Page 60 of False Flag

She turned to face him and gave a slight nod. “I guess. I didn’t really notice.”

His grin deepened as he drank her in. She’d pulled her dark hair back in a high ponytail. Her skin was no longer flushed and had returned to her usual light tan. She wore an orange V-neck T-shirt and denim capris with sandals. Her toenails were painted red. She looked casual and comfortable, and she was just as beautiful as she’d been in the elegant dresses and full makeup of their first two meetings.

“I noticed you.”

“That was the plan.” She cocked her head. “I assumed you were military of some kind. How is it possible you’re here? Don’t they have rules about going AWOL?”

“I, uh…I’ve been suspended. Pending an investigation.”

“What did you do?”

“Not a damn thing. The investigation will clear me.”

“What are you accused of?”

He huffed out a breath. “Adultery.”

“Adultery? You’re married?” Her voice was practically a shriek.

“No. I’m accused of having sex with an officer’s wife.” He hated this cover story, but had to admit it was effective. And Lloyd would believe it, which was key.

She crossed her arms as she studied him. Did she see through the lie? Or did she think he’d had sex with her on Saturday and a few days later was on the prowl again? Of course, the adultery could have taken place weeks or even months ago. Would it bother her either way?

Once upon a time, he’d slept around with ease. But even if that was still his MO, he wouldn’t have bounced back quickly after the one time with Anastacia.

No. He wasn’t eager to replace that memory any time soon.

“So what brings you here?” she asked. “And how long are you staying?”

He shrugged. “However long it takes. They don’t need me there in person for the investigation. We can do video interviews if needed.” He grimaced. “It’s all bullshit. Anyway, once I realized I’d have a bit of time, I figured it would be great to spend some time with my brother—Lloyd—who’d been after me to apply for the expedition. They need scuba divers, I guess. So I asked Gerard to take me on for as long as I’m suspended. Because I think this work is important. To get to the truth of the matter.”

“The truth. So you’re a Truther?”

“Archaeological Truther? You mean the violent group? No. I didn’t even know that was a thing until recently.”

Her smile was tight. “Right.”

“So…who is that guy? The one who…?”

“Assaulted me?”

“Yeah. Who is he?”

“Beau Sommerville. My ex-boyfriend. From high school. And again last year. The most recent round didn’t end well.”

Her hand slid along her ribs, and he remembered the jagged scar that had made her self-conscious when she stood boldly naked before him.

His eyes widened. “He…he’s hurt you before?”

Why isn’t the fucker in prison?

“Not him. His friends. Archaeology Truthers.”

“You were the victim of a Truther attack?” He wanted to find Beau Sommerville and rip the man’s head off.

“Yes.”

“Then why are you here of all places?”