Page 5 of A Not So Casual Christmas

“What’s going on, Ben? Why are you here? You’re not working for Vedasto Santos. I just checked.”

He cursed. “How did you check?”

“I just texted him and asked if there was anyone I needed to speak with before the implementation, since he never mentioned his security advisor was an ex-army thug from New Hampshire.”

“Did you put it exactly like that?” Ben wondered if he had fucked up the mission. He should have been all business instead of pleasure. He would have ripped anyone a new asshole who screwed around and put people at risk.

But he hadn’t expected his draw to Tessa. She was his wife in everything but the ceremony and he hadn’t kissed her in five long years because their schedules hadn’t meshed. He had been too busy establishing himself and she didn’t stay where he left her. Not that he had really expected her too.

He straightened his shoulders. If his cover was blown, he’d accept the consequences, but he wasn’t ready to give up yet. He’d bring down both Starrett and Santos. It would just take a little longer.

“No,” she said. “I left you out of it. And you’re lucky that Vedasto thinks Wilson is a kiss ass and won’t take his calls.”

He sagged in relief. “Have I told you that you’re amazing?”

“It’s been awhile,” she said. “Now spill it. Start with why you’re not in the sandbox, Captain Stevens.”

“I’m working on another assignment right now. I’ve transitioned from the army to another company.” Ben watched as she processed his words. He wasn’t sure what all the emotions going across her face meant, but it made him wary.

“And it’s not Santos Industries.”

“Nope.”

“But it’s with a company that can provide you with credentials to make it look as if you are, provided no one looks too closely.”

“You make it sound more cloak and dagger than it actually is,” he said. “I can’t tell you what’s going on, but I can give you the heads up that you’re going to want to start looking for another job. Sooner rather than later. In fact, I think you should quit and go home to New Hampshire for Christmas.”

“It’s tempting,” she said. “Do your parents know you’ve left the army?”

“Not exactly,” he said. “They know that I’m all over the world, but they’re assuming I’m still in uniform. Until I have a more settled assignment, it’s easier this way.”

“Where are you based?”

Ben gave a short laugh. “Langley. I’m working for the Central Intelligence Agency.”

“Huh,” she said, her eyes wide with disbelief. “That’s a different career move for you. I don’t suppose you can show me some ID?”

Reaching into his wallet, he pulled out his government identification card and handed it to her.

“Aren’t you supposed to be more secretive about this?” She handed him it back after giving it a cursory glance.

“I’m not going to show this to Wilson or your boss. Not until I’ve got proof. And that’s what I need you for.”

He knew he made a mistake when she froze and her jaw tightened. “So, that’s what this was all about. You go off the grid for five years and then come back to sweep me off my feet so that I help you investigate my boss.”

“No. What happened just now was just you and me. It had nothing to do with the job.”

She tugged at the last dangling plastic ball from her ugly sweater and threw it at him. “I signed a non-disclosure agreement. I’m not going to let you play around in my code.”

“I don’t want to play around. I just need proof. It’s a matter of national security.”

Tessa rolled her eyes. “That’s what you always say.”

“That’s all I can say.”

“Get a warrant or a subpoena and then will talk. You know better. You shouldn’t have come here to ask me to do this.” Folding her arms over her chest, she glared at him. “This isn’t how it’s done.”

“I wanted to have your cooperation. That way none of this will come back on you.”

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