Page 80 of Undercover Savior

“I hope you said no,” said Con before looking up at me. “You didn’t, did you?”

“It’s Christmas.”

Con nodded. “Please do not seat him next to me.”

“I doubt there will be a seating chart. So, did Tag leave?”

“He said he’d be back later,” Gus responded.

“I can’t help but wonder who he knows in Syria.”

“Nightingale,” said Con.

“Come again?”

“Leila Nassar. Like we suspect with Weber, she holds dual citizenship and was recruited some time ago by SIS. She’s currently undercover in Damascus.”

“I’ve not heard of her.”

Con and Gus looked at each other and laughed.

“What?”

“It isn’t as though you pay attention to that sort of thing.”

“That sort of thing?”

“You’re more of an assignment guy. It’s what makes you so good. You’re focused,” Con continued.

“I hardly need you to blow smoke up my arse.”

He chuckled again. “And what if I said I’d contacted Typhon about sniper training?”

“Fair point. So, what you’re saying is, when it comes to investigative work, I’m no help?”

My two friends made eye contact again.

“Give mesomethingto do.”

“Tag might need your help when he returns.”

I wasn’t welcome with Sullivan and Fallon and wasn’t needed here. Rather than continue to interrupt Con and Gus, who appeared quite focused, I got up and left the room.

When I saw Brose crossing the bridge, heading in the direction of Thistle Gate, I rushed out and called his name.

“Ah, Ash, I was hoping for a word,” he said when I caught up with him.

“What about?”

“There appears to be a great deal going on around here. Thistle Gate, in particular.”

“Interestingly, I wasn’t aware of the cottage’s name until recently.”

“My father was quite enamored with the place. For good reason, I’d say.”

“What would that be?” I asked.

“Surely, you know.”

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