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He rocked back on his heels. “You’re not just blowing me off?”
“Is that what you think?”
Beatrice marched out the door. “Both of you, Emit’s office, now.”
An hour later, they’d hashed things out with her. At least they’d cleared the air. Parker had to give Beatrice credit, she’d admitted again that she was at fault, but she was also instituting new rules and regulations. She would be discussing them with Emit before the group left the following day and implementing them ASAP. Once she’d told them that, she’d excused Parker so she could speak to Moe alone.
Parker wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Outside of answering Beatrice’s questions with frank sincerity, he’d been far too quiet. He was no longer the sarcastic, joking Moe that he had been only a few days ago. Parker missed that.
She’d never be able to sleep now. She found his parents on the veranda overlooking the mountains. They were sharing a bottle of wine, and she hated to intrude, but she needed to say what was on her mind in case she never saw them again. “Your son is amazing, and I hope that you will cherish every day going forward that you have with him. He has a lot of issues because of what happened, not only with the two of you, but the family who adopted him. Please, go the extra mile and make sure you don’t do any more damage.”
They both looked at her, stunned. “We’ll do our best,” Lori said, quietly.
“Do better than that. He deserves happiness, but he has a long road ahead of him to get there. You owe him your patience and support.”
She returned to her room, but was too keyed up to rest. She called her sister and told her everything that wasn’t confidential, including about how they’d inadvertently discovered Moe’s birth parents.
Savanna couldn’t believe it. “What a headline story that would make,” she said, sounding like the investigative reporter she was. “Do you think they might be willing to do an interview?”
Parker chuckled. No way in hell would that trio spill their life story. “Pretty sure they’ve all signed nondisclosures, Van, and revealing anything about their pasts could put them in danger.”
“Right. Of course. I just love a good conspiracy, as well as a happy ending.”
Was it that? A happy ending? “You may have to give me a job soon. I’m under internal review.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Never mind that I challenged Beatrice, I jeopardized the mission and Moe’s life by going into the field myself. Both of us could’ve ended up dead. Regardless that Lydia was pulling a double-cross, her life was also endangered because of my actions.”
“Parker, you and I know that you made the best decision you could. If Beatrice can’t see that, then she doesn’t deserve you.” Righteous anger rolled off her in waves. “You’re one of the most uniquely qualified candidates she’s ever had in that organization and that’s saying something. She only picks the cream of the crop, and honey, you are beyond that. Don’t ever forget how hard you’ve worked to become the person you are. You’ve overcome some pretty big shit in your life, just like she has, and she respects that. She’s walking a fine line, trying to be your boss and your friend. SFI is her family, and she’s looking out for everyone, but whatever mistakes you made on this mission, you uncovered that woman’s duplicity, which has been going on for decades.Decades, Parker. You did that, no one else. Own it. You’re an incredible person and you deserve accolades, not reprimands.”
The words filled her up. “Thanks, sis. I’m glad we’re family.”
They said their goodbyes, making plans to get together with their dad and mom once Parker returned. She lay on the bed for a long time, trying not to spin out about everything, including the fact she missed Moe. He’d become her best friend. Her confidant.
At some point, she fell asleep and woke to the sounds of soft voices in the hall. One of them was his, and she could hear a smile in his tone as he agreed to join his parents for breakfast.
“Don’t forget our first appointment with Dr. Greene at ten,” Lori said.
“It would mean a lot to us if you were there,” Bryant added.
“I will be.” Moe sounded more like himself. “I have to warn you, though, she’s a hardass. She’ll make you wish you’d jammed a fork in your eye rather than agree to counseling.”
They chuckled and goodnights were exchanged. She heard a pause as they walked away and she waited for Moe’s door to close. When she didn’t hear it, she got up and pressed an ear to hers. Had he slipped inside noiselessly or snuck off back downstairs? What was he up to? She prayed he wasn’t bailing like she’d feared he might.
Curious, she eased open the door and found him standing there.
THIRTY-FIVE
He was the best thing she could find on the other side of the door. Her smile threatened to break free.
“Keeping tabs on me?” Moe asked.
“Do I need to?”
He studied her, opening and closing his mouth as if he wasn’t sure what to say. “I was debating whether I should knock, but I…” He blew out an audible breath, running his gaze over her like he was starved to see her. “Parker, I can’t think straight. You’re so far under my skin, I’m crazy without you. I know Beatrice said—”
She yanked him inside, putting a finger to her lips. “I don’t care,” she whispered. Beatrice and Cal were in the guest room at the end of the hall. “I thought about this long and hard and I stand by every decision I made out there. I also stand by you. I’m glad you reunited with your folks, and I don’t care if I get fired for this. I want you in my life and I’ll take you however I can get you. You and I are a team. If Beatrice doesn’t believe I can lead the Spy Division, then I’ll find someone else who’s willing to put me to work. Maybe Flynn needs a new cognitive scientist with plenty of experience with undercover operations in his bullpen. I’m a damn good analyst and I bring a hell of a lot to the table.”
