Page 59 of Zero Hour

Pat sighed. “Two glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon coming up.”

“I’ll come with you,” Izzy said, trailing after him.

He knew the barrage of questions would follow. Sure enough, as soon as they got to the kitchen, she said, “She’s very attractive.”

“Izzy—”

The warning tone didn’t work.

“How did you two meet? Why is she in danger? Are you in danger too?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” He decided to ignore the preceding questions.

“Dad…” He snorted. She always knew how to play him. “Should I be worried?”

“Not yet,” he said, after a beat. How could he tell her he was after the man who’d murdered her mother. Who’d driven her off the road and destroyed their lives.

He knew he’d have to, one day. But not now. Not until Al-Jabiri was behind bars, or dead. Preferably the latter.

“Who is she?” Izzy asked.

“She was a hostage. That’s all you need to know.”

“Was? You mean you rescued her? That’s why she’s here, hiding out at your place?”

He reached for the wine, his silence betraying him.

“Shouldn’t she be at your offices? Or in a safe house?”

“This is a safe house,” he said. “It’s the safest house.”

She hesitated, then gave a knowing nod. “I see. You like her.”

“I don’t like her,” he insisted, but it sounded lame, even to his own ears.

She grinned. “It’s okay if you do. You’re allowed to date, dad.”

He didn’t know what was funnier. Her giving him permission to date or calling him dad.

“Thank you, but she’s a witness and I’ve got to keep her safe.”

Izzy smiled. “You already said that. Come on, give me the bottle. I’ll do that.” He realized he hadn’t poured the wine, he’d been so distracted by what she’d been saying.

Taking the bottle from him, she poured three glasses and handed him one with a wink. “Think you need this.”

“I’m working.”

“One won’t hurt.”

He rolled his eyes and accepted the glass. “Okay, fine, but only to shut you up.”

She chuckled, but then her expression sobered. “How’s Viper doing? I haven’t heard from him since he left.” Even she called her boyfriend by his military nickname.

That wasn’t unusual. Operatives seldom got the chance to call home when on assignment. Especially one as isolated as the one Viper was on.

“Fine. They’ve arrived safely. I’ll know more in twenty-four hours after they’ve completed the mission.”

“Call me as soon as you hear something.”

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