Page 76 of Tempest’s Torment

"I'll work on it."

A knock sounds at the door, three short taps. Right on time. I check the camera first. Sniper, with Natalia beside him, and Jinx half a step behind them. I unlock the door. Sniper steps inside first, his eyes sweeping the apartment automatically before they land on me.

"Morning."

"Morning," he replies. Ghost's message must've been short because Sniper doesn't ask questions. "An hour?" he says.

"Should be."

He looks me in the eye. "We've got her."

Natalia walks over to Lilah.

"Morning," she says with an easy smile. "Thought I'd come and steal your coffee"

Lilah smiles back. "I think I can allow that."

Jinx gives me a respectful nod before taking up position near the window without being told. He's learning. Good.

"I'll be back before lunch."

She grins at me. "I know."

I cross the space between us. I cup her face, and she smiles before I even kiss her. I lean down and brush my mouth against hers, soft at first, and then she kisses me back. My hand slides into her hair as I deepen the kiss, taking my time, reminding myself that I've got to leave even though I don't want to.

When I finally pull away, my forehead rests against hers. "I'll see you soon."

"You'd better."

A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. "I will."

I step back, and only then do I remember we're not alone. Natalia's pretending to be engrossed in making coffee, Jinx's attention is fixed firmly on the window, and Sniper looks at me and flicks his fingers out in acknowledgement.

I give Lilah once last look. "I won't be long."

Lilah smiles. "I know."

This time, I let myself leave.

Ghost, Savage, and Rogue are already inside when I get to Petals.

Louise glances up from the workbench as I step through the door. "Good morning, Tempest."

I nod back. "Morning."

She disappears into the workroom, giving us the space without being asked, smart woman.

Rogue's laptop is open on the counter; he looks up as I walk over. "About time."

"You could've started without me."

"We did. We found Webb's office."

"I know that, what else?"

Rogue turns the laptop toward me, and a photograph of an empty room, concrete floor, and four walls fills the screen. "What am I looking at?"

"Webb's office."