Page 96 of Hidden Ascent

“A simple ‘you’re welcome’ would suffice.”

“What would be the fun of that?”

“Why is it you have to have fun at my expense?”

He put his hands up in defeat. “Sorry, I’ll stop. I’m sure you have some leftover feelings of betrayal you’re battling, and I’m not helping matters.”

“Actually—” She took a sip of her drink while scrutinizing him over the rim of the cup. “I think I’m over the worst of it.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“Still. Don’t do it again.”

“I won’t promise that. If it’s what’s necessary to save your life, I wouldn’t hesitate.”

“That’s fine. As long as you know I’ll never fall for it again.”

“You say that now…”

“I’m serious. I’ve figured out your tell. You can never lie to me again.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah. Your eye gets a glint when you lie.”

He laughed. “You’re probably right. But it shouldn’t come to that. Now you get to sit back, relax, and recover. Have some girl time with Jemi, and let me do the dirty work.”

“What?”

“I’ve got it from here.”

“No you don’t.” She slammed her mug on the table.

“Settle down. I’ve got it all worked out. While you recover, I’ll get what you need.”

“You can’t kick me out of my own operation.”

“I’m not kicking you out. I’m protecting you. I’ve got a plan. I can get the information we need without you.”

“You told Sharpe you needed me to get Whitlock.”

“That won’t be hard to work around.”

“Or I could be a part of your plan.”

“You don’t think I’m capable of pulling this off?”

“It has nothing to do with your abilities. I’m not bowing out of this.”

Isla looked down the hall when there was a knock at the door. She noticed Jay didn’t react.

“Who’s at the door?” she said.

“No one I know.”

“Then why do you look guilty?”

Jay stood, giving her an apologetic look before heading to answer the second knock.

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