Page 116 of Sinner's Salvation

“So, you tell them that this gives you a direct line for assistance from us should you need it. International terrorism is at an all time high. Having a partnership with another country, however informal, means faster access to more intelligence.”

“They still aren’t going to like it,” Anna said, her hand on Evan’s thigh tightening for a moment.

“We tell them the truth,” Evan said. “Mostly.”

Everyone looked at him like they had no idea what he meant.

“It’s a romantic story, the way we met. A bad guy had kidnapped you, thinking he could turn you into some kind of spy. He asks for help from Army Intelligence and I show up. I recognize you and know that your grandmother was in the French resistance and helped my grandfather who was in the Ghost Army.”

Taft nodded with enthusiasm. “Everyone loves a good romance.”

“And those two Italian guys?” Marek asked. “How do we explain them?”

“They were high on a cocktail of drugs,” Anna suggested. “Theywere the terrorists, planning to destroy a section of the subway.”

Taft turned to Marek. “That’s a believable story. It ties up all the loose ends.”

Marek paused, then extended his hand out to Anna. “Deal.”

Chapter Thirteen

An hour later, Annaand Evan walked through the lobby entrance of the hotel. Within seconds, the on-duty Customer Service manager had abandoned her office to enquire about Anna’s health and if she needed anything.

She didn’t, but Evan did.

“Evan, would a steak dinner satisfy your appetite?” Anna glanced at him and caught her breath.

The grin he was giving her, secret and seductive, made her want to tear his clothes off. But they couldn’t, not yet. There was still too much to do.

His smile turned rueful. “I’d love a steak, later.” He glanced at the Customer Service manager. “Could the restaurant make me a protein smoothie to go?”

“Of course,” she replied, and dashed off toward the restaurant.

“I need to change again,” Anna said, looking down at the military uniform she was wearing. “Will you wait here for Mason and Magnus?”

“They’re not going to be happy to see just me waiting for them,” Evan said. “Those two have a healthy level of suspicion.”

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