Page 38 of The Hijack

“But you’re keeping track of everything that’s going on,” Clark reminded her.

“For my own benefit,” Nana answered, easing herself into a chair. I was reminded how old she really was and how energetic she seemed most of the time. I couldn’t miss the brief strain that passed over her face as her joints creaked. When she finally relaxed, I took a breath.

“Theo and I are going to retire as soon as this mess is over,” Clark announced.

I caught myself wanting to quantify her statement with an assurance that there would be no big wedding. It seemed like a massive declaration to make in present company, and I wondered if Nana would expect great-grandbabies soon. But she merely smiled and patted the chair next to her, indicating that Clark should sit.

“I hope you do,” Nana said, showing me that she had no overt expectations beyond wanting us to be happy. “I assume you met on the job.”

“We did,” I agreed. “We were assigned as partners, and it was a little rocky at first.”

Clark grinned, shooting me a look full of opulent hotel rooms and clandestine meetings.

“Do you mind if I ask about your family?” Nana spoke gently, expecting Clark to have some skeletons in her closet.

“I don’t really have a family,” Clark began, staring off into the distance. “I was raised by a man named Abernathy.”

“Hector Abernathy?” Nana asked, her voice suddenly cold.

“That’s right,” Clark said. “I guess you’ve heard of him.”

“His name is familiar,” Nana replied. Suddenly, I couldn’t get a read on her. Normally warm and effusive, she seemed to close a door between us, keeping her cards hidden. I glanced at Clark to see if she picked up on the change of attitude, but she didn’t.

“Yeah, he raised me to be a spy,” Clark continued, stretching out in her chair. “I had a few foster brothers and sisters, and some of them are still around.”

“Hmm,” Nana said, her lips a thin slash across her face.

“I’d like to walk along the beach if you don’t mind,” Clark said, giving us both a satisfied smile.

“Do you want some company?” I asked.

“No, that’s okay,” she replied, standing up. “There are some things I need to think about.”

“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy,” I quoted.

Clark tilted her head to one side, chewing over the reference. “Where’s that from?”

“The Eagles,” I replied.

“Don’t tell me you’re into American rock,” she teased.

“Just some good advice,” I countered.

Clark nodded, walking off to the edge of the deck before bouncing down the stairs.

Chapter 18

Theo

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I COULDN’T TELL IF Clark was distressed or not. I knew she had trouble sleeping, and she was mulling something serious over in her head. But at the same time, she seemed relaxed. I hoped we could move past whatever trouble she was concerned with and put our heads together to battle the enemy. We needed all hands on deck if we were going to return the favor Regg had paid us.

“I need to talk to you,” Nana whispered as soon as Clark was outside hearing distance.

“What?” I responded, caught off guard by the anxiety in her voice.

What could she possibly have to say about Clark? I’d thought they were hitting it off. I wondered if this had anything to do with Clark’s announcement that we were planning to retire together. If so, I would have to inform Nana that there was no large wedding planned and that we were going to take our time. Beyond wanting to live together, we had no agenda, and no well-meaning grandparent was going to change that.