Keeping her gaze straight ahead, she said, “You had no right to speak up for me.”
“I was trying to do the honorable thing.”
She arched an eyebrow. “You mean belittle me.”
“That was not my intention.” He placed his hand on her arm and gently turned her to face him. “I was angry that Kendrick was speaking to you in such a harsh manner and I just reacted.”
“He treats me no different than other agents, but apparently, you do,” Simone said. “You think I need to be coddled.”
Caleb knew that she wasn’t entirely wrong. He had a strong desire to keep her safe, but he realized the unfairness of that sentiment. Simone was more than capable of taking care of herself and he needed to trust her to do so.
“I’m sorry,” he replied. “I was not acting like a good partner in there, and I hope you can forgive me for my error in judgment.”
Simone considered him for a long moment before responding, “I will, but only because I have more pressing matters at the moment.”
“Which are?”
“It is not about our case,” Simone replied. “I have something I need to see to. A personal matter.”
Caleb lifted his brow. “You have piqued my curiosity.”
“Good, but it is none of your business,” Simone said as she brushed past him.
He followed her out of the building and matched her stride as she hurried down the pavement. “Where are we going?”
“‘We’ are going nowhere,” Simone remarked.
“It appears that we both are going in the same direction,” Caleb said. “How fortunate.”
Simone emitted a sigh of frustration. “Will you not leave me be?”
“I could, but then I would just follow you and then you would catch me. It would be this whole thing,” he said. “I think it is best if you just told me where you are going.”
With an exasperated look on her face, she revealed, “Fine. I am going to look for Lucy.”
“I can help with that,” Caleb asserted.
“No,youare going to go home,” Simone said.
Caleb tsked. “It would be much more fun to spend time with my partner. Besides, I might be useful to you.”
Simone stopped on the pavement and turned to face him. “How can you be helpful to me?” she questioned.
“I am a spy. I will find a way.” He smiled.
Annoyance flashed in her eyes. “Do you not have anywhere else to be?” she asked.
“No. I am free as a bird at the moment,” he replied. “Lucky you. Now you don’t have to go about this alone.”
Emotions played across her face as she pursed her lips. After a long moment, she finally relented. “All right. Don’t make me regret this.”
“I won’t,” he replied.
Spinning on her heel, Simone continued down the pavement, not bothering to wait for him to catch up.
As he came to walk beside her, he asked, “What is the plan?”
Barely sparing him a glance, Simone replied, “We return to the vendors where I saw Lucy last and hope we find her again.”
