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“What are you doing?”
“I’m coming with you. I didn’t come all the way here to be left behind.”
He found her stubborn eyes directly on his. “It’s an FBI op, Tessa. No civilians allowed.”
She shrugged but continued dressing.
He put on his holster and strapped his backup weapon to his ankle. “We can go to see your grandfather tomorrow. I have to be with my team on this.”
He’d already scooted out of the operation because Sam had called to tell him Tessa’s flight information.
She nodded. “We can. But I’m still going with you. I’m not going to run into the casino and make a mess of things. I’ll stay somewhere safe, but I need to be part of this.”
His boss was going to chew his ass. She might be glad when he tendered that resignation.
Chapter22
Family Business
Tessa was relieved Flynn hadn’t tried to force her to stay behind. She’d have taken a cab down to the area if she’d had to, but it was better to be with him, to not do anything behind his back. He wasn’t thrilled she wanted to ride along, but he’d let her.
During the ride, he spent most of the time on the phone with his team while she’d watched the Christmas lights strung up across the city. He’d explained she’d been with him right away so the conversation had probably been careful on both ends. She hoped he wasn’t going to be in trouble because she’d insisted on tagging along.
After a fifteen minute drive, he pulled into a parking garage and found a spot near the elevator. She didn’t ask any questions, especially once they were out of the car. They moved into the elevator, his hand on the small of her back, making her feel safe and loved.
The thought had her smiling. He loved her. That might be the most amazing feeling in the world. If only she could travel back in time to tell the girl waking up alone and terrified in the hospital that one day Flynn Walker would be in love with her. That would have made doing all that physical therapy so much easier.
On the eighth floor, they got out and Tessa realized they were in a hotel. Flynn took out a key card and ushered her into the room ahead of him.
They walked into the sitting room of a large suite. She could see a bedroom beyond and a bathroom to the side. Eight agents worked at various tables and desks. Most wore headsets and sat at computers. Files and papers covered the horizontal spaces. The hum of data analysis in action helped calm her nerves. These were her people.
A tall, mixed-race woman stood and approached them. “Agent Walker.” Her voice carried an Arctic breeze.
Flynn nodded his greeting. “Special Agent Jenkins, I’d like you to meet Tessa Flores.”
The woman didn’t offer to shake her hand, so Tessa kept hers clasped together. “Nice to meet you.”
“As Special Agent Walker isn’t in the habit of toting civilians along on investigations, I assume you insisted on being here. Why?”
Tessa gathered all her nerves and squeezed her hands so her voice wouldn’t shake. “This entire mess involves my family. I’ve been in hiding since I was seventeen. I don’t want to hide anymore. The only way to do that is to stop the Pavic family from trying to kill me. To do that, I need to speak with my grandfather. I’m willing to wait until after you finish your plans for the night before contacting him.”
For a heartbeat, Tessa wondered if she’d been rude, if she’d crossed a line. Jenkins maintained eye contact for a count of five before nodding with a small smile. She offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Miss Flores. I hear from Shanice Williams that you’re a whiz at data analysis.”
Too surprised to speak, Tessa nodded.
Jenkins pointed across the room. “The mobile team is going to move out, and you’re going to stay here and help at this end. If you leave, that’s up to you, but I don’t want you interfering at the casino site. Leave that to us so that you don’t endanger anyone.” She sent a pointed look at Flynn. “Or that you don’t distract anyone from doing their job. I’d hate to lose an agent tonight because you needed closure.”
“I won’t interfere. But I want your word that I’ll have a chance to speak with my grandfather if he’s at the casino tonight.”
Jenkins raised an eyebrow but finally nodded. “We don’t have any intel that he’s there, but if we bring him into custody, you’ll have your chance.” Then the formidable woman moved toward the door.
Tessa blew out a breath and smiled at Flynn. He grinned back. “Nicely done. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Tessa grabbed his hand. “Be safe.”
“That’s the plan.” Then he kissed her quickly and followed his boss out the door.
Flynn had missed the mission briefing when he’d taken off to the airport to meet Tessa, so he wasn’t part of the team that would be going inside the casino. While he preferred to be in the midst of the action, he wouldn’t have traded the past couple of hours for anything.
