Page 61 of Dear John

“Staggered protection,” I said, nodding at the idea. “It could work.”

“Of course, it could work. It will work if you would just step out of your own way.”

“Let me think on it.” I still wasn’t sure about leaving her alone. The whole thing felt hinky to me. “I don’t know how longI’ll be out. Keep an eye on Isla, and if she leaves, follow. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

“I’ll stick to her like onions on Funyuns,” Fox grinned.

I grimaced, but headed for the door. After grabbing ice, I slipped back into the room just as Isla was sinking into the couch with her laptop. “Preparing for the meeting?”

“Yeah, I want to do a little more market research before the meeting tomorrow.”

I nodded, checking my watch. “I’m gonna grab some food.”

“We just ate before the flight.”

“I know, but…I’ve got the munchies. Want anything?”

“No, I’m good.”

I walked over and kissed her, trying not to look too suspicious in my movements. Then I was out the door and heading to the lobby. IKE was lounging in the corner, pretending to read a paper. But I knew better. He was watching every single person coming and going. I kept walking, knowing he would catch up with me.

Shoving the door open to a coffee house down the block, I ordered a drink and then sat in the corner, waiting for IKE to join me. When he slid into the chair opposite me, he looked extremely pissed off.

“Do you want to tell me why I was summoned?”

“You got my messages. You know what I want.”

“Nothing to report,” he shrugged.

“Nothing? There’s no movement from Shawn?”

“The guy’s in the hospital. Not that I wouldn’t put it past him to go a step further, but for now, I think you’re good.”

“You think? That’s not good enough,” I said angrily.

“Shouldn’t you be back with OPS? Why don’t you ask your friends to put a detail on her.”

I gritted my teeth at the reminder. “I don’t work for OPS any longer.”

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really.”

“I had a falling out with Cash.”

“Well, that doesn’t surprise me. He’s pissed at everyone these days. Me included,” he answered, his eyes wandering around the shop.

“Why you?”

His eyes turned hard as he faced me again. “Because I’m the one who pulled the trigger on Zavala.” He shifted in his seat. “Look, I’m only telling you this because Isla’s involved. You need to watch your back.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You haven’t been watching the news, have you?”

“Not really.”

His cool demeanor slipped slightly as he pulled out his phone and brought up a video from this morning.

“—fiancée is currently residing in their apartment in the city. She has not made a statement yet, but we expect one later today. The senator posted a brief statement on his campaign site early this morning.

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