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I’d just finished briefing them on our two plans of action, one subsequent to the other, when Puck and Atticus returned with our gear.
“Is the dive boat lined up?” Ares asked.
“It is taken care of as well,” Z responded. “Courtesy of our friends at the Italian embassy.”
At eighteen thirty,both teams boarded the Italian patrol boat at the region’s northernmost docks. At exactly nineteen hundred hours, the four members of the dive team, myself included, entered the water via a giant stride. Less than fifteen minutes later, we knew exactly what we were up against.
19
BEXLI
While I was certain I had zero chance of passing the exam to get into MI5, Kima and Wren were equally confident I would.
Rather than return to the main house, Wren invited us to the cottage where she and her husband were staying. It was one I’d never been in and nicer than I remembered the others being.
“This is lovely,” I commented.
“I’ve considered asking Cayman if he’d allow us to lease it,” she said, laughing. “I sleep far better here than I do when we’re in London.”
“Where in town do you live?”
“We have a flat at 20 Fenchurch, but Nemesis has been living there. Our main residence is at Whittaker Abbey in Bedfordshire.”
My eyes opened wide. “I can’t imagine the Trace estate is as nice.”
“Not quite, but something about being here soothes me. Odd, I know, given what we’re investigating. Maybe it’s being pregnant.” She patted her stomach like she had a few minutes ago.
“You’re pregnant?” I immediately realized how inappropriate my question was. God, I’d never fit in with this set. “Sorry.”
Her head cocked. “What for?”
“It’s none of my business.”
She put her hand on my arm and smiled. “Darlin’, I’m from Texas. People there rarely hesitate to say whatever is on their mind, whether it’s their business or not.”
My cheeks flushed, but I immediately felt better. Both Wren and Kima were so kind and accepting. At first, I thought it was more out of pity for what I’d been through, but their enthusiasm over my wanting to join MI5 felt so real.
I hadn’t had many girlfriends, growing up. None I could remember, actually. I told myself those I went to school with were jealous of my looks, but as I thought back on it, it was more that I didn’t want anyone to get close, to know what my life was like at home. I’m sure most did anyway. Gossip was rampant in a place as small as Shere. I probably wouldn’t have had a single friend if Cayman hadn’t been so relentless. Even as a boy, he was. As hard as I’d tried to push him away, he insinuated himself into my life even more.
“I’d love to know what you’re thinkin’, girlfriend,” said Wren, nudging me.
“What you just said,” I blurted. “I haven’t had many girlfriends.”
“Well, you’ve got two now. More, once you meet Hanadarko. She’s a hoot and a half.”
“Hanadarko?”
“She’s a profiler Ares asked to help with the Purfleet and Felixstowe investigations. She’s here with Mayhem, who is also a profiler. She’s better, though. Oh, and Millie.”
I had countless questions about what she’d just said. I didn’t understand the majority of it. Profiler? Purfleet? Felixstowe? “Um, who’s Millie?”
“Their dog. Sweetest damn thing I’ve ever seen. Ares warned us Millie doesn’t like people, but so far, she cuddles up to everyone. Maybe it’s just Ares she doesn’t like.”
I looked over at Kima, who hadn’t said much. She was studying something on her phone.
“Everything okay?” Wren asked, noticing the same thing I had.
“Hmm? I mean, yes. Everything is okay.”
