Page 111 of Undercover Savior

“We made a statement, Sullivan. There’s a power struggle between Typhon and Viper that they need to work out between the two of them. I sensed it on our way to the castle. Typhon was not happy about Lex’s involvement at this stage of the game and apparently made that clear before they boarded the helicopter,” said Gus. “He obviously relented, but when Viper threw down her next gauntlet, he had enough.”

I looked at David. “Did you pick up on all that?”

He grinned. “None, whatsoever.”

“So anyway, now, it’s up to the two of them to call a truce without the benefit of using any of us as pawns. Obviously, you mainly, Sullivan,” Gus added.

“What if you lose your jobs?”

All four laughed.

“In the middle of an investigation like this one? Not a chance,” said Tag.

“I hope you’re right.”

“Besides, removing you now, because you don’t have the right clearance, is just wrong. It’s also really stupid,” said Gus.

“I think she wanted to offer me a job, but Typhon interrupted her.”

“Thank God for that,” muttered Con. “And what I mean by that is, you don’t belong with MI6. If you’re going to join SIS in any role, it has to be with our unit.”

“What do we do now?” I asked.

Gus spoke up again. “We wait.”

David cleared his throat. “But not here.”

“Right. Definitely not here.” Con winked and followed Tag and Gus back to the door that led to the tunnels.

“I feel terrible about this,” I said once they were gone.

We sat on the sofa after he lit a fire and I turned on the Christmas-tree lights.

“Please don’t. I’m glad it happened when it did. Or rather, the way it did. It’s something you and I need to talk about.”

“Meaning?”

“You joining SIS is something the guys and I discussed. At the time, it was premature, and maybe it still is. However, at some point, maybe even later today, I predict an offer will come. Maybe two.”

“I won’t pretend I hadn’t anticipated the possibility. Honestly, I’ve already made the decision not to return to the Crown Herald.”

“What are your thoughts on SIS?”

“I don’t know. It would be a lot to consider. What are your thoughts?”

“I also made a decision. I’m leaving the assassination game. If there’s a role for me in the unit, so be it. If not, I can live with it.”

“I guess I’d have to know a lot more about what a job would entail before I could say one way or another.”

David took my hands in his. “There’s more to consider, and that’s how we want our life together to be. I already know I can’t be away from you, which is what led to my decision to resign from my current position.”

“I don’t want to be away from you, either.”

“Not ever?” he asked.

“Not ever.”

“Well, then, there’s only one solution.” He slid off the sofa and knelt in front of me. “Sullivan Rivers, I’ve loved you for over twenty years. Will you finally put me out of my misery and become my wife?”

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