Page 112 of Bonded in Death

She grabbed more coffee. “Two of them were down there, the vid star and the tea queen. In skimpy skin shorts and sports bras.”

“I see.”

“They’re pretty ripped. I had to talk to them, and pretend I didn’t want them to go away so I could work out.”

“A challenging start to your day.”

“Tell me about it.” She headed in to shower.

When she came back, he had plates under domes, more coffee waiting, and the cat banished to the floor.

“Even with the conversation, the workout, I’m ahead of schedule. I’m going in early again.”

When she sat, he took off the domes, revealed pancakes, bacon, fruit.

The world got considerably brighter.

She immediately swamped the pancakes in syrup.

“I’ll coordinate with you, but I need to refine the op, get a team briefed. I’m going to bring Lowenbaum in.”

“You think you’ll need SWAT?”

“Potter’s a professional, too. The more coverage, the better. If we can box him in today, take him, it’s done. Turn him over to the Brits—not the ones staying here. They all go home.”

“And all’s right with the world.”

“Except for Rossi and his family, yeah. Can’t make all right with their world, but we can bring them justice.” She shoveled in pancakes. “About letting them all see the record from last night? If we miss Potter today, I’ll green-light that. It may trigger something that can help. If we get him, there’s no need.”

“Fair enough.”

“What were you working on?”

“Not working so much as checking. The Great House Project. It’s winding up.”

“So Peabody said, but with a lot more words. They’re spending the weekend there.”

“There’s still some work. They could move in altogether if they wanted.” With the tablet set aside, he ate with her. “It’s finish work, punch out work primarily. But they want the big moment. The weekend’s a trial run.”

“You made it run. I know you made it run smoother and faster than it would have. They appreciate it.”

“I’ve enjoyed it. The project itself, and the working with friends.”

As he enjoyed sharing breakfast with his wife and speaking, for a few minutes, of happier things.

“Which reminds me,” he added, “the chair for Number Two will be ready by official move-in.”

“That’s good. Did I tell you Jake’s moving in with Nadine?”

“Yes, you mentioned it. And so did Jake, when I saw him at An Didean—he’s taken an interest in one of the students. Gee’s got a rather masterful way with a guitar. Jake and Nadine seem very happy.”

“It’s happening everywhere. It’s weird.”

Stuffed with pancakes, she got up and faced her closet.

“It’s an op, a major op. I’m wearing black.”

Because she said it like a challenge, he had to smile.

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