Page 63 of Code Name: Michelangelo

“Is that really how you see me?” I asked.

“Always.”

“The forgers beat me.”

“Temporarily. I’m still convinced we’ll emerge victorious.”

“I hope you’re right. So you said you met with the UK task force commander. How did that go?”

“Fine, I suppose. Although I’m not completely clear on why I’m here. I don’t exactly fit in. The entire coalition seems to be made up of SIS and CIA agents. Some current, some former.”

“SIS?”

“His Majesty’s Secret Service, aka MI5 and MI6. Although there are other units. I feel quite out of my league.”

“Perhaps Nemesis will enlighten you when you meet.”

“Maybe. I don’t see how relocating to London can work, however.”

I didn’t know what to say. I’d never been in a relationship like this. It had never made a difference to me whether whoever I was seeing was moving. It rarely got far enough along that it would matter.

“Pen?”

“I’m here.”

“Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I can’t.”

He chuckled. “You can. Come on, ’fess up.”

“I’d miss you. I mean, I miss you already, and you’ve only been gone a couple of days. I’m really not good at this.”

“This?” he prompted.

“I know it sounds ridiculous, but you’re my first real relationship.”

“Not ridiculous. Reassuring.”

I hated how needy I sounded. “I don’t want to be the reason you don’t accept a job offer. If that’s what this is.”

“But you’d rather I didn’t.”

“I’m sorry,” I admitted.

“Don’t be. I’m relieved to hear you say it.”

“What will you do? You still have the meeting tomorrow.”

“At its conclusion, I’ll discuss the outcome with Doc. He’s my employer.”

“How long will you need to stay in the UK?” I asked.

“I’ll book a flight out tomorrow afternoon.”

We talked for several more minutes about nothing in particular. For me, just hearing his voice was enough.

When it was time for our call to end, I told him I’d be counting the minutes until he was back.

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