The Assassin
I rapped my knuckles against the sleek wood of the door in a rhythm I knew Maria would recognize.
I’d called Miles on my way here to find out where she’d be. Since he had to work late tonight, he told me she’d be at the apartment alone.
I didn’t want to alarm her with a regular knock and have her think it was some random stranger. I needed her to know it was safe to open the door.
The door hinges practically flew open a moment after I knocked. I barely got to take in her face before she flung herself against me. Her arms looped around my neck and she squeezed so tight that I almost couldn’t breathe. “Thank God,” she murmured into my shoulder.
Chuckling, I wrapped my arms around her and returned the hug. “Don’t tell me you were worried.”
Scoffing, she pulled away to use her hands to sign. With the way you act, I always have to.
I glanced around as she pulled me into the apartment.
What was once clearly a bachelor pad with the giant televisions and comfortable couches was dashed up with colorful fleece blankets and small pots of flowers.
The robust smell of tomato sauce and herbs wafted through the air, and a romantic drama played on the television.
Are you hungry? Maria asked as shoved me down onto the couch. She grabbed the remote and changed the channel from the sappy love confession to the news. I just finished making some spaghetti.
I raised a brow. “Why are you talking to me like I’m a guest? This your house now or something?”
Blush crept up her cheeks as she averted her eyes. I’ve gotten a little comfortable. Miles told me to make myself at home, so I have.
“Enough that you don’t want to leave.”
Now, I didn’t say that. Domestic life is cute, but I don’t know if I could do it long-term. At least not right now. Maybe when we, you know…retire.
“Retire?” I almost laughed. “I gotta give this guy his props. He’s got you thinking about a future outside of this.”
I wouldn’t mind one so long as he’s in it. And you of course.
“Nah, don’t try to backtrack now. Just say you love him, and there’ll be no hard feelings.”
She rolled her eyes. What do you know about love?
“I know I see it in your eyes when you look at him. Hell, I see it ten times stronger when he looks at you.”
“Bullshit,” she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. She turned to walk away, and I grasped her wrist.
“It’s alright,” I assured her. “If you want a life with him. A normal one.”
She shook her wrist out of my hand. He works for a cartel. Our lives would never be normal.
“And would you rather have it any other way?”
No, I guess not. She paused for a moment, another thought passing through her eyes. Have you taken care of your problem yet?
“No,” I admitted. “I tried, but…”
Maria tilted her head, her brows pinching in disbelief. Don’t tell me she’s still alive.
“Fine. I’ll tell you I fucked her instead.”
“Lord,” she mumbled, pinching the bridge of her nose. Do you have a death wish?
I opened my mouth to answer when the loud breaking news signal stole my attention. I looked over Maria’s shoulder at the screen. On it, a brunette stood with a microphone in front of a smoking car.
“This just in,” she said. “There has been a terrible explosion here on Chesapeake Road. A black SUV was found here, completely destroyed. Witnesses have confirmed there was someone inside the car when this explosion occurred."
The camera cut to an older white man with salt and pepper hair and solemn eyes. “My goddaughter, she was just getting some fresh air, driving off some stress when this happened.”
My heart dropped into my stomach as a photo of the woman I’ve become all too familiar with appeared on the screen.
“Wait, is that…” Maria whispered.
I barely heard her over the anchor’s voice. “Special Agent Simone Nichols was driving the car. Authorities have confirmed she did not survive the crash.”
“What?” The thought slipped out.
The other man appeared again. “The department believes this was a targeted act as she was in the midst of pursuing a dangerous criminal. We will not rest until that person is behind bars. Simone will get the justice she deserves.”
Maria tapped my shoulder, stealing my attention. But I thought you didn’t kill her, she signed.
“I didn’t,” I confirmed through gritted teeth. “But I’m going to find whoever did.”