Page 58 of Legacy's Destiny

Deacon leaned back, his jaw tightening. The government in Syria had crumbled over the past six months, leaving chaos in its wake. He was grateful that Fleur and Ronan had escaped the country before the collapse, and he took comfort in knowing Ronan would soon be taking a safer position within Guardian. The Middle East was a volatile region of conflict, and Ronan’s team had faced more than their share of danger.

Flanagan leaned forward, tapping a small recording device on the table. “I’m going to take your debrief now. It will be recorded.” He looked at Echo, who nodded, and then at Deacon, who gave a nonchalant shrug. Deacon had already told Echo he wouldn’t add anything to her debrief unless absolutely necessary.

Flanagan pressed the button. “This is Supervisory Officer Timothy Flanagan. I am conducting a debriefing with Officer Echo Lashay and Guardian employee Deacon Alexander concerning Mission X2379. Officer Lashay, could you please start from the beginning and walk us through the mission without leaving out any details?”

Echo took another sip of her coffee, her expression unreadable, before launching into her report.

Flanagan turnedoff the recorder three hours later and leaned back in his chair. He looked at the two of them with an expression that was equal parts admiration and sympathy. “You two have been through hell.”

Deacon leaned forward. “Actually, sir, she went through hell. My team and I have been through worse missions.”

Flanagan nodded, his gaze settling on Echo. “I can assure you I’ll do everything in my power to ensure the CIA doesn’t sideline you again and takes your recommendations seriously.”

Echo smiled faintly. “Sir, with all due respect, I’d like to give you this. Sorry it isn’t typed, but I didn’t have a printer or computer.” She reached into her back pocket, producing an envelope, and slid it across the table.

Flanagan took it, his expression darkening as he anticipated its contents. “Please tell me this isn’t your resignation.”

Echo nodded. “Yes, sir, it is. I’m giving one month’s notice. That should allow enough time for me to return to Virginia, tie up loose ends in my position, and complete the paperwork. I’m within my rights to quit at any time.”

Flanagan sighed, holding the envelope as if it were heavier than it looked. “I’ll forward this to your superiors. I wish I could convince you to stay.” He turned to Deacon. “Are you offering her a job?”

Deacon shook his head. “No, she knows Guardian is always hiring quality people, but that’s not her focus right now.”

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the discussion hanging heavy in the air. Echo glanced at Deacon. He could see that her resolve was firm. This was her decision, and she would make the right one.

Flanagan leaned forward, his expression a mix of curiosity and admiration. “What exactly is your intent?”

Echo smiled softly, a flicker of determination in her eyes. “To figure out what I’m going to do with my life now that I’ve been given a second chance.” She shrugged lightly. “I can tell you this—it’s not going to be sitting in an office with people who are bored to death and hate their jobs.”

Flanagan chuckled, a warm sound from the all-business officer. “I can’t say I blame you.” He glanced at a notepad on the table before nodding firmly. “I’ll arrange transportation for you back to Virginia.”

Deacon shook his head. “There’s no need, sir. We have transport scheduled for tomorrow. She’ll be traveling with my and my brother’s teams. We’ll get her back to the States, and I’ll ensure she arrives in Virginia safely.”

Flanagan paused to consider this for a moment before nodding again. “That works for me.” He stood, his demeanor shifting to one of formal respect. “Echo,” he said, extending his hand. “Thank you for your service. You could’ve told us to take ahike, and the officers you saved would have remained in serious danger. You deserve a medal for what you’ve done. In fact, I plan to submit you for one.”

Echo shook his hand. “Sir, I didn’t do this for a medal. I did it because it was the right thing to do. No award means more to me than knowing those people—except for the one still missing—are alive and well.”

Flanagan’s face softened. “We’re surely going to miss you, Echo.” He released her hand and turned to Deacon, clasping his firmly. “Tell Jason I said hello.”

“Will do,” Deacon replied, his tone even as he placed a protective hand on the small of Echo’s back, guiding her toward the door.

Deacon retrieved his wallet and cell phone from the security checkpoint as they exited the conference room. They walked down the hallway, their footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet space.

“How did that feel?” Deacon asked, glancing at her.

Echo shrugged, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “Good, but weird at the same time. I know I’ll have to find another job, but right now, all I want to do is step away from the CIA and figure out what I really want. If I have to take out a loan and return to school, I’ll do it.” She paused and then laughed, the sound mixing humor and exasperation. “Part of me thinks my mom and dad have the right idea—living off the grid and off the land.” She burst into another round of laughter, shaking her head. “Oh, God, who am I kidding? I couldn’t do it. I love tech too much. But maybe something remote, like working from home? Transcription, perhaps?” She cringed. “No, I’d be bored to death. I’ll find something.”

Deacon chuckled beside her, the sound warm and reassuring. “I never did ask—what’s your degree in?”

She glanced up at him, her expression brightening. “Nanotechnology. That’s why your comm devices fascinate me so much. I’d love to take one apart and learn how to re-engineer it. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great, but all that tapping on the ear is a dead giveaway. There has to be a way to end the conversation or mute the comms vocally.” She paused, tilting her head thoughtfully. “But I guess that’s something for your people to figure out.”

When the elevator door opened, Deacon pulled her gently inside, wrapping his arms around her waist. His gaze was steady and earnest. “Or you could do that for Guardian. My uncle, also my boss, has already run your background. He’s adamant that if you want to join Guardian, there’s a place for you.”

Echo’s brows lifted slightly, and she considered his words. “It’s something to think about,” she admitted. “But we’d need to get to that point first. If I were to join Guardian, this thing between us would need to be more … permanent. I wouldn’t want to work at the same agency as someone Iusedto date. That could get messy. I’ve never dated within the CIA, and …” She trailed off, her voice softening. “It’s just a little early, don’t you think?”

Deacon shook his head, his expression unwavering. “No, I don’t think. I told you, I’m in this. There are feelings involved—deep feelings. At least on my side. As far as I’m concerned, there will never be aused-to-datescenario between us.”

She smiled at him and squeezed his hand. He had to prove to her he was serious. Yeah, he said he’d give her time, but he wasn’t going to allow her to start to doubt what was between them. They stepped off the elevator and walked down the hall, passing the suite where his team was staying. When they reached her room, Echo handed him her keycard, and he opened the door, pausing in the doorway.

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