CHAPTER 1 #2
And then, the five of us recruited a hacker, a lawyer, and a rescue specialist. In the end, we were eight partners.
Harknett 8.
Different specialties, equal talent.
BZZT! BZZT!
My phone buzzes on the table, and the screen lights up. I take it and open a text message.
“What is it, mijo?”
“It’s Harry,” I say.
“Harry?” Mom frowns. “I haven’t heard that name since you left the Agency.”
I nod, my thumb already disabling the notification. “And I don’t think he has good news.”
My mom sighs, gets up, and takes my half-eaten plate. “I’ll pack this up for you to take home. You look beyond tired, and it looks like you’ll have a tough day tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Ma.”
— ¤ —
The next day, I walk into Chapters we agreed on a rotation.”
I keep my eyes on the page, not reading a single word at this point. Honestly, I don’t even know why they bother when they know they are off-limits.
After a week of dealing with us Harknetts, Finnian, the Scottish owner of this bakery, set the boring rule of no weapons of any kind on the table… And after five months of getting to know each other, he followed with the most annoying rule ever of “no sleeping with the baristas or the regulars.”
Though, I’m pretty sure he purposely specified the baristas instead of everyone who works here, just in case Logan finally decides to look his way.
Lena sighs and lifts her pinky finger. “I promise, I’ll take the closing shift for two weekends straight if you let me take his order. Literally, two weekends. No questions, no complaints. You’ll be free.”
“You’re a monster, Lena… but you got yourself a deal. Just don’t ruin the caramel art. You always make the swirl lopsided when you’re flustered.”
“Deal!” And without needing to be told, Lena begins to craft my usual: a salted caramel latte with an added shot of espresso and my favorite croissant. “Hi, Damián! How is your day going?”
“Hola, Lena.” I settle on one book, sliding the others back onto the shelf, and head to the counter. “Doing great now that I’m here. How is yours going, bonita?”
“Bonita means ‘pretty’ in Spanish,” she says, resting her elbows on the counter, chin in her hands.
“It does. Which is why I called you that.”
A blush warms her cheeks, but she holds my gaze.
“It’s a great day… very good day. You know how it is.” She nervously finishes the drink, topping it with a perfect swirl of caramel, and slides it over, along with a golden pastry stuffed with ham and melted cheese. “Here’s your salted caramel, and your Croissant de Monte Cristo.”
And that’s another thing I love about this place… everything is book-themed.
“My favorite! Thank you, Lena.”
“You’re welcome, Damián. And—”
DING!
The door chimes, cutting her off.
I turn around to see an older man walking in, wearing a black tailored suit that looks way too warm for this weather. His white hair is cropped in a neat, military-style cut that matches the square frames of his glasses.
“Morning, Harry.” I wave at my old coworker and slide a twenty-dollar bill across the counter for Lena. “Sorry, Bonita. Gotta go save the world.”
“Ok. Bye…”
I walk to Harry and hug him. “It’s so nice to see you, man.”
“You look good, Damián. Better than you did at Langley.”
“You look as polished as ever.”
Harry glances at Kai and Lena, then back at me. “I see you’re still charming anyone who breathes near you.”
“Exaggerating, as always.” I laugh and point to my food. “Want one? My treat.”
“Yes, please. And an espresso,” Harry agrees. He then grabs his briefcase, and I follow him.