Page 82 of Spies Don’t Fall for Their Best Friend

Of all the questions she could ask, I should’ve assumed that one was inevitable. It’s also close to impossible.

“The secret building,” she continues. “The computers. The disguises. The place everyone else has apparently been going while I thought you were securing client databases.”

“Reese—”

“The room everyone else has been standing inside while I didn’t know there was a door.”

I stand. “I can’t take you there.”

The hurt arrives instantly, and she turns away, pressing her lips together.

“I don’t mean I don’t want to take you there,” I say quickly. “I mean I literally can’t authorize you to enter.”

She looks back at me.

“Being read in means I’m allowed to tell you the agency exists and explain my role. It doesn’t give you a security clearance or access to the facility.”

“So, there’s still a door I’m not allowed through.”

“There are doors most people who work there aren’t allowed through.”

“That is not as comforting as you think it is.”

“I know.”

I move closer, but not close enough to crowd her. “I’ll ask my mom. See if I can find a way to get it approved.”

“Your mom, the director.”

“Yes.”

“Are you telling me she doesn’t generally allow emotionally unstable librarians to tour a secret government intelligence agency on a random Saturday night?”

“You’re not emotionally unstable.”

“Today’s evidence suggests otherwise. Also, I’m wearing a mustache.”

“That’s evidence, but not proof.”

She almost smiles.

“I can’t promise she’ll say yes,” I tell her. “And if she does, there will be restrictions. You wouldn’t be allowed near active operations, classified files, or most of the building.”

“But you’ll ask?”

“Yes.”

“Tonight?”

“If you want me to.”

“I do.”

I nod. “Then I’ll ask tonight.”

Her gaze searches mine. I don’t know whether this is what Abraham meant when he said to open the door and let Reese decide whether she wanted to walk through. But I know I can’t pretend the door doesn’t exist anymore.

“And until your mother decides whether I’m allowed into Spy Club,” Reese says, “you’re answering questions.”