheexplainedthatmodestyor humilityhadnothingtodowithit…thatshejustwasn’tafanofthesetypesofgatherings.However,Monroe’smindwasmade up Theretirementpartywouldgoforward,andshewasexpectedtoshowupandactpleasedaboutit “Breathe,”Poppywhispered,noticingCharli’sdistress.
Charlipuffedoutahardballoonofbreathandrubbedasweatyhandoverherblackeveningdress.Whileshewasfrazzled on the inside, at least she looked the part of a seasoned socialite in her clingy designer dress, dangly starburst diamond earrings, and strappy heels, which Poppy insisted that she wear. Had she beenalone when gettingready, Charli would’ve chosenamoresensiblesetofheels Onesthatshecouldwalkinwithoutfeelinglikeshewasonabalancebeam She surveyed the roomwitha practiced eye, takingnote of her colleagues and their spouses or dates. Ahandful of the coworkerswerefellowteammembers,butmostwereofficestaffandanalysts TheabsenceofSimonandhiswifeBevwasso tangiblethatitcut.Wouldthepaineverlessen?Shecertainlyhopedso.
CharlispottedMonroeandhiswifeEleanor,whowasaCountess.MonroewasanEarl,havingacquiredthetitlefromhis father’sline EleanorlookedeverybitlikethehighsocietyCountessinheremeraldgown,whichhuggedhercurvyfigure,and the plunging neckline left little to the imagination. Her reddish-brown hair was coifed into an impressive updo, and her diamondnecklacelookedexpensiveenoughtoequatetotheGNPofasmallcountry LiketheCavendishfamily,Monroecame fromoldmoney.However,unlikeGranddad,whomadeapracticeofdownplayinghiswealth,Monroedroveasleeksports-car andlikedforEleanortodresstotheirstanding To each his own
A jolt went through Charli when she recognized the man engaged in conversation with Monroe Sutton Smith, the billionairephilanthropistwhowasFitz’sboss.Suttonwasthetypetostandoutinacrowdasheboreastrikingresemblanceto theactorDaniel Craig,who’dplayedtheiconiccharacterJamesBond Eveninhisexpensivetux,Suttonexudedagrittyand powerful vibe.Sutton’swife,Liz,aDuchess,wastalkingtoEleanor.Lizwasasbeautiful asSuttonwashandsome.Thetwo wereapowercoupleifthereeverwasone Charlifurrowedherbrows.Whyweretheyhere?
Monroewas aclosefriendofSutton GranddadandSuttontraveledinmanyofthesamesocial circles Charli couldtell fromthe way Granddad spoke of Sutton that he had great admiration for him. Charli had met Sutton and Liz on numerous occasions, buttheywere acquaintances rather thanfriends. Mostly, she knew Suttonbyreputation… and thathe was Fitz’s boss
to “the office,” as everyone called the agencyand wished her well. No one mentioned Simon, but she could see the quiet accusationinseveralpeople’seyes.Ormaybeshewasjustparanoidbecauseshewasbeingeatenupbyguilt.
“Hello,” Charli responded witha tentative smile. Normally, she was perfectlyatease around Monroe. However, inthis setting,everythingfeltforced.
Monroe clasped her ina tight hug, givingher a whiff of his expensive cologne, whichsmelled of spice and a woodsy citrus. “It’s not too late to change your mind,” he whispered gruffly in her ear. A second later, he released his hold and searchedherfaceasifferventlyhopingshe’dcancelherretirement
Thedepthoffeelinginhislight,wateryeyesstruckachordinsideher,makingherkeenlyawareofallthatshewasgiving upbyretiring Whisper-thinwithamilddemeanorandanintellectualaura,Monroeremindedhermoreofacollegeprofessor rather than one of the most powerful men at MI6. His appearance gave him an edge over his opponents as they often underestimatedMonroe,realizingonlytoolatewhattheyweretrulyupagainst.
“You’reoneofthebestfieldagentsI’veeverhad.”Hisjawworked,andthenhecoughed.“Isurehatetoloseyou.” “I’ll miss you,” she said sincerely as she swallowed the tightness in her throat. It was rare that Monroe showed any emotion.Hesteppedcloseandcaughtholdofher arm,speakinginalow tone.“Youneedtolettheguiltgo.Whathappened withSimonwasnotyourfault.Youdidtherightthing.”
Tears prickled her eyes She blinked fastto staythem Monroe meantwell, buthis words were as emptyas her regrets “I’mnotsure,”shecroaked.Theirgazesmetforseveralsecondsasalifetimeofunderstandingpassedbetweenthem.Noone gotoutof“the office” withoutpilingup a mountainofregret Heartbreakingdecisions had to be made onthe daily which personto save, whento pull the trigger, whento walkawayfroma compromised mission, and identifyingcolleagues who couldposearisktonationalsecurity.
Selling out your closest friend Monroeeyedherwithsympathy.“Thejobwedo everythingthat’srequiredofus takesitstoll.Itbecametoomuchfor Simon Youhadtoreporthisbehavior Itwasyourduty”
Charli noddedandthenlookedaway Griefswelledinher chestasanimageofBev’sgrief-strickenfaceflashedthrough her mind. The funeral had beengut-wrenching. Simon’s two kids would grow up without a father. She’d heard throughthe grapevine thatSimon’s parents were devastated byhis death Simon’s mother had a mental breakdown There’s a chance it could’veallbeenavoided.IfonlyCharlihadhandledthesituationdifferently.
Eleanor butted into the conversationwitha cheery“Hello” She stepped up to Charli and air-kissed her onbothcheeks beforecatchingherinadaintyhug.“Youlookfabulous,dear,”Eleanorsaidwithatraceofenvyasshepulledbackandlooked Charliupanddown
Instinctively, Charli touched her dress. “Thanks. So do you.” Her polished appearance tonight was owed to Poppy’s handiwork Inhercurrentstateofmind,she’dwantedtodressdown However,Poppywouldn’thaveit Eleanor’sbeautifulfacelitup.“Thankyou,darling.” Monroefloatedheradotingsmile.“Shedoeslookbeautiful.”
Eleanor touched Monroe’s arm. “This guyis goingto miss yousomethingfierce. I don’t know how he’ll manage. First Simonandthenyou.”Sheblinkedasifrealizingthatshe’dlandedonatouchytopic.“I’msorry,”shestammered,herfacegoing
CharliagainwonderedwhySuttonandLizwerehere.WasLizmakingpoliteconversation,ordidshereallywanttoknow whatCharliwoulddonext?Shemoistenedherlips “Um,I’mnotexactlysure” Poppy, who’d been chatting with Sutton and Granddad, turned around and jumped into the conversation. “I hope to convinceCharlitomovetoCarmel”
Before Charli could respond, Granddad caught wind of the conversation. He turned his attentionawayfromSuttonand laseredinonCharli.“What’sthisaboutyoumoving?”hedemandedwithbunchedbrows.
CharlishotPoppyadeathglarethatsaid, Why couldn’t you keep your big mouth shut?
Attimes like this, itdidn’tmatter thatCharli was a grownwomanwho’d graduated fromOxford withhonors. Itdidn’t matterthatshe’dgottenrecruitedforacovetedjobandhadgoneoncountlesssuccessfulmissions,whichsavedscoresoflives and protected her country. Under Granddad’s blazingscrutiny, she was as timid as a wobblykneed teenager onthe verge of gettingsenttodetention “Poppywantsmetomove,”Charliblurted,“butnothinghasbeendecidedyet”Crikey,thissituation wasawkward.Alleyeswerezeroedinonher.Thisiswhyshedespisedsocialgatherings.Shewishedthatshecouldholeup inherbedroomandburyhernoseinabook
HeatwarmedCharli’scheeks.“No,”sherespondedtooemphatically.Assoonasthewordlefthermouth,sheclampedher lipsshut.Shewantedtoshrinkdowntothesizeofabugandcrawl awaywhenshesaw theflickersofsurpriseonthefaces aroundher Sinceshecouldn’tdothat,shedidthenextbestthing ShestraightenedhershouldersandlookedSuttonintheeye “What does Fitzhave to do withanything?” It was always a good tactic to be the aggressor inthese types of situations. If you’regoingtogodown,thengodownfighting Thatwashermotto
“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”Hisvoicepitchedhighlikeitalwaysdidwhenhegotcalledonthecarpet Likeher,Fitz hadstartedoutasageek,butonlyinhisyoungeryears.Hegrew outoftheawkwardphaseofhisteenageyears,transformed into Mr. Popular, and was even captain of the football team. She knew all of this because Fitz had opened up about his childhood,justasshehadtohim She’dconfidedthingstoFitzthatshe’dnevertoldanotherlivingsouloutsideofherfamily That’swhyithurtsomuchwhenhedumpedherandtookoff.
Fire zigzagged through Charli’s head, making her feel like it would combust. “Calm down?” she roared. “No, I most certainlywillnot.”Suddenly,itwasalltoomuch Simon’sdeath,herretirement,Fitzshowingup.Yes,sheshouldbemorein control ofher emotions,butshe was unravelingatthe seams Maybe she was gettinga small taste ofhow Simonhadfelt It servedherright.Shenarrowedhereyes,directingallofherwrathatFitz.“Youhavenorighttobehere.”
“Takeiteasy,bumblebee,”Granddadurged
Charlisuckedinaraggedbreath.“Ididn’twanttocometothisthinginthefirstplace.”ShethrewMonroeaheatedglare. Her headwas startingtospin,andshe hadthe impressionthatthe people aroundher were pressingin She shouldbe better thanthis.Hertraininghadmadeherstrongandresilient.She’dfacedcountlessimpossiblesituations,manyofwhichinvolved social settings where she’d pretended to be a diplomat, social climber, or other notable figure. She’d had no problem whatsoeverfillingthoseroles Holdinghercoolhadsavednotonlyherbutalsoherfellowagents Whywasshesofreakedout byastupidretirementparty?Whyhereandwhynow?
Because you don’t deserve the praise, hermindshouted, not after what happened with Simon “Iknow,” Monroe acknowledged withthe patience ofJob, “butyouneeded to know thatwe care.” He spoke inthe allknowingvoiceofaseasonedmentor.
Ahard laughscratched her throat. “Don’tyoudare use your rubbishtactics onme.” Fitzwas a master negotiator. Given enoughtime,hecouldpersuadeanyone,evenher,tocomearoundtohiswayofthinking.
Blood thrashed against Charli’s temples withthe force ofanairplane propeller as she considered her alternatives. Her pent-upanimositytowardsFitzwasmakingheractirrational Maybeitwoulddosomegoodtocleartheair “Fine,”shespat Sincethedamagewasdoneandshe’dalreadymadeanidiotofherself,shemightaswellsatisfyhercuriosity.Shelockedeyes withSutton.“Whydidyoucomeheretonight?”
“You want me to work for you?” Charli voiced the question at the same time she ran the offer through her head “I’m retiringtogetawayfromthelifeofespionage.”
“Onceespionagegetsinyourblood,younevertrulygetawayfromit,”Suttoncounteredwithaghostofagrin Charli lifted her chin. “I guess that remains to be seen.” The possibilityof workingfor a manlike SuttonSmithinthe privatesectorwasintriguing.Except…“WhowouldIreportto?”
“Youroutburst”Heshookhisheadindisgust “Totallyunprofessional” Her headexplodedintoaball offlames. As if she needed him to point that out. “How dare youshow uphere andthen have the nerve to judge me!” Her voice escalated to a fever pitch “If you hadn’t crashed my party, then it wouldn’t have happened.”
He dug his fingers into his hair. “No, this is so much more. You don’t lose your cool.” His voice grew ominous with concern “Notlikethat MonroesaidthatSimon’sdeathhadmessedwithyourhead,butIdidn’trealizeitwasthisbad” His words came ather inafirestormofbullets.Ofcourse,he’dnotrealizedbecausehe hadleft.She gotupinhis face. “What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
Shedrewbacktopunchhimintheface,butheneatlyblockedherattemptbycatchingherwrist Yes,shewasgoodathandto-hand combat, butFitzwas easilyher equal, ifnother superior. He twisted her arm, forcingher to release his finger. She triedtokneehiminthecrotch,butheturnedheraroundsothathewasbehindher,bindingherinanirongrip “Letgoofme,”shegruntedandthendugherheelintothetopofhisfoot.
He swore and released his hold onher for a fractionofa second. She tried to lunge outofhis grasp, buthe caughther. “Stop it,” he growled into her ear. His warm breath tickled her skin and heightened her awareness. It was strange and disconcertinghow herintenseanger fueledherattractiontohimevenmore.Hisbodywastautandmuscular,pressedagainst hers Shefeltthestrengthofhisarmsaroundherandrememberedhowsafeandsecureshe’dfeltwithhim asifnothingbad couldevertouchher.Then,inabitterirony,hewastheonewhohurther.Forallofherso-calledskillsinstrategy,she’dnot seenthatcoming Andshehadn’tadaptedwelltoherchangedenvironment Infact,itnearlydestroyedher
Evidently,hemust’vesensedthechangeinherbecausehewhispered,“YouhavenoideahowmuchI’vemissedyou” Shewastakenoffguardbyhiswordsaswellasthechordofrawneedinhisbaritonevoice.Sheswallowedthedrynessin herthroatandgaveherselfamuchneededreminderthatshehadtobestrong.Shecouldn’tturntoputtyinFitz’scapablehands. Hislipsbrushedagainstherskinwithafeatherlikepersuasionthatcausedherbreathtocatch Everythinginherwantedto give into the temptationto kiss him. She wanted to feel his lips onhers and the prickle ofhis stubble againsther skin. She wantedhimtoholdherinhisarmsashe’ddonesomanytimesbefore “Charli,”heuttered.
“Don’t,”shemanagedtosqueak
Herwillpowerwaswaning.Sheallowedhimtoturnherbackaround.Herbreathcamefasterastheyfacedoneanother.He clutchedherarmswithapowerfulgrip.Therewasenoughlightfromthemoonandtheoutdoorlightingtohighlightthedefined linesofhisfeatures Howwellsheknewthefaintscaroverhisrighteyebrow amementofromoneofhismissions andthe fine networkoflines around the edges ofhis eyes. The touchofintelligence across his prominentbrow. The intensityinhis walnut-browneyes couldgoas darkas midnightwhenhe was ina stormymood She knew Fitzthroughandthrough knew thatheusedfinessetocoveruphischildhoodinsecuritiesthewaysheusedbluntnesstocoveruphers.Sheknew hefiercely lovedhisfamilythewayshe’dhopedhemighthavecometoloveher Sheknewhewasbyfaroneofthebestagentsshe’dever workedwith.
Andyet,shecouldn’tseemtomakeherbodycooperate.Thenightairpulsedwithavisceralenergyastheireyescaughtand held Asecondlater,shecouldn’tstanditanylonger SherushedforwardatthesametimeasFitz Theirlipsconnectedinan explosionofpassionas theykissedlongandhard.Inthe process,he encircledher waistandroughlypulledher tohim.She responded bythreadingher fingers into the hair onthe nape ofhis neckand meldingagainsthim Atthis point, she couldn’t havestoppedherselffromgivingintohimifshe’dtried.Shelostherselfinhimas she lether emotions takecontrol.Itwas bliss sharing such a deep connection with the man who consumed her in every way emotionally, physically, and even intellectually His lips were warm and demanding as she met him measure for measure This was what it was like to experiencecompleteandutterbliss.
Then, the warning bells in her head took centerstage What was she doing? Exactly what she’d promised herself she wouldn’t.Fitzwasamasteratwooingtheoppositesex.Therewasareasonwhyhe’dleftalongtrailofbrokenheartedwomen piningafter him. Her stomachknotted as she pulled awayand tried to extricate herselffromhis grasp, buthe held her fast. She’dgoneonahandfulofdatesincollege,butnothingevercameofthem.Fitzwasheroneandonlyrelationship.Maybeit wastimetobroadenherhorizon.Yes,sheneededtotakePoppyuponherofferandgoonadatewithherneighbor.Anythingto giveheramuchneededdiversionfromFitz
Theword liability was a knife thatplunged into her heartas she wentcold all over. That’s whathe’d said before, that their relationship was a liability “IsthatwhatIamtoyou?Aliability?”
Ahardlaughclippedherthroatasshepickedrightbackuponthescorchingargumentthey’dhadthelasttimetheysawone another “Really?Becauseitseemedlikeyouwerelookingoutforyourself IthinkIgottooclose,andyougotscaredofbeing tieddowntoonewomanfortherestofyourlife.”
The agonized expressiononhis rugged face lether know thatshe was rightonthe money Her heartsplintered and then crackedwideopenalloveragain.Beforetheyfellinlove,theywereclosefriends.SheknewFitz’scheckeredhistorywhenit cametowomenandhowhewasaplayboywho’dstruggledwithcommitment Shewasanidiottothinkthatshesomehowhad whatittooktokeephim.Hewasknownforbeingaheartbreaker. Fool me once, shame on you.
Forasecond,shecouldn’tbelieveherears Hervoiceshotupseveraloctaves “Asecondchance?” Fool me twice, shame on me.
Hisbrowfurrowed “Yeah What’swrongwiththat?I’mabigenoughmantoadmitwhenI’vemadeamistake” Ahard amusement circled through her chest as she considered his words. “Okay, Captain Britain,” she said, using her favorite Marvel Comic nickname for him, “whathappens whenthings getdicey? Will youstand byme or cutall ties?” She gavehimacheckmatelook.“Orwhathappenswhenthenextwomancomesalong,andyoudecidethatyouwantherinsteadof me?”
How easyitwouldbe tolether guarddownandbelieve his beautiful words.Theywere the verythingher soul craved. Shouldshegivehimanotherchance?Theinstantthequestionflittedthroughhermind,theironyofithithersquarebetweenthe
eyes. She always got so frustrated with Poppy because she couldn’t see through Ethan’s shenanigans and kept giving him chance after chance inthe slimhope thatsomethingwould change. And yet, who was Charli to judge? She definitelyhad a blindspotwhenitcametoFitz Everythinginherwantedtobelievethatthetwoofthemcouldrebuildtheirrelationship,but wantingorwishingwouldn’tfixthesituation.“Ifitwassoreal,thenyouwouldn’thaveendedit.”Shedidn’tknowifherheart couldtakeanotherbreak Rightnowwasnotagoodtimetomakeanyhard-fastdecisions Notwhenshewasstillreelingfrom Simon’s deathand the partshe’d unwittinglyplayed. Everytime she thoughtabouthis mother’s mental breakdownand how Simon’skidswouldgrowupwithoutafather,shegotsicktoherstomach She’dnotbeenthisfragileemotionallysinceshe’d lostMumandDadintheplanecrash.Sheneededafreshstart…fromMI6andFitz.
Her chest was risingand fallingat a rapid pace as she tried to catchher breath. She needed space so she could think clearly She steppedawayfromhimandmovedover tothe balcony She restedagainstit,proppingher elbows onthe metal railing.Herheadwasstillreelingfromthatkiss.Nowonderhewasnearlyimpossibletoresist.
ThebalconyoverlookedEleanor’smanicuredgarden,which,inthedaylight,wasafeastfortheeyes Tonight,however,the landscape was enshrouded ina blanketofdarkness. Liftingher visionto the darksky, she noted the brightglow ofthe halfmoonbeforehergazemovedtothesplatteroffaintlyglitteringstars.Goosebumpsroseoverherbarearms,remindingherthat itwaschilly She’dnotnoticedbeforewhenshewascaughtupbyFitz Hesteppedupbesideheranddrapedanarmaroundhershoulders.“Comeandworkforme,”heimplored. Shestiffened “IthoughtSuttonwastheonewhowantedtohireme” Hebrushedasidehercommentwithacasual,“Yeah,hedoes.”Andthenheremovedhisarmfromaroundher. Bodylanguagespokevolumes Hewasholdingsomethingback “Whatisit?”shepressedassheturnedtofacehim Hehesitated.
“It’ll be several months before Igo offonmyown Youwould be workingwithSuttoninitially” Acorner ofhis mouth liftedinacockysmile.“Undermysupervision,ofcourse.”
She ran the offer through her mind, trying to view it from all angles. Her deduction got her blood to boiling as she connectedthedots “Youdidn’tcomeheretonightbecauseyouwantmebackpersonally Youwantmeonyourteam” “Whycan’tIhaveboth?”
