Chapter Fifty-Three
Classified
Siena, May 1, 2013, Miami, FL
After settling intomy business class seat, I reached into the diaper bag for Austin’s favorite sippy cup, the one with little green army men.
“So—” I returned the cup to its owner, who babbled happily in Ryan’s lap. “Are you ever going to tell me why Miami?”
Ryan shook his head with a wry grin. “Nope.”
Lips pursed, I reclined my seat. If he wanted to keep it a surprise, no power on earth would make him talk. All I knew was he’d wrapped up his Sham case investigation and had a wide smile and a top award to show for it. And a two-week trip to Miami. The only thing he’d mentioned on the subject was that I should pack a couple of evening dresses, a pair of heels, and lots of swimsuits.
“I know it’s a vacation—” I shot him a smile. “But why south Florida, and not say, Hawaii?”
Ryan leaned over Austin and winked. “We have a dinner reservation tonight. I’ve taken care of babysitting, so wear something sexy.”
“Wow.” I laughed. “A real vacation, then.”
Hours later, I stood at the entrance to the restaurant that looked like a nightclub’s VIP section: palatial decor, pulsating soundtrack, air filled with something magical about to happen. But I squealed like a schoolgirl at the sight of Emma and Jason at the table for four, grinning like two idiots.
A thousand questions and two drinks later, I raised my glass. “To the best surprise ever!”
“There’s more.” Ryan squeezed my hand, eyes twinkling. “We’re moving to Miami. All four of us.”
I put down my wineglass. “What? Now?”
Since our rented house in Dallas had lost all appeal, I’d said I would move anywhere after Ryan was done with his case. It seemed he’d taken me at my word.
He smiled into my eyes. “No, in a couple of months. But we’ll need to find a place to rent in the next two weeks.”
Speechless, I turned to Emma.
She nodded. “These two are going to be partners again—in the field.” She compressed her lips. “I just found out myself.”
“And Evan—” Ryan grinned at Emma, “my brother-in-law—he’s coming on board, too. Has the exact skill set we need. Maybe the two of you can hang out with Ashley, Sie?”
I opened my mouth, but the words failed me. Ashley’s husband was a former US Navy SEAL—a highly decorated one.
I swallowed. “When did he join the FBI?”
Ryan squinted, considering. “Three weeks ago, give or take.”
I gave Emma a long stare. She returned a resigned sigh.
“This sounds extremely dangerous.” I glared at Ryan. “What’s the case?”
Ryan tossed me a guilty smile. “Sorry, can’t talk about it. It’s classified.”
“But I thought you weren’t working in the field anymore?”
He shrugged. “Much as I loved putting away that corrupt asshole, a desk job is not for me.”
“What is it?” I said to Jason, staring him down. “Drug cartels? Human trafficking? Arms dealing?”
Jason blew out his breath, grabbed his drink, and drained it.
“Hey.” Ryan smoothed a strand behind my ear. “There is a great team already in place here. They’ve laid the groundwork. All we need to do is help them catch the bad guys.” He gestured with his glass to Jason. “Piece of cake, right, Jay?”
Jason gulped but recovered with the brightest of smiles. “Piece of cake, Sie. One hundred percent.”
I sat frozen as time ebbed and waned, then came to a full stop. In the depth of my mind, a beautiful eagle plummeted from the sky like a rock. The world submerged in deadly calm as it vanished into the hillside.
My insides hollow and numb, I turned to Ryan. He was studying the menu.
“Mm,” he murmured without looking up, “you’re going to like their pasta selection.” He raised his head. “You okay?”
“I don’t want to move here,” I squeezed out, using all my willpower not to grab his hand and run.
***
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