Page 223 of Bossy Hero

Big Al

Lettie’s eager blue eyes are the first thing I see when the elevator doors open.

“Thank goodness you’re here,” she blurts out. “Everyone’s wound tighter than the screws on the space station.”

If she’s already in full-blown Southern idiom mode, today’s off to a fan-fucking-tastic start.

Considering how I left things with Maddie, I should have expected the shit to hit the fan as soon as I walked into HQ.

I exit the elevator. “Good morning, Lettie. Lay it on me.”

“Sorry ’bout my lack of manners. Good morning to you as well. They need you in the lair.Immediately.”

She falls in step with me as we start marching down the hall. “When I say immediately, I mean do not stop at your office. Do not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.”

I chuckle under my breath. “Easy does it, Lettie. You’re gonna give yourself a heart attack.”

“Do you need something from your office? If so, I’ll get it for you.”

“I’m good. Thanks.”

Maddie would be so proud of my manners.

My neck muscles tighten, and my jaw clenches.Maddie. I can’t believe she said that to me. Today of all days.

Considering how she broke down on the night I met with the architect, it’s understandable that she’d want to do something to ease her apprehension now that I’ll be at risk again.

My point stands, though. She shouldn’t make this decision with the upcoming op hanging over our heads.

Maybe she is ready for oursomeday. But I’d rather not have any doubts.

Lettie matches my steps as we barrel past her desk. I cock a brow at her, then glance over my shoulder back toward her workspace.

She reads my silent message and answers with confidence. “Yes, siree, I’m tagging along. I’m too dang nosy to sit this one out. You should know that by now.”

I don’t bother to stifle my smirk. “What am I gonna do with you?”

“Well, I’m no psychic, but I reckon you’ll suck it up, ultimately adoring me just the way I am.”

“Sounds about right. Any idea what I’m walking into?”

Although her breathing picks up from our accelerated pace, she doesn’t slow her steps. “It’s about Katia.”

“Of course it is.” I shake my head, teeth grinding. “Tomer sent you to get me, huh?”

“Nope. It was Mia. As soon as your vehicle hit the lot, she told me to drag you down there.”

Hmm. Interesting.

We enter the lair, greeted by a flurry of activity.

“Okay. I’m here. Where’s the fire?”

“Katia’s dirty,” Tomer announces without preamble, keeping his focus on his computer.

Klein piles on. “You should probably get a message to Bigsby requesting an urgent meeting. We suspect she’s trying to sabotage him and fuck up the whole mission.”

I hold out my hands in front of me, palms toward the carpet. “Slow down, children. Start at the beginning.”

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