Page 111 of Hidden Ascent

Chapter24

Charlotte gotoff the elevator at the fifth floor, checking each office as she passed until she found a mesh divider she nearly dismissed, but she pushed it aside and found the safe they were looking for.

“I’ve got it,” she said into her earpiece as she hurried to a different office that faced an alley. “By my count, you should find me eight windows left of center. I’ll meet you there.”

At the window, she waited until Will appeared before stepping back out of his way.

He moved the platform into position and waved, then set to work removing the window.

“You found me,” she said when Will set the glass on the platform and climbed inside.

“You were right. Eighth window.”

“It’s this way,” she said. But when she turned, he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him.

She put a hand on his chest. “Don’t look at me like that. We have work to do.”

“I know. But can’t I savor this moment?”

“What’s to savor?”

“This is the first time we’ve worked together since that thing with Antonio.”

“Let’s hope and pray that this time things work out better.”

“They couldn’t have worked out any better back then. We got Kelly, remember? And you and your sister made it through safely.”

“Yes. And I’m thankful. But I’d rather not go through anything like that again. Can we get that safe open and get out of here? I have much preferred spending time with you under less dangerous circumstances.”

“Me too.” He kissed her, but she wouldn’t let him linger on it.

“Enough of that. Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

“Okay, but I’m taking you out after this is all done. I’ve barely seen you at all this month.”

“You’re the one with the crazy job. Now, are we going to get this safe open?”

“All right. I’m coming.”

Charlotte chewed on her nail while Will worked to crack the safe.

“I’ve got eyes on Maddy,” Isla said into the earpiece.

“Good,” Charlotte said. “Jay, you in position?”

“I’m ready and waiting. How’s the safe coming along?”

“It’s coming,” Will said.

“How long do you think?”

“It’ll take me at least another half hour.”

“You should have plenty of time. Isla, let us know if anything unusual happens on your end.”

“Will do.”

Charlotte crouched down next to Will to see what he was doing.

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