Page 17 of Covert Affair

“Yep. Wasn’t hard once they traced Antonio’s location. Cops caught him trying to sell off some of Stacey’s stuff on eBay. Matched him with the guy on her building's security cameras. Convince her to press charges. He’s looking at some serious jail time and needs to be behind bars. I don’t think she’s his first target. She should look into upgrading her security system too. I can send a team out there to take care of it if she wants.”

It’s finally over. I can get these people out of my sacred space and forget all about celebrity drama and tabloids. And the woman I just had sex with. Shit.

“Go ahead and upgrade that system. I’ll cover the bill if she protests, but get a team on it ASAP. I’m sure she’ll be on the first flight out of here the minute she finds out Antonio’s in jail.”

“What did you just say?” Cole chuckles.

“Just take care of it, asshole. Guess I’ll go deliver the good news. Then I’m on the first flight out of here, too. You’re on your own this week. I think a trip to the Bahamas is in order.” I tell Cole before hanging up.

Stacey’s fully dressed and sitting at the kitchen table when I walk downstairs looking for everyone.

“Good news. We can all go home,” I announce.

“What? How? I thought…” Stacey trails off.

“Calm down, woman. I’ll fill you in.”

By the time I’ve briefed everyone, Stacey’s ready to press charges—and find a new place to live. I’m sure she won’t have any issues relocating, and she’s got Cole on speed dial for the moment she finds a new home. In the meantime, wherever she goes, she’ll be safe.

She glances at me one more time, like she wants to say something but holds back. Then she disappears to pack her bags and book her flight. I’m in my room and packing up when she knocks on the open door.

“So, uhm. I guess this is it. Taylor’s going to take me back to civilization. I just wanted to uhm…say thank you. You know. For uhm…for you know…not letting some whacko kidnap me or whatever,” she says, fumbling with the end of her shirt.

“Just doing my job,” I nod.

“Soooo…I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Stacey…”

“No,” she holds up her hands. “No. I know. One time deal. I got it. I really just wanted to say thank you for keeping me safe. Good job and all that.”

“Thanks,” I chuckle nervously. “Sorry the whole Grammy thing was a bust though.”

“It’ll be an experience to remember. That’s for sure.”

“Yeah. Maybe next year I won’t have a crazy stalker secretly following me.”

“If you ever need a date, I’m not your guy,” I joke.

“Ouch,” Stacey hisses. “Still an asshole.”

I wince and shake my head. “I’m sorry. That was pretty dickish.”

“Miss Stacey,” Taylor’s gruff voice interrupts us. “Ready to hit the road? Don’t want to get tied up in traffic and have you missing your flight.”

“Right. Yes. Thanks, Taylor..”

“Cody. I’ll see you back at the office?”

“Nope. Vacation. So, I’ll see you in a week or two,” I tell him. “Thanks for getting Stacey back home.”

“Yeah. No problem. Enjoy your vacation, fucker.”

Two down, half a dozen to go. As soon as everyone else is out of my cabin in the woods, I’m out of here myself. By tonight, I’ll be watching the sunset from the beach with a drink in my hand.

* * *

Paradise.

---