Page 52 of Sly Like a Fox
“Mr.Nielsen, I’m so sorry about this security breach.”He wrings his hands as we wait for the elevator.“We’re conducting a full review of our systems to understand how someone bypassed multiple safeguards.”
“These things happen.The important thing is that no one was seriously hurt and the criminal was apprehended.”
Upstairs, my apartment looks like a war zone.There’s a Porter-sized hole in my front door frame where he forced his way through.There are holes in the walls, and he ripped out the door to the service area too in his pursuit.The damage assessment will take days, and repairs will take weeks.I’m almost surprised the whole building hasn’t been shut down after the emergency systems mysteriously went haywire.
“This place is uninhabitable for a while.”I step judiciously, surveying the destruction with a mixture of resignation and dark amusement.
“Where will you stay?”Jenna picks up a crushed book from my coffee table, probably a casualty of Porter’s big foot, and her voice carries a note I can’t quite identify.
“I could get a hotel room while arranging repairs, or...”I pause, realizing this moment represents a crossroads I hadn’t anticipated.The words I’m about to say will change everything between us, moving us from partners in crime to something else entirely.“We could look for a place together.Start fresh somewhere that doesn’t have quite so many memories of elaborate revenge schemes and home invasion attempts.”
We look at each other for a moment.For weeks, we’ve been playing roles—fake fiancés, sophisticated socialites, and partners in crime—but now, we must decide who we actually are to each other without the framework of our operation against Anklor.
Jenna’s expression shifts through surprise, consideration, and something that looks like hope.She sets the damaged book back on the table with deliberate care.“You want to live together?Officially?”
“I want to build a life together.A real one, based on who we actually are instead of the roles we’ve been playing.”The words come easier than I expected, carrying three years of suppressed longing for something genuine.“I know we started this as a mutually beneficial partnership, but somewhere along the way, it became something else for me.”
She moves closer, stepping around debris to stand directly in front of me.“What kind of something else?”
“The kind where I realize I’ve been in love with you since you found my hacker setup and didn’t run screaming.”The admission feels both terrifying and liberating.“I can’t imagine planning a future that doesn’t include you in it.”
Jenna’s smile starts small and grows radiant, transforming her entire face.“I’d like that, though I should probably warn you my idea of home décor runs more toward thrift store finds than expensive surveillance equipment.”
“And I should warn you I’ll probably never entirely give up redistributing wealth from people who deserve it, even if we go mostly legitimate.”I feel strongly about that, but if she asks, I’ll try to stop.
She grins.“I’d expect nothing less, but I want you to teach me how to help you.”
“Deal.”I can’t stop smiling as I picture us working together to aggressively redistribute wealth to those who deserve it from those who’ve amassed it by shady means.
We spend the next hour packing essentials from my damaged apartment.Jenna moves through my space with familiar ease, knowing where I keep spare clothes and important documents from our weeks of partnership.I realize how naturally we’ve fallen into domestic rhythms despite never officially living together.
The hotel room I book for our temporary stay is generic and unremarkable with beige walls and forgettable furniture that feels strange after weeks in the lavish apartment.Lying in bed with Jenna curled lightly against my uninjured side, both of us finally relaxed and safe, it’s obvious home isn’t about the location or the décor but the person who chooses to share whatever space you’re occupying.
“So what happens now?”Jenna traces patterns on my chest with her fingertip, being sure to avoid my bandaged shoulder.Her voice is drowsy but thoughtful in the darkness.
“I guess we figure out what normal looks like for two people who met while planning elaborate cons.”I consider the complexity of transitioning from our high-stakes operation to everyday life.“I imagine it involves things like apartment hunting, grocery shopping, and learning to have conversations that don’t require code words.”
She laughs softly.“I’m not sure we’re qualified for normal.”
“Maybe not, but I think we’re qualified for happy.”
“For sure,” she says around a yawn.
Thenextmorningbringsan unexpected visitor in the form of Red Carrington, who arrives at our hotel with coffee, pastries, and a knowing smile.She’s clearly not surprised to find us sharing accommodations.She settles into the room’s single chair with the satisfied air of someone whose professional instincts have been vindicated.
“So…” She distributes the coffee with practiced efficiency.“I hear you two have had quite an adventure since your last appointment.”
Jenna nearly chokes on her coffee.“You heard about that?”
“Darling, when one of my matches leads a criminal through an obstacle course made of building infrastructure while her partner hacks security systems for tactical support, it tends to make the news.”Red’s expression is amused rather than concerned.“I must say, I’m delighted it all worked out so well.”
I exchange glances with Jenna, wondering exactly how much Red knows about our operation.“It’s been…eventful.”
“The best matches usually are.”Red takes a delicate sip of her coffee, grinning with satisfaction.“I knew you two were perfect for each other from the moment I read your profiles, though I didn’t anticipate quite this level of drama in your courtship.”
“You knew we’d end up together?”Jenna leans forward with curiosity.
She shrugs.“I’ve been matching couples for years.There’s a certain energy between people who are meant to find each other, regardless of the circumstances that bring them together.”Her smile becomes fond as she watches us unconsciously mirror each other’s posture.“Besides, you both came to me with such artfully constructed stories about what you wanted.It was obvious you needed someone who could see through façades and appreciate the real person underneath.”
