Page 337 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“I’m so sorry. If I had known, I would never have recommended it. Do you forgive me?”

“I guess. Honestly, I’m still confused.”

“It’s easy. Max, and maybe Cooper, were involved in a smuggling operation out of Afghanistan.”

“Cooper was involved too?”

“I’m pretty sure. From what the FBI said, they’re ready to pardon him.”

“The FBI?” She tilted her head back and stared at me. “You’re putting me on, right?”

“No, Jen. I’m serious. I’ve been freaking out. They told me not to get in contact with Cooper, but…”

“Let me guess,” she interrupted. “You talked to him anyway.”

“He came to me, to check on me. He loves me.”

Her eyes widened.

“Already?”

“I know, right? This is the real thing. I’ve never felt this way about someone before. We connect.”

“But now the FBI is saying you can’t see him.”

“Exactly. Unless I can unravel the mystery of who is behind this smuggling operation and where all the money is going.”

“Oh!” she exclaimed.

“You have an idea to help?”

“No! I almost forgot to tell you. I’ve met a new guy.”

I resisted rolling my eyes.

“That’s nice, but…”

“No, really. He’s great, a rock star.”

My eyes rolled on their own.

“I’m serious, Jade. We’ve been getting along well so far, and we haven’t even slept together.”

“That’s great. I’m glad for you, but I’m kind of in middle of an emergency right now.”

“Have you called your dad?”

“Um, no. Why would I call him?”

“Because he’s a spy...” her voice trailed off.

“I’ve told you, he’s not a spy.”

“And I’m telling you he’s definitely some sort of spy. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“You back on drugs?”

“No. I can’t believe you don’t believe me after all of this time. There’s something off there, and it’s because he’s a secret-keeping spy.”

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