Page 142 of Covert Mission

I run my finger over the edge of the hotel stationary paper.

Hey, sleeping beauty. I went to talk to Scout. The boys had a look around and there is no sign of rebels in town this morning. Come over when you wake up. We can talk through the case. X. L

I grin at his closing line.X. L.

Did he mean X as in hug and kiss, XO?

Or XL as in Extra Large… Because it sure fits. God knows I still feel him everywhere.

That makes me blush. I’m still grinning as I sit down at the table to peel a fresh orange. The bright smell of citrus fills the air.

I might even be humming a little. Why am I in such a good mood?

Surely, a little note wouldn’t do that.

No, it’s because he’s going to help me with the case. I might not even lose my job.

But a little kick of embarrassment hits me. I’d be employed because of a favor, not because of my merit as an asset.

I toss the peel in the trash and finish the orange, as I contemplate how I feel about this fact. I don’t mind a leg up, but a downright bribe…

No, wait, it’s blackmail…

Isn’t it?

Tugging the notepad and pen toward me, I start to collect my thoughts about the case.

I jot down:

Unaccounted for and lost donations.

Money disappearing from the FamFind coffers.

+ Always from the discretionary fund.

No receipts.

Ralph’s unexpected airplane ownership? Secret?

Ralph sending unknown man to talk to me about inventory.

Mysterious cargo on the truck.

I circle the last one. This is going to be for Lucas to explore. I know he can use his stealthy superpowers to check out the crates.

As I sit, staring down at the list, I search my mind for other things that I might have overlooked.

Come on… where is the missing piece?

After a while, I admit, I’m not seeing anything new. Staring at the paper isn’t helping. Time to go talk with Lucas.

A little flutter hits my veins. Thinking about seeing him makes me feel warm all over. Damn him for having such an effect on me.

I hurry to the bathroom and check my hair. Yikes. Where is my brush? I dig it from my pack and attack the tangles.

That’s when I spot it… a smudgy purple mark on my neck.

That devil!

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