Page 61 of Golden Eagle

“Shit,” Lanny said. “I guess–”

His and Trina’s phones went off at the same time.

Saved by the bell, Sasha thought.

“Dispatch,” Trina said, after she’d checked hers. “We’ve got a case.” She lifted her head. “I’ll talk to you guys later. Keep me posted?”

“We will,” Nikita said, grinding out his cig.

She nodded and started to walk for the stairs. She paused, though, and stepped in to give Sasha a hug – one he returned warmly, heart glad. “Good for you,” she whispered as she drew back.

She sent Nik a grin. “I’d hug you, too, Gramps, but I know you won’t like it.”

Nikita grumbled, but blushed, smile threatening. He turned to watch her leave; watched her go around the corner with Lanny, a gap longer than a handspan between the two of them.

Then he turned to Sasha. “He’s lying.”

Sasha sighed. “So is she. It’s very much not ‘whatever.’”

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