Page 169 of Depths of Destruction

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"Try again." Cockiness fills his face.

"I'm not sure what other options there are."

"I lost a bet last week, so it's boeuf bourguignon with fingerling potatoes."

"Boeuf bourguignon?"

He nods.

"Isn't that supposed to be the most complicated recipe on earth?"

"Let's just say I had quite a bit to drink when I made the bet."

I grunt. "I don't know how to make that."

"Me, either. But that's what they make recipes for."

"You're serious?"

"Yep. And it needs to be good."

"Are you helping me, or am I on my own?"

"I'll supervise with a beer."

"All right. Call me Julia Child."

Call me...I laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. Just something that reminded me of Naomi."

31

Andre

"Agent Lòpez."Carter sticks his hand out and shakes my hand.

"Sir. Thank you for your assistance in this matter."

He crosses his arms. "Chloe said it was important, and the President isn't going to chew my ass out?"

I cringe. "I don't think so, sir, but he's kind of a loose cannon, right?"

Carter grunts. "That's one way to put it. But tell me this, is there any reason the President is going to have my badge?"

I glance around. It's only Carter and me. We're standing in a back alley in D.C. Javier is in the car, and Carter's driver is in the other.

"Is this between us, sir?"

"Yes."

"I've been hiding Naomi Salazar."

Carter's eyes widen. He barks, "For what reason?"

"So the President can't use her as a negotiation tool."

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