Page 78 of Spies Don’t Fall for Their Best Friend

Her lips press together. “I still figured it out eventually.”

I allow myself a bit of a smile. “You did.”

I’m alarmed that she got so close without any of us spotting her. I’m also absurdly proud that she figured it out.

“While you were wearing a professionally constructed disguise.”

“Yes.”

“And while you had multiple operatives watching the area.”

“Apparently not all of it.” That bothers me significantly more than I intend to let her see. Especially because I no longer think we were the only people watching. I’m sure Charlie is already reconstructing every angle we can access.

Reese stands abruptly and begins pacing between the couch and the interrogation chair. I stay where I am. Let her move. Let her feel whatever she feels. I don’t talk merely because silence makes me uncomfortable.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” she says. “All this time.” Her voice sounds so hurt, and it kills me that it’s because of me.

“I wanted to.”

“But you didn’t.”

“I couldn’t.”

“You could tell Mackenzie.”

“Jace had to because she became involved in an operation.” The explanation comes out before I can stop it. Reese’s expression tightens. I clamp my mouth shut. Abraham would be disappointed.

“And Owen?” she asks.

“Charlie received authorization.”

“My mom?”

“Abraham received authorization.”

She stops pacing. “So, authorization exists.”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you ask for it?”

“I did.”

The anger leaves her face. “What?”

“I submitted the paperwork to have you vetted and get permission to read you in.”

Her eyes widen. “Read me in.”

“Yes.”

“Charlie said that this morning.”

“She did?”

“She tried to change it to ‘fill you in,’ but she has the subtlety of a marching band when she’s nervous.”

I drag one hand over my face. “I’ll talk to her.”