Page 12 of Polestar
“Noted.That’s why she’s here, instead.”Kane’s attention flicked to Ana.She turned, finally drank from her cup, and set the vessel on a nearby gilt end table before moving toward her.
Ana set her own cup aside, careful not to rattle the porcelain, and stood to face Kane at eye level.Well, almost at eye level, the other woman stood several inches taller than she did.
“It’s good to see you again, Agent,” Kane said, extending her hand.
Ana shook it.“Thank you, Madam Kane.”
“Feel free to call me Joey, here at the estate.Jack’s been keeping me apprised of your progress on this case.”
Ana nodded.“I’ve been working with the rescued survivors and Raya Burns during debriefings when she returns from the field.”
“But you’ve been on leave for the last month.”
Ana swallowed.Nodded.“Yes.”
Kane’s expression softened a fraction.“I was sorry to hear about Private Antony Ruiz.Please accept my condolences and those of the other members of the Organization.”
“Thank you, ma’am.We had already separated before… before our team cracked the Montreal trafficking sector.But still on friendly terms until… well, until a few days leading up to the accident.”
Kane nodded.“It’s hard losing someone you love.And it hasn’t been long.”She glanced at Maeda.“Your director insists you need more time, Ortega.I ordered Perenga to call you in, despite Maeda’s protests.”
Ana looked at Maeda’s grim expression.He wasn’t a soft man.Professional and demanding, often setting Ana through grueling exercises to hone her ability so she could be a stronger tool for the GPSA.People’s lives depended on all their abilities to go above and beyond what even the most skilled human agents could do.
Maeda knew what Ana’s capabilities were.She respected him to no end.
He was also the only person who knew what had happened, and how deep Antony’s loss went.
Ana straightened her spine and shoulders.She’d told Perenga she wasn’t ready.
“People’s lives are at stake,” she finally said.
It wasn’t really a choice.She had to set her personal grief and guilt aside.
She went on, “You mentioned a ship, so there are more survivors.When do I talk to them?”
“I had Magnus bring you here instead of Iceland because we’ve run into jurisdictional resistance, so we have other agents working on that.The ship is being escorted to the north coast where the survivors will disembark.We’re working with Garda and the Irish Coast Guard.They know we’re a branch of Interpol, but nothing more.They’ll care for the survivors and provide us with access to interview them.”
“Can I get aboard the ship?”
“I’ll make it happen,” Kane said, “Maeda is going to consolidate the data and draw up a new plan of action.We’re getting close, and any of these survivors could hold the key to where that trafficking hub is located.”
“I know.I’ll do everything I can.”She glanced at Maeda, whose expression hadn’t changed as he watched her.
She swallowed.She didn’t need to be psychic to sense his disapproval.
“You’ll go first thing in the morning.I’d prefer to be there when they disembark, but Garda will want to have their medical needs attended to before we can have them.Magnus Bjornson, Raya Burns and Aaron Connor are your primary team on this.”Kane studied Ana’s face for a long moment.“I know you’re the right person for this case, Ana.That’s my superpower.”Kane’s lips quirked.
Ana’s shoulders eased a fraction.“Yes, ma’am.”
“Get some rest.There won’t be much time for it in the coming days.”
“I’ll walk you back to your room,” Maeda said, striding toward the mahogany paneled door to open it for her.He led her along a different path from what she’d seen before, and she wondered if she’d have the time to get to know the estate’s secrets before she went home.
If I go home.
She sucked in a breath at the unexpected thought, but it was true.As a field agent, there was always the danger that one of the team wouldn’t make it home.
“Kane’s right,” she said to Maeda’s back as she followed him.
