Page 21 of Falcon’s Forever

“I wasn’t,” I argue.

Her eyes narrow. “You were.”

Beside me, Zip takes a careful step backward. Smart man.

I force out a slow breath. “Fine. I’m asking.”

Cara glances between us. “What’s happening?”

“We don’t know yet,” I admit.

“Then tell me when you do.” She holds my gaze, making it clear that it isn’t a request.

“Cara,” I warn.

She lifts her chin. “You just spent Church agreeing that we deserve information about our own security.”

Behind me, Zip covers a cough that sounds suspiciously like a laugh. I point at him without taking my eyes off Cara. “Not a word.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Zip replies, innocence dripping from every syllable.

Cara ignores him and focuses on me. “Will you tell us?”

“Yes,” I promise.

“Good.” She gives me a small nod, and it means more than it should, considering how little I’ve done to earn it.

I step off the porch and look back at her. “Lock the door.”

Cara raises her eyebrows. “Is that a request?”

I grind my teeth before answering. “It’s a strong suggestion.”

“I can live with that,” she says, the corner of her mouth lifting.

Zip and I start across the yard. Before we disappear from sight, I glance over my shoulder. Cara is still standing on the porch, watching me leave. She doesn’t look afraid, and I force myself to keep walking before I do something stupid about it.

Zip waits until we’re halfway across the yard before glancing at me. “Interesting.”

“Don’t,” I warn him.

He lifts both hands. “I didn’t say anything.”

“You were going to,” I accuse.

“Actually, I was going to say that you managed an entire conversation without pissing her off,” Zip replies.

“She told me not to order her around,” I remind him.

“Yeah, but she didn’t throw anything.” Zip flashes me a grin.

“High standards,” I mutter.

“With you?” His grin widens. “Absolutely.”

The radio at his belt crackles before I can answer, Condor's voice tight and fast. "Falcon, Zip, get in here. Now."

Whatever's left of the moment disappears. Zip reaches for the radio. "What've you got?"