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“Pussy cat, you are beginning to use up a second life and that only leaves you seven. Remember, you’re only a few months old. I didn’t appreciate the toilet paper decorations in my bathroom earlier. Don’t look at me like that. And don’t meow so pitifully. You were supposed to behave. And now this! You’re cruisin’ cat. Don’t push it.” The silence was broken by a wailing meow that brought grins to both Carl and Rylee’s faces.
“And quit talking back. You’re grounded; you stay in here tonight.”
Carlos raised his eyebrow and Rylee shrugged. Then they heard the battle being won.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake, I hate big amber eyes that look teary. I’m such a sucker for downtrodden. Okay, here we go. You can sleep in the bedroom, but only if you promise to stay in your drawer and don’t wake me until the sun’s up.”
Silence, broken by the moving of furniture and bedclothes being shifted, followed. When Rylee was ready to turn the sound down, they heard Jake say, “You need a name, kitty. I met a sweetheart tonight who might be able to help in that area. Never mind purring. She probably hates cats and will suggest a name like Abercrombie.” They heard a soft chuckle and then all was quiet.
Carl’s grin spoke volumes to Rylee, but he ignored the number of responses he could have made and instead returned to their earlier conversation. “Back to James Bond, I’ll get into his cabin and search for some evidence of what he’s doing onboard. British Intelligence doesn’t send their people on cruises for no reason – he’s here because of the yammering on the dark web. We both know that once the news leaked of Jake’s coming invention, there’s way too much interest from foreign governments.”
“You’re right. Okay, you see what you can find out. I’m sure the folks back at the Bureau picked up on his name and are digging for scraps, too. I’ll stay off his radar if possible. On the other hand, if the idiot blows my cover, he might end up receiving more of my gentle persuasion.”
Carl shivered jokingly. “Poor bastard must be a sucker for punishment. This is the third assignment he’s managed to be involved with after learning you’re in charge.”
Before Rylee could answer him, noise came through the receiver that had both of them jumping to attention. Rylee hit the door first, and Carl brought up the rear, reaching for her. “Don’t show yourself unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
“Fine. I’ll only act as backup if you need me.”
