Page 73 of Hidden Raphael
He took a step closer to her, and this time she stepped back. "It means I'm on a mission. First you, and now my sister, have compromised me."
That sounded more like a conspiracy theory from some of her blog followers. She waved her hands in the air. "What mission? What are you doing here?"
He stood still. "Protecting my country."
She rubbed her temples. This was a castle and some gothic horror story that became her life, not some secret government mission. "On an island, in your castle?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
She crossed her arms and stilled, digging her heels into the hardwood floors. "Explain again and go slower. I'm not understanding."
He pressed his lips together like he didn't want to speak. Then to confuse her even more, he shrugged. "The remoteness of my castle is the perfect place for our government to use as a false marker for checking people's online activities."
She gripped the medallion on her neck. "What?"
He placed his hands behind his back, but kept firm eye contact. "They use my house as a jump point to mask the signatures. The place is so remote and the tower on my roof allows constant Wi-Fi to be distorted. It's one of many false markers for online security."
She had no idea about national security other than movies and television. "So why did you let me stay and not call me a ship or the coast guard?"
He nodded. "I just told you. I am on blackout unless there is a threat to the system."
Her arms flew out of her sides again. "The plane crash wasn't a threat? It was just coincidence that your dead girlfriend's plane landed here of all places?"
"No." He stepped around her, but she stayed hot on his heels. Her mouth had said that before she thought it, but it was a stretch of the imagination. She crossed her arms, and he shook his head. "Kimberly, I can't tell you any more."
She promised his sister to stop him. She swallowed and changed the topic. "Raphael, do not go outside. I can't lose you."
He dropped his hands back to his sides and his green eyes had specks of gold in them now. "You care? After all the lies?"
"Yes." That was enough on her end. She had a lot to digest, but he didn't have to be everyone's hero. They could save his sister, together, if they worked as a team. She rubbed her arms. "Promise me you'll stick to a defensive plan."
His shoulders caved in. "As long as my sister is okay."
She had won. She should be ecstatic, but her stomach was in knots. "Deal. And from now on, you have to tell me the truth."
He nodded.
This conversation was far from done. He hadn't explained the coincidences or how much he'd lied. She should wait for answers, but her heart begged her to give him space. The silence of the halls spoke volumes. The stone walls wouldn't keep their secrets hidden forever. She'd stick to his side to ensure his safety. "When the coast guard arrives, will that affect your secret government location?"
He tensed his shoulders again. "Yes. It's why I'm now breaking the silence."
Her mind envisioned a troop of soldiers all coming to the castle next. Why couldn't she imagine the beaches of Miami and her mom? She swallowed. "What will happen?"
He lifted his chin. "I have no idea. Can you ask Michaela where exactly her medication is in that helicopter?"
He'd given in faster than she thought. “Why don’t you ask?”
He narrowed his gaze. “I’m getting my gear in place still. Meet me here.”
Heat washed through her. If they had to sneak in, it was best to know where they had to go. “Okay, I’ll go. One more question.”
He averted his gaze. “Of course you have.”
No more lies. He had promised. She had to know. “Were Roger and Harry part of the mission?”
He clenched his jaw. “Yes and no. Mostly it’s something I can’t answer. Please don’t ask me for anymore.”
National security and Raphael went together in her mind. She believed that he worked for the CIA still. He had the personality. “Okay, I’ll stop. Meet you here in five minutes.”
“Perfect,” Raphael called out.
On the stairs, her legs stiffened. She turned around and didn’t see him. He'd promised five minutes. She’d not handle another lie.
