Page 58 of Fierce Hope
He understood. Professional. Focused. And maybe a little heartbreak hidden under that polite calm. A heartbreak they both felt. “Let’s do it, then,” he said quietly, turning to gather his gear.
She returned to her laptop with a subdued nod, the tension in her shoulders never fully leaving. Deke lingered a moment longer, then pivoted to join the others, burying his swirling emotions beneath operational details. He would protect Jade with everything he had—despite, or maybe because of, the secrets she’d revealed.
He only prayed that the rest of the investigation wouldn’t bring them more surprises—especially ones that threatened the tenuous balance they were both struggling to maintain.
32
Jade sat in her car,staring through the windshield at the Starlight Diner. The sky hung low and dark, spitting occasional flurries of snow that melted immediately on contact with her windshield. The neon sign buzzed and flickered, missing the ‘R’ so it read “STA LIGHT.” A row of semi-trucks lined the far edge of the parking lot, their engines occasionally rumbling to life to keep heaters running.
She checked her watch: 8:52 a.m. Deke and his team were already in position somewhere, though she couldn’t spot them. That was the point, she supposed. Her hand trembled slightly as she removed the tiny flesh-colored earbud from its case and fitted it into her ear.
“Testing, testing,” she whispered, feeling immediately foolish.
“Loud and clear.” Deke’s voice materialized in her ear, startlingly intimate. “We have eyes on you and the entrance. Griff’s inside, back corner booth. Axel’s in the lot. You’re covered from all angles.”
The warmth of his voice so close to her ear sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. She had to remind herselfthat this wasn’t a private conversation—Zara and Kenji were listening back at headquarters, monitoring the entire operation.
“I feel ridiculous,” she admitted. “I’m an accountant, not a secret agent.”
“You’ll do fine.” His voice softened. “Just be yourself. Ask questions. Listen. We’re right here if anything goes sideways.”
Jade took a deep breath, grabbed her purse, and stepped out into the cold morning air. The walk across the parking lot felt both eternal and too quick. With each step, she focused on the tangible details—the slick patches of ice on the asphalt, the jingle of the bell as she pulled open the glass door, the blast of warm air scented with bacon and coffee.
The diner was sparsely populated. She spotted Griff right away. A few truckers hunched over plates of eggs and pancakes at the counter. An elderly couple shared a newspaper in a booth near the window. Two college-aged students with open laptops and empty coffee cups occupied another booth, textbooks spread between them.
And there, in a booth at the far side, sat Gillian Wycoff.
Even in a truck stop diner, Kent’s wife looked like she was heading to a country club brunch. Her honey-blonde hair was perfectly styled, her makeup flawless if a bit heavy-handed. She wore a cream cashmere sweater and what appeared to be designer jeans, accessorized with a scarf that probably cost more than Jade’s entire outfit. Diamond studs glittered in her ears.
But beneath the polished exterior, Jade noticed the signs of strain. Dark circles showed through thick concealer under Gillian’s eyes. Her manicured fingers fidgeted constantly with a napkin. And when she spotted Jade, her expression held more resignation than triumph.
“I knew it,” Gillian said as Jade slid into the booth across from her.
“Knew what?” Jade asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Two coffee cups sat on the table, one clearly waiting for her. The vinyl booth squeaked as she settled in, the faux leather cold against the backs of her legs.
“The police are trying to say I hired that kid to scare you away from my husband,” Gillian said, stirring her coffee with precise movements. “Because they think you and Kent are having an affair.”
Jade’s mouth dropped open. “Are you serious? I would never?—”
Gillian waved away her protest. “I know. You’re way too pious. And you’re not his type. Not even close.”
Jade bit back a rude retort. As if she cared.
“Good pickup,” Deke murmured in her ear. “Watch her body language when she explains.”
“What makes you so sure?” Jade asked, wrapping her fingers around the warm coffee mug.
Gillian appeared to recognize the offense she’d caused. “That came out wrong. I didn’t mean—” She sighed, pushing her hair back. “I only meant you look way too intelligent to fall for a jerk like my husband. He prefers his women to fawn.”
The waitress approached—a woman in her fifties with faded red hair. She looked like her feet hurt. “What can I get you ladies?”
“Just toast for me,” Jade said.
“Same,” Gillian echoed.
As the waitress walked away, Gillian leaned forward. “Kent likes arm candy,” she said, her voice bitter. “Women who make him feel young and vital and in charge of everything. Women who’ll look up at him with adoring eyes and pretend his recycled lawyer jokes are hilarious.”
