Out of the Shadows (Hudson Security #1)

Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

“ W here did Esme arrange for you to land?” Bean heard Gavin ask Owen through her headset.

The Bell 505 they were flying in was the smallest helicopter of the Hudson Security fleet. It only held five, including the pilot. Gavin sat up front next to Owen, while Bean sat behind them.

“Esme received clearance for the Safeco Plaza helipad,” Owen replied. “So you’ll be right downtown. Carmichael is meeting us there and will be your driver for the evening.”

As they continued to talk logistics, Bean hoped the headphones didn’t mess up her hair. Not that she really cared. She wasn’t the biggest fan of flying in helicopters to start with and throw in the growing nerves that were swirling in her stomach, her hair wasn’t something she was truly worried about, but it was a good distraction. Puking all over the interior of the helicopter? Now that was the growing worry.

Taking in a deep breath, Bean took in the view as they approached downtown Seattle. Having spent the majority of her life in San Francisco and now living on quaint and quiet Hudson Island, she appreciated Seattle’s beautiful skyline .

Her stomach dropped as Owen approached their landing spot that was smack-dab in the middle of downtown atop one of its many skyscrapers. Once they landed, Bean removed her headset and hung it on its hook. And froze. Her mind whirled as she second-guessed herself. It had been eons since she’d played any sort of smile-and-nod part. Once she’d been old enough, she’d made a life for herself that didn’t include small talk and mingling.

Why the hell had she agreed to do this again?

“You got this,” Owen said. “If you get nervous, just know you look better than everyone else. I mean, those shoes alone, girlfriend.”

Meeting Owen’s steady gaze, she smiled, grateful for the support. She shoved her nerves down and held her foot out, rotating her ankle and showing off the flame-red beauty. “They are pretty fantastic.” She leaned forward and slapped Gavin on the shoulder. “Thanks for the new kicks, boss man.”

“I officially volunteer the next time you need a plus-one, Frazier,” Owen said, elbowing him in the side. She gestured to the door on the opposite side of the rooftop. “Carmichael should be inside waiting for you guys. Text me when you’re about ready to leave, and I’ll be here waiting.”

“Thanks for the lift,” Gavin said as he slid open the door. He quickly got out and turned back. With one hand holding her briefcase, he held his other out to her. “I don’t plan on us being at the event too long, Owen. I’m thinking a couple hours max.”

“No problem. Just let me know when you’re ready.” Owen grinned and waggled her eyebrows. “It took us twenty minutes to get here, but you know I can make it in half the time if you need.”

“No, thank you,” Bean said, placing her hand in Gavin’s as she carefully stepped out. “That was plenty fast enough. I don’t think my stomach could handle you doing all your fancy flying stuff.” She grinned at the other woman. “Thanks for not making me airsick. It’d be a shame to puke on this dress.”

Even though the helo’s blades had slowed, Gavin kept a firm grip on her hand as they quickly made their way to the building’s entrance. As they approached, the door opened, and Carmichael held it open for them.

“Daaamn, B,” Carmichael drawled. “You look crazy fuckin’ hot.”

Her face heated, and she rolled her eyes as they stepped into the elevator. The guy was always joking around with her.

Carmichael pressed the button to the parking garage. “When are you gonna agree to finally go out with me?”

“Uh, that would be never, my friend.” She chuckled, knowing the guy wasn’t serious. “But thanks, I think.”

Gavin made a grumbly noise, and she glanced up at him. His jaw was clenched tightly, and he was glaring at Carmichael, who was making a production of eyeing her up and down, which she didn’t mind since she knew he was a harmless flirt.

“Carmichael,” Gavin snapped.

Their friend’s eyes widened, and he held up his hands. “Sorry, Fraz.” He turned to her. “No disrespect intended, B.”

“I know. None taken.” She made a face and inclined her head at their boss, shrugging. She patted Gavin on the chest, and he tensed further. “Ease up, boss man.”

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. She waited while both men stepped out, their heads on a swivel. She didn’t move until Gavin held his arm out for her to take. This wasn’t her first rodeo, but their alertness was a good reminder that they were on a mission .

She inwardly winced. Okay “mission” may be laying it on a bit thick, but this definitely wasn’t a fun, social evening out.

And just like that, nerves bloomed anew in her belly.

Looping her arm with Gavin’s, she let out a breath that was intended to be steadying but was more holy-crap-what-did-I-get-myself-into.

She was a hacker, not a field operative.

Trying to remember Owen’s words of encouragement, she glanced at her fabulous new shoes. Yes, they were beautiful. But, no, they did nothing to soothe her nervousness.

You’ve got this. It’s just a routine work assignment.

She repeated the words in her head as she settled herself in the black SUV. Carmichael hopped into the driver’s seat while Gavin sat next to her in the back for the short ride to the Four Seasons Hotel. With another deep breath, she did her best to ignore the trepidation inching up her spine.