Page 33 of End Game

She held it up for him to see. “I knew better than to ask for yours.”

His smile was full of mischief and sexy as hell. “Finally got you trained, did I?”

“Behave, or I’ll drive through a mud puddle.”

“Good luck finding one. We haven’t had any rain for three weeks.”

She gave him a sidelong glance. “Which means I have my pick of dusty gravel roads.”

He made a sound in the back of his throat.

Grinning, she said, “Enjoy your extra-long lunch.”

“I don’t like this situation at all.”

“I know. But sometimes I have to play the boss card. Today’s one of those days.”

“Phin’s going to be pissed.”

“With any luck, I’ll be back before he notices I’m gone.”

Her driver, friend, and, when needed, bodyguard gave her the you’re dreaming stare.

“I’ll make it up to him—and you.”

“Don’t forget Luke.”

“Especially Luke.” She nodded for him to step back. “Now buzz off. I’m going to be late.”

“All the more reason I should drive you. I could drop you off at the door.”

“Some secrets a woman has to keep to herself. See you soon.”

“Text me when you’re leaving,” he ordered as she shut the door.

Waving her agreement, she hit the Start button and pulled away. It didn’t take long for Mason’s large figure to appear in her rearview mirror as he stalked across the street to the food truck. He drew bills from his wallet, said a few harsh words to the vendor, and motioned the small family closer.

Kayla smiled. “That’s my softie.” She pushed the accelerator and put the sedan’s 329 horsepower to work.

14

On her third pass down Battery Park Avenue, Kayla sent up a Thank You, Jesus! when she spotted a blue Subaru backing out of a prime parking spot outside Hemingway’s Cuba restaurant.

She could have gone to the parking garage off Otis Street, but that would’ve tacked on another ten minutes. Plus, the garage was right across the street from the federal building, where the FBI’s Resident Agency offices were located.

Who knew if Ash was inside, but the last thing she needed was for him to glance out a window and catch her walking across the street. Alone.

Another wave of guilt filled her chest at having to conceal her activities from her team, especially Natalie and Mason. Natalie, along with Liv, had been her confidante since college. Her friendship with Mason was more recent, but she trusted him with her life.

There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for them, and they for her. But she needed to get a handle on what was going on without worrying about her friends becoming collateral damage.

She entered the restaurant and made her way to Hemingway’s popular rooftop patio. The hostess on duty smiled at Kayla as she approached.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Krowne. Enjoy your lunch.”

“Thank you, Aleta.”

The hostess didn’t need to escort Kayla to her party. She knew the way well. Nearing the familiar table, she noticed she was the last one to arrive. Not a complete surprise, given the machinations it had taken to get here.

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