Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Michelle sent Fletch a text.
“I’m at Olivia’s place. Please call. I’ll explain when we are together.”
As she hit send, she said a prayer that they’d be together again. Looking around, she found Olivia’s apartment was the same basic floor plan as Fletch’s. Her furnishings were more feminine, colorful, and bright.
“Coffee?” Olivia asked after she’d shed her coat and holster.
It wasn’t yet four in the morning, but sleep seemed impossible. “Thank you. Cream and sugar.”
“I have milk.”
Michelle nodded. It wasn’t the same, but it would do. “I like how colorful your place is.”
“Thanks. It’s my safe place. I wanted to brighten it up.”
“What’s it like,” Michelle asked, “living here for so long?”
Olivia shrugged as she handed Michelle a steaming mug. “I’m used to it. There are some fun bars and restaurants in a few of the nearby towns.”
“One day, maybe, I’ll be able to leave the complex.”
“Do you know when that’s going to happen?”
Michelle shook her head. She looked up, fighting tears. “Peterson said he called Nelson and warned him that Leo and Fletch were coming. What if…?”
Olivia tapped the sofa beside her and sat with her feet beneath her.
She held her own mug of coffee. “Arrow showed up a few years after I got here. We don’t talk about particulars of missions, but he’s been on his share.
Leo too. And I believe they’ve survived much more dangerous situations then a setup at a mansion. ”
Michelle inhaled. “I think I care about him.” She shook her head. “It’s probably PTSD or maybe I have hero complex and Arrow’s my hero. I can’t imagine being here and working for the agency without him.”
Olivia’s phone rang. Her eyes grew wide at the name. “It’s Grant.”
“Calling a private phone?”
Olivia nodded and hit the green icon. “Top.” Her lips came together. “I understand.” A long fissure formed between her eyebrows. “Oh. You’re welcome.” Her gaze met Michelle’s. “Holdcraft, yes. The same.” Finally, a smile curled her lips. “I’ll tell her. Thank you.” She disconnected the call.
“What?”
“I’m sure Arrow will want to explain it all to you.”
Tears spilled from Michelle’s eyes. “He’s alive.”
“Yes. Leo too. They were ambushed, but I told you, Arrow and Leo have encountered worse. They reported directly to Top, suspicious that their mission had been compromised.”
“It’s all true. Peterson set them up.”
“It appears that way.”
Michelle let out a long breath and laid her head back against the sofa. “I’m suddenly exhausted.”
“I don’t have a guest room, because as you can imagine, I don’t get many guests. But you’re welcome to lie on the sofa. I can get you a blanket and pillow.”
“Are Arrow and Leo on their way back?”
“They are.”
“I’ll wait.”
Michelle didn’t intend to fall asleep, but she did, because she woke as she was being lifted. This time she didn’t fight off her attacker. Instead, she inhaled the familiar scent of soap and danger and lifted her arms around his neck. “I love you.”
“I fucking love you, too.”
It was then she realized she and Fletch were in Olivia’s apartment and had an audience. Michelle’s cheeks filled with warmth as she saw Olivia and Leo. “Oh, I’m embarrassed.”
“Don’t be,” Olivia said. “I love happy endings.”
Fletch lowered Michelle’s feet to the floor. “Not all happy.”
“What?”
“Colt and Rock found Peterson.”
“Good,” Olivia said.
“I hope they throw the book at him.”
Leo replied, “The agency is a one-way ride. Peterson knew that and thought he could play the system. Apparently, Top has been monitoring Peterson for the last few months.”
“He’s guilty,” Michelle said. “Does the agency have trials?”
Everyone but Michelle shook their heads.
Her eyes widened. “Oh my God, is he? Will they?”
“He is,” Fletch said. “A single bullet to the head. He knew he wouldn’t survive if he didn’t end it himself.” Fletch’s smile widened. “And here Leo and I thought we had an exciting mission.” He laid his hand on Michelle’s shoulder. “I’ve got myself a super spy.”
“Natasha Romanoff,” Olivia said.
“Who?” Michelle asked.
“Wait, you’re not a Marvel fan?”
Michelle shook her head. “I’ve always been more of a DC fan. Love me some Batman.”
Fletch put his arm around Michelle. “We’ve got forever to show you the wrong of your ways.”
“And once you can leave the complex,” Olivia added, “there’s a nearby theater that shows Marvel marathons once a month.”
Michelle looked up at Fletch. “Will that day come?”
“It will. First, we need to prove Perkins’s connection to Nelson and that he killed Denny.”
“It’s in the works,” Leo said. “We told Top how you helped find the file that nails Nelson’s coffin. He also heard about your takedown of Peterson. When you make an impression on Top in your first week, the agency will make sure things happen.”