Page 32 of Sly Like a Fox
She snorts.“Everyone has something.The question is whether his secrets are the kind that get people hurt.”
Fenton maintains his calm demeanor, but there’s tautness in his posture.“Detective, I understand your concern for Jenna’s welfare, but I’m not sure what you’re hoping to accomplish with these accusations?”
Maria squares her shoulders.“I’m hoping to prevent her from getting involved in something that could destroy her life.Jenna’s made some questionable choices in the past, but she’s not a criminal.If you’re involved in illegal activities, you need to stay away from her.”
The protective instinct that surges through me is surprising in its intensity.“Maria, you’re out of line.Fenton hasn’t done anything wrong, and neither have I.Whatever suspicions you have are based on paranoia, not evidence.”
“Are they?Then explain how a woman who’s been living paycheck to paycheck for years suddenly has expensive clothes and jewelry.Explain how she’s attending charity galas and high-society events with someone who didn’t exist before three years ago.”
“I explained my situation to the people who matter.Fenton is successful and generous, and he includes me in his social activities.That’s what people do when they care about each other.”
Maria’s expression softens slightly, but her concern remains obvious.“I’ve seen what happens when people get involved with criminals who seem charming and successful on the surface.It doesn’t end well.”
“I’ve seen what happens when cops become so suspicious of everyone that they can’t recognize genuine happiness when they see it.”I hold back the urge to remind her that she let principles trump love, not wanting to hurt her even though I don’t appreciate this blitz attack.
The confrontation escalates as Maria threatens to investigate Fenton more thoroughly, and I’m defending him with a passion that surprises us both.I don’t reveal anything that could compromise our mission, but I make it clear I trust him completely and won’t tolerate her interference in our relationship.
She finally throws her hands in the air.“You’re making a mistake, Jenna.When this goes bad—and it will go bad—don’t expect me to bail you out.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.I thought you said when you divorced Danny that you were done with our family’s problems.”
The comment hits its target, and Maria’s expression hardens.“I’ll be watching, Jenna.Both of you.If I find evidence of illegal activity, family loyalty won’t protect you.”
After she leaves, I stand in the hallway processing what just happened.My feelings for Fenton have become strong enough that I instinctively defended him against serious accusations from a law enforcement officer.That’s both thrilling and petrifying.
“That could have gone better,” he says, locking the door behind Maria.
I laugh-snort.“She doesn’t have anything concrete, or she would have arrested you instead of making threats.”
He looks mildly concerned.“No, but she’ll be watching us now.That complicates things.”
I turn to face him.“Not for me.Maria can watch all she wants.She won’t find anything that changes how I think about you.Besides, our actions toward Anklor aren’t too illegal…and it’s for a good cause.”
“Jenna...”
“I meant what I said.I trust you completely.Whatever secrets you’re keeping, whatever risks we’re taking, I’m all in.”
The declaration hangs between us, but looking at Fenton’s expression, filled with gratitude, surprise, and something I tentatively label as love, I know I’ve made the right choice.I’m touched and irritated by Maria’s interference, but I’ll do everything I can to protect Fenton and help him bring down Anklor.
Chapter 10
Fenton
ThenightofGarretAnklor’s charity gala arrives with me more nervous than I’ve ever been before a major operation—not because of the technical challenges or security risks but because of how much Jenna’s safety and our relationship now mean to me.Three years of planning have led to this moment, but somewhere along the way, the mission stopped being the only thing that matters.
I adjust my bow tie for the fourth time while watching Jenna apply the finishing touches to her makeup in the bathroom.The elegant midnight blue silk gown we selected hangs on the bedroom door.It will complement her hair and make her look like she belongs among the city’s elite.
“Stop fidgeting,” she calls from the bathroom.“You’re making me nervous.”
“I’m not fidgeting.I’m conducting final equipment checks.”
She rolls her eyes.“You’ve checked your phone seventeen times in the past hour.The surveillance apps are working perfectly.”
She’s right, unquestionably.The tiny recording devices hidden in my cufflinks and her jewelry are functioning flawlessly, the backup communication system is operational, and our cover identities are solid.However, knowing that Jenna will be in danger tonight makes professional preparation feel inadequate.
The fear surprises me with its intensity.For three years, I’ve operated with the cold calculation of someone who has nothing left to lose.Now I have everything to lose, and that responsibility feels heavy.
“Final timeline review,” I say, settling into operational mode to distract myself from the emotional turmoil.“Cocktail hour begins at seven.We arrive at seven fifteen, fashionably late but not memorably so.Dinner service starts at eight, giving us forty-five minutes to work the room and establish contact with primary targets.”
