“How can I help?” her dad asked.
Sydney regarded him. “Unfortunately, you can’t. The trail has gone cold. I’m chasing someone who’s identity is well hidden.”
“You don’t know what he looks like?” her mom asked, her eyes wide.
“I can’t get into it,” Sydney replied.
“Too late,” her dad said. “You’ve hooked Mom. She won’t be able to sleep.”
“Fine,” Sydney said, “but not a word. Not ahintof a word toanyone.”
Her parents nodded.
“I’ve been chasing an international sex trafficker and known misogynist who goes by King A. I took out his number-three man in Italy. My fellow Op took out his number two, but she got killed.” A sharp pain slashed her chest. She pushed out of the chair and turned away, trying to hide her grief.
Kathrine hurried over, caressed her back. Her mom’s comforting touch made all the difference. “Thanks, Mom.” She kissed her mom’s cheek.
“Pie,” her mom said. “Let’s have some.”
“Kath, you’ll ruin their appetite,” her dad said.
She and Caroline started laughing. This wasn’t the first time Mom had offered dessert as the cure-all. Wasn’t Dad’s first time objecting either.
“Mark, a sliver won’t hurt. Why don’t you take the flank steaks out of the fridge while I plate the pie?”
“Yes, dear.”
Caroline and Sydney shared a smile. She loved watching her parents do their “thing”. It was part annoying, part sweet, but always entertaining.
Sydney pulled four dessert plates upon which her mom placed four of the slimmest pieces of pie she’d ever seen. Instead of sitting back down, the family stood around the quartz center island and savored the yummy treat.
“Mom, mygod,” Caroline said. “Your best ever.”
Kathrine beamed. “I’m happy you like it.”
“Thank you, Mom,” Sydney said after swallowing down a mouthful of sweetened apples and flaky crust. “I feel better already.”
Truth was, she didn’t, but she knew her parents would spend half the night talking about her, the other half tossing in bed.
“Where’s this King A now?” her dad asked, bringing them back on point.
“No idea,” Sydney replied. “But I’m going to find him.”
“How, if you don’t know what he looks like?” asked her mom.
“I have no idea, but I willnevergive up.”
“That’s my girl,” her dad said. “Fight ‘til the end.”
“Don’t say anything to Aunt Valerie,” Sydney said.
“Of course not,” her mom replied. “Help me remember, what’re your covers?”
“I work in cosmetics,” Caroline replied. “Right now, I’m consulting for several major brands.”
“And I’m an analyst for—” Sydney shifted toward Caroline— “Ohgod, I can’t remember.”
“You’re an analyst for the Department of Commerce,” Caroline replied. “You work in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.”
