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“Who did you say the property owner was?” Wren asked.
I smiled. I hadn’t, nor had she missed it. “The Trace family.”
Wilder raised a brow. “Ah, yes. The Trace family. Cayman’s lot.”
“If there’s nothing else—”
“One thing. I’m famished. Fancy getting a bite to eat?” Wilder asked.
“Very much so.”
He looked at Wren, who appeared as eager as I, especially when he suggested Café Porto. I’d been cravingbroa de melsince leaving my order behind earlier.
“This will be great, right?” Wren asked when she accompanied me to my office so I could grab my bag.
“A dream come true, to be honest.”
“I just hope I can contribute.”
I rolled my eyes. “If nothing else, it’ll be nice to have another woman on my team.”
“You were outnumbered. Although, I know you, Nem. You’ve always managed to hold your own.”
I had, with the one exception. I’d undermined my confidence by shagging a colleague. It was a mistake I’d not make again.
“Oh, Good Lord,”I said under my breath when we entered the café and saw Cayman and Ares were there. Had neither seen us, I would’ve suggested we go elsewhere. However, like most in our line of work, they were seated all the way in the back, both facing the front door.
Since I ate here regularly, the owner’s daughter greeted us. “Your usual table is occupied, but I have one on the other side of the restaurant that might suit.” Mariana picked up three menus.
“I suppose we should inform Ares you and Wilder will be joining the UK task force,” I said to Wren as we were led to our table.
“He knows,” she responded. “At least about me.”
My gaze went from her to Wilder, then back again.
“I told him earlier,” said Wren when we took our seats.
It bothered me that she had, although I couldn’t explain why.
“I’m sorry,” Wren said, a couple of minutes later, as I studied a menu I didn’t need to look at.
“It’s all right,” I said, shaking my head.
“I overstepped.”
I set the menu on the table harder than I’d intended.
“Excuse me,” said Wilder, wisely pushing away from the table and going in the direction of the lavatories.
“Let’s not talk about this,” I said, wishing Wren would let it go so I could do the same.
“No. Let’s. I overstepped, and I apologize. I should’ve told you first.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Opportunity, I suppose. Ares took a break from your briefing and seemed out of sorts. I thought…I don’t know what I thought.”
“It’s all right,” I repeated.
