Page 53 of Play the Game

“I know.” I rubbed the back of my neck, then stretched it to ease the tension there.

Tam had this, and even if she didn’t, my career was not her business. She’d been clear that the only way we could work as a couple was if we kept our eyes on our own papers when it came to our HEAT work.

“About thatbossthing,” I said to Alder. “We need to talk about that.”

“Can this wait?” She covered her mouth and yawned. “Remember, I haven’t had my beauty sleep yet. Team meeting’s at three. We’ll talk before that.”

“I’ll be gone by then,” I said. The kitchen went silent, and everyone stared at me. “Remember, I’m getting on a plane and flying out to see my mother?”

“Not when we’re so close to extracting Pasco,” Alder said.

I glanced at Bond. She’d been there Sunday night. She knew the score.

“TJ’s on a call with X,” Bond said. “Requesting that you stay with the team for a couple more days.”

I couldn’t stay, not after what I’d promised Tam.

“Don’t I get a say in this?”

“Not if X and TJ want you here.” Bond stood. “I’m with Alder; it’s time for a nap.”

“Same,” Kessler said. She told Li, “Don’t you and Hart work out without me.”

“Let’s plan on a run after the team meeting,” Li said. “Work off some adrenaline. Get focused for tonight.”

“Ask Sparks if she wants to go with us, since she’ll be going out in the field, too,” Kessler said. “Assuming her plan gets Penn’s approval.”

I scowled but kept further complaints to myself. This was my doing. It was my fault that after doing such great work for a week and a half, she was busted back down to subordinate status. Still, she’d made it very clear the battle for her career advancement wasn’t mine to fight. So, I wouldn’t fight or even argue. But I might drop one little suggestion in Penn’s ear.

* * *

Tamela

The minute Jasonwalked into the barn, his eyes went wide, and he walked more slowly. He was wary, glancing between Penn and me. He knew something was wrong. I had no way to signal to him what it was. I thought about texting him, as I had a dozen times since Penn had asked me point-blank about my sex life, which would normally be over the line, but in this case, was perfectly within his rights. But he’d been smart enough to figure out Jason and I were sleeping together. He wouldn’t suddenly go so stupid and fail to realize who I was messaging.

“Penn, good to see you,” Jason said as he slid into a chair across from us. “You look like you’re feeling better. Still no hard feelings, I hope.”

“About the ribs?” Penn shook his head. “Not about that.”

Jason swallowed hard, the way I had an hour ago when Penn confronted me. We had the same belated survival instincts, which, if they had kicked in a week ago, would have protected us from having to live through this very moment. But even if I could go back and have a do-over of the past week, I wouldn’t do it. Our emotions had grown beyond that. We only had to get through the next couple of days and complete one last mission together, then at least we wouldn’t be working directly with each other.

Kat, standing at the whiteboard a few feet away from us, cleared her throat. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’m going to give you the room. Anyone need anything from the house? No? Okay, well,” she held her hands up in front of her, “leaving now. Just text me when it’s safe to come back.”

After she left, Jason sighed. “Why do I get the feeling I should have gone with her?”

Penn crossed his arms over his chest, which made him look wider. Bigger and meaner. “Maybe because you’re finally thinking with the right head.”

“Penn.” I screwed up my face.

Jason’s eyes snapped to mine. “Oh.”

“She didn’t tell me,” Penn said, “but she couldn’t deny it when I asked her point-blank.”

“So, you suspected.” Jason tugged a hand through his hair. “Who else knows?”

“I haven’t told anyone about my suspicions,” Penn said. “TJ and Bond might suspect, but between the hiring freeze and things heating up around the globe right now, they can’t really afford to lose any good personnel. I’m sure Kessler will have figured it out by now, and she and Li are tight, so I’d count on her knowing, too.”

I covered my face with my hands. “So that leaves Alder, and I guess, Kat.”

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