Page 60 of Legacy's Destiny

Deacon chuckled and shook his head. She knew she was practical to a fault. She was already planning how to make the most of what she’d saved. Sue her, she was raised to be frugal, and it had stuck.

“Are you going to sleep?” she asked, yawning as the thought overtook her.

“Not right now,” he said. “You go ahead. It’s a long flight home.”

With a nod, she closed her eyes, sinking into the plush bedding. The low rumble of the aircraft, combined with the soft hum of activity from the flight attendants, created a soothing background noise. Sleep came easily after the marathon of emotions and physical exertion the previous night.

Echo enjoyedthe fact that first class was first to disembark. Although their accommodations were fantastic, the flight was extraordinarily long, and she was happy to walk and stretch her legs. As they entered the airport in San Francisco, they pooled together, waiting for the rest of the team members to make it down the gangway. Deacon dropped his arm over her shoulders when all the phones for every man on both teams rang simultaneously. Deacon looked at his phone and then clicked his earpiece, along with the others. He said, “Cobra One, online.” All the other men checked in as well.

Sensing this was not a casual call, as one, the men stepped to the side, letting other passengers disembark without disrupting the flow. Deacon stood still, his jaw tight, eyes closed briefly. Whatever news had come through the synchronized team calls wasn’t good. Echo watched him, her own thoughts temporarily distracted by the small communication device in his ear. The earpiece was impressive—able to transmit and receive—but as she studied it, she couldn’t help but think how easily it could be retrofitted for vocal commands, given it already housed a microphone.

Deacon’s sharp movement pulled her focus back. He snapped his attention in her direction and asked one clipped question. “When?”

The slump of his broad shoulders told her the answer was immediate. “Roger, copy,” he said into the device, his voice low and tense. He clicked off his earpiece and turned to her, extending his hand. His grip was firm yet gentle as he led her farther down the terminal, weaving through the crowd until they reached a small nook tucked away from the bustling travelers.

“We have to go,” he said, his tone apologetic but resolute. “Both teams. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, Echo. I wanted to take you all the way to Virginia. I wanted to spend more time with you.”

She shook her head, her fingers lifting to his cheek as her touch softened his expression. “I know who you are, Deacon. I know what you do. I’m a big girl. I can make it back to Virginia on my own.” Her voice was steady, but the hint of sadness in her eyes betrayed her. “When you can, come to me. I’ll be waiting. And if you can’t send word, I’ll understand. I know it’s not always possible. I’ll be watching the news, wondering where you are and the difference you’re making. Because I know it’ll be something good, something that matters.”

He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek as his eyes locked onto hers. “Echo, I think I’m in love with you.”

Her lips parted, but his finger pressed gently against them before she could respond. “No, you don’t have to say anything. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just … I need you to know how serious I am about us. If I can’t contact you, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to. And if weeks or months go by, I’ll reach out as soon as possible.”

She nodded, her eyes shining with unspoken emotion. Then, with a cheeky grin, she licked his finger, causing him to jerk it back in surprise. She laughed softly. “Deacon, I feel the same way. It’s too soon and terrifying, but the feelings I have—what I feel in here”—she placed her hands over her heart—“could very well be love. Go with your team. Do what you need to do. I’ll be here. I’ll wait for you.”

She paused, her lips curving into a small smile. “Well, not here. Back in Virginia. Do you have my address?”

He chuckled, the tension in his face easing slightly. “I’ll get it. There’s not much Guardian can’t find out.”

“No doubt.” She stood on her toes to press a gentle kiss to his lips. “Take care of yourself. Remember, you have to come back to me.”

“I will,” he promised. With one last lingering kiss, he turned and walked away, his shoulders squared with determination.

Exactly thirty-two days later,Echo stepped out of the nondescript government building she’d worked in for far too long. In her hands, she carried a small cardboard box filled with trinkets and keepsakes accumulated during her time with the CIA. Of course, the box had been thoroughly searched andscanned before she was allowed to leave. Trust wasn’t exactly the agency’s forte.

She shook her head with a wry laugh, the reality of her freedom sinking in. A sleek black limousine pulled up to the curb in front of her, its polished surface gleaming in the late afternoon sun. She stopped, frowning as the imposing vehicle blocked her path. The back window rolled down, and to her surprise, Anna Alexander leaned out, waving enthusiastically.

“Congratulations on your last day of work!” Anna’s bright voice cut through Echo’s confusion. She opened the door and climbed out, striding over to Echo with open arms. Before Echo could react, Anna hugged her tightly, squishing the cardboard box between them.

“How did you know?” Echo asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Anna made a dismissive sound and waved toward the limo. “Girl, there are no secrets from me. Deacon texted me and told me today was your last day, so I thought I’d plan a nice dinner at our house to celebrate.”

Echo blinked. “Well, that’s very kind. I can follow you in my car.”

“Oh, no, no, no.” Anna shook her head firmly. “Just come with me. We’ll get your car to the house, or we’ll bring you back to it later. Either way, you’re riding with me. That way, we can talk.”

There was no arguing with Anna Alexander, and Echo knew it. With a resigned smile, she slid into the plush interior of the limousine, placing her box carefully on the floor. She scooted over to make room as Anna climbed in after her. The privacy window between the front and back was down, and Echo noted the driver and another figure she couldn’t identify. Anna reached forward and pressed a button, raising the screen.

The air in the limo was rich with the scent of leather and faint traces of Anna’s floral perfume. As the vehicle pulled away, Anna turned to Echo with a wide smile. “Now, let’s talk.”

Echo pointed toward the privacy screen separating the front of the limo and asked, “Why do you have two drivers?”

Anna smiled warmly, her laugh light. “Oh, he’s not my driver. He’s my bodyguard.”

“Bodyguard? You need a bodyguard?” Echo blinked, her brow furrowed as she tried to reconcile the cheerful, down-to-earth Anna with someone who required professional protection. “Are you that rich?”

Anna laughed and shook her head. “Sweetheart, I can honestly tell you I don’t know how much money my husband has. I don’t care. We could lose everything tomorrow, and I would still be by his side every step of the way. Money isn’t a factor.”

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