Page 38 of False Flag

No. No no. Noooooo.

But it all clicked together now.

He’d been seated next to Jake on the dais. She remembered Jake leaning toward him and saying something. His face was familiar because of that, but there was more to it.

Lloyd smiled. No dimples, but the shape of his mouth was similar. His eyes were the same shade of blue. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Staci Allen.”

She gave him all the smile she could muster, which wasn’t much, and took his proffered hand. “Thank you. May this project be a success for us both.”

Chapter Thirteen

The text landed as Jake stepped into the locker room.

Lloyd

Private jet and sitting next to a beautiful woman. You really should have applied for the team when you had the chance.

Jake

Private jets don’t impress me. I fly noncommercial all the time.

Military flights don’t count. I’ve got a Robert Burns single malt and will be having a steak later. When was the last time the Navy gave you that on a cross-country flight?

Cross-country. Where exactly was he headed? It wasn’t like Lloyd to break OPSEC, but bragging had caused him to slip. Jake could probably push it and get more details.

No. He was better off not knowing.

She’d made her feelings more than clear.

Can’t have steak or booze right before a HALO jump.

Too late, he realized how that brag would land. Fuck. He was the king of screwing up his relationship with his brother.

I wouldn’t know about that now, would I? But I do know this: Staci Allen is the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. Seriously. Check her out.

Dots appeared, and Jake knew he was snapping a photo. He braced himself as he waited for it to load. But there was no amount of bracing that could soften the blow.

Anastacia.

His Anastacia.

No. Not his. Never was. Never would be.

She leaned against the window, eyes closed. Either sleeping or pretending to sleep. Did she know Lloyd had taken her picture?

Had she figured out who Lloyd was yet?

Lloyd

Can’t wait to find out if those tits are real.

Jake

Don’t be an ass.

Oh, now you’re Mister Feminist? Please. I knew you when.

And then I grew up and learned about sexism.