Page 21 of Exposed

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Madison eagerly awaited Paco’s return. Although she heard the door open from the bathroom, Paco didn’t emerge. After a few minutes ticked by, she went in to check on him. There, having discovered Goldilocks’s bed was just right, he rested, covers shoved to the side. Madison tiptoed to him, hearing the slightest, sweet, little snore. She was about to pull the covers over him, and again noticed his ring. I guess that makes you my brother-in-law.

She finished tucking him in and kissed him on the temple. His suit and pants were neatly bundled on the other side of the bed, delivering an opportunity. She made her way to the nightstand and slid the drawer open. She pulled an aged envelope out as quietly as possible. It was from Jack and mailed to her from Italy—his last letter to her. She slid it into the pocket of his blazer, ensuring it peeked out. Her eyebrow lifted with delight as she moved to his slacks, embracing the temptation. She patted around and felt a lump towards one of the pockets. She silently tugged out the Lamborghini fob.

“I swear I’m just borrowing it,” she whispered. Returning to the living room, she grabbed the Chanel clutch and headed out the door and into the bright yellow Lambo parked on the street. He’s seriously a little too trusting of this neighborhood. Driving away, she looked down to see her comfiest-of-comfy clothes, fuzzy robe, and panda slippers. She only momentarily considered turning around. It’sNew York. Nobody will bat an eye.

At a red light, Madison grabbed her earpiece and phone and hits the third number on favorites. After a few rings, the phone clicked.

“Hello? Frankie?”

Hearing his voice lifted her spirits, and the nickname pulled her right back to the simpler time of being a little girl. “Hi, Dad.”

“Is everything okay?”

Madison realized it had been a while since they’d spoken, since just before she’d moved to New York City. “Yeah. Everything’s fine. I was just thinking that it might be nice to drop by and catch up sometime.”

“Jellybean, that would be great. When are you thinking?”

“Well, I need to check something, but is tomorrow too soon? Would that work?”

“Of course. I’d love it, but don’t you have to work?” Her father always worried the big city was a little too much. His question was more wondering if she might be moving back.

“Well, in a way, this might end up being for work. It’s hard to explain. I’ll call you tomorrow morning with the details.”

“Sure. Anytime, I’ll be here.” Her extended silence was telling, but she knew her dad would give her time to get out whatever was on her mind. She sucked in a breath.

“Dad, can I ask you about something? Years ago, was there a guy you helped out through a tough time?”

“Well, there’s been a lot of those over the years. Our vets are a tough lot, but under the right pressure even the toughest steel fractures.” She considered how to ask more without tipping her hand. If she was too eager, he’d see right through her. And discussing her relationship was the last thing she could do at this very moment.

“The guy I’m asking about wasn’t a vet but might have been wounded in combat.” She paused, thoughtfully considering the scar she might be pulling open. “It was someone who knew Jack. Was with Jack on his last assignment.”

Now it was his turn to hold back, stretching out the silence. Then, he offered, “I think you might mean A.J.”

“No, it’s—” another puzzle piece, one she remembered from a few months back. G.I. Joe had referred to Alex as A.J. “Yes. A.J. That’s him. Can you tell me about A.J.?”

“Frankie, I can’t wait to see you. Love you baby.”

“Love you too, Dad.” She clicked off the call and popped out her Bluetooth as she entered the private penthouse garage. Good thing Paco’s car had the opener. From inside, there was never a foolproof way to know if Alex was there. Six cars, spaciously parked throughout, wasn’t always a clue. He’d call for a car more often than not so he could work, maximizing his transit time.

She pulled the access card from her clutch. Though it really hadn’t been that long since she’s used it, the rigid feel of it in her hands made it seem an eternity. It was only a few hours ago she’d set her mind to returning it. Ready for one last visit with the sole purpose of leaving it all behind. Yet when the elevator opened to the penthouse, a warmth spread from deep within, both relaxing and energizing her at once. The feeling one had when nestled in the sweet surround of comfort and care. She was home.

Alex called out. “Paco, I’m in the office.”

Her slippers muffled her steps down the hall, and she entered undetected. “It’s not Paco.” Alex jumped from his desk and rushed to her, but stopped short of embracing her, cautious to avoid another rebuff.

“Madison. I’m ...” he hesitated as her head-to-toe ensemble caused a double-take.

“Not a word,” she warned, with a solemn finger pointing straight up. Alex crossed his arms, then lightly smother his mouth with one hand, demonstrating his utter compliance.

Madison resumed. “Good. Now it’s your turn to not say anything, and just listen.” She breathed in, settling the butterflies in her stomach, before setting them all free. “I know you think all of this could have been avoided if you’d just told me everything to begin with. And, I know. It’s complicated ... maybe even more complicated than you realize ...” thinking of Paco’s confession.

She stepped closer, her eyes melting him. “But I’m not ready to make it uncomplicated. At least, not if that means D.G.I. continues without you. A dirtbag like Frank Seaver can’t buy me, and I would hope to God he couldn’t buy you either.” She pulled down his hand from his lips, squeezing it with both of hers. “Please tell me I’m right.”

His other hand made its way to her cheek, stroking her face and drinking her in. “You’re right,” he whispered just before kissing her, lightly at first, then passionately, running his hands through her hair and across her back, easing her into him. He pulled away just enough to softly press his forehead to hers. “I thought I’d lost you.”

She took in the warmth of his body around her. “I felt like I’d lost myself. I didn’t trust you because I didn’t trust me, or my own instincts. Instead I trusted a guy like Frank Seaver, who I knew was manipulating me.” Madison’s face cringed as her rage climbed, furious at how fast the contemptable puppet-master had wrapped her wrists. “I hate the thought that a schemer like Frank Seaver swayed me so easily. Especially after that scumbag almost cost me my interview with D.G.I.?

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