Page 34 of State of Denial

“You do the same, Brant.”

One of these days, Nick wanted to get to know his lead agent better, but today wasn’t that day. As he walked the red-carpeted hallway toward their home away from home, he pulled his tie free and released the top two buttons on his dress shirt.

He stopped outside Scotty’s room and watched his son’s lips move as he typed something on his laptop. Nick hoped he was doing homework. He gave a light knock on the door.

When Scotty looked up and saw him there, his adorable face lit up with a big smile that made Nick’s terrible day seem like a long time ago. “There you are. I was just about to come looking for you.”

“You know you can. Any time you want.”

“I know, but I was trying to get this stupid essay finished before dinner so I could have the rest of the night free.”

“That’s a good plan. What’s the essay on?”

“NATO.”

“Ah, a worthy subject.”

“Did you know that an act of war against one NATO nation is an act of war on all of them?”

“I did know that.”

“Duh, you kind of have to know those things.”

Nick laughed. “It does help to understand such things.”

“I can’t imagine how many things you need to understand to have that job.”

“Luckily, I’m surrounded by an amazing team of people who do a lot of the understanding for me and make me look good every day.”

“They might be awesome, but you’re the guy out front.”

“Which is so much fun on days like this.”

“I’m sorry your mother is horrible.”

“So am I.”

“It makes me mad when people hurt you and Mom.”

“Thanks, pal, but we don’t want you taking on our battles.”

“Too late. We’re family. Your battles are my battles.”

That Scotty could touch his heart so profoundly, even after all the time they’d spent together, never failed to amaze him. “Love you, buddy.”

“Love you, too.”

“Let’s see what’s for dinner.”

“I need ten minutes to finish this.”

“Take your time, and I’d be happy to read it for you when you’re finished.”

“That’d be cool. Thanks.”

“You got it.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

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