It’s crazy how easy it is to fall under his charm, but this time it feels different. I have more information. I have the truth. Bennett Bradley cared about me—still does. And now he’s asking me to—
“Hey, I’m getting a call from the office. Text me when you make it home.”
“Sure.”
“It’s going to be okay, Billy.”
The call ends and now I’m just... alone. In a car. With a bag full of food my aunt Renee insisted I take with me because nothing solves all your problems like ten pounds of smoked meat coupled with three pounds of potato salad. I promised Uncle Buddy I’d be back to make his peach cobbler, but my promise felt hollow after the secret meeting at the farmhouse. Kind of hard to commit to dessert when you might not live to see Sunday.
Am I really just supposed to go home, turn on a rom-com, and pretendlike I’m not neck-deep in a national security threat and unresolved feelings? There should be a manual for this part:So You’ve Just Fallen for a Spy—Now What?
It would certainly include chapters like:
Chapter 1: Weaponize Flirting—When Winking Is a Tactical Risk
Chapter 2: How to Hold a Gun and a Grudge Simultaneously
Chapter 3: Always Have an Exit Strategy—For Your Mission, Your Alias, and Your Stupid, Stupid Heart
I reach for the radio—anything to drown out the spiral—when my phone rings.
My heart stutters when I see the name on the screen. Earl Edmond.
Why is he calling me?
Do I answer?
Do I not answer?
I thought I was ready for the plan, butthiswas not part of the plan. I’m not supposed to talk to my boss until tomorrow. When I’ve had a chance to rehearse what I’m going to say.
Chapter 4: How to Answer a Call from Your Crime-Suspect Boss Without Sounding Like You’re Actively Having a Panic Attack
I answer. “Hello?”
“Cybil?”
“Mr. Edmond, yes, sir.”
My voice sounds way too calm for someone sweating through her tank top at a red light.
“I apologize for calling you on the weekend, and I do hope you’re feeling better.”
Lie. Tell him you’re still not feeling good and HANG UP!“I’m better.”
Ugh.
Chapter 5: When Your Southern Manners Override Your Survival Instincts
“Good. I need you to come by the lake house.”
The lake house? Before tonight, this wouldn’t be an absurd request. I’ve been to Edmond’s home, his lake house, his country club, all in the name of collecting intel for Athena. But... “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
The way he says it—steady, expectant—makes my skin prickle.
Still, I try to keep my tone light. Unbothered, when internally I’m screaming,Thisis not part of the plan!“I—I’m actually just heading home now. I’m pretty tired, so if we can discuss this tomorrow or maybe at work on Monday—”
