Page 42 of Undeniable

It would help if I could see Olivia. If I could convince her to FaceTime, then I could read her facial expressions for clues. As it was, it felt like I was flying blind—trying to decipher the feelings of a woman I’d never met and likely never would.

“How’s Spines for Soldiers going?” Clay asked.

“Good.” I smiled, thinking of Olivia. “Really good, actually.”

He sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Well, this is certainly a change from when I first told you about the program.”

He arched an eyebrow, as if inviting me to elaborate. I didn’t, even though I knew I probably should.

“Tatum says you’re making good progress.”

That was encouraging, even if every session with the company therapist felt like a slog. It was as if I were trying to swim in the dark through thick and murky water. But I had to admit, I was feeling lighter.

“And I’ve been cleared by my doctor for more active duty,” I said, feeling hopeful.

I was chomping at the bit to get back out there. I felt restless and a bit useless, sitting on the sidelines while all my buddies were in the field. And I wanted to prove that they could still trust me, rely on me. That I was a valuable part of the team.

“How would you feel about going out to California?”

I tried to maintain a neutral expression. The fact that Clay wanted to send me to California could mean any number of things, from a training opportunity to a chat with Maverick—the founder of Hudson Security. Actually, I had no clue what it meant. “Temporarily or…?”

Was he asking me if I was interested in transferring to our LA office?

“Yes, temporarily. Just for a few days. Igloo Books is hosting a panel on the Spines for Soldiers program. They want feedback on what’s working, and I think they’re hoping for some good publicity. What would you think about attending?”

“You’re kidding?” I choked out, wondering why Olivia hadn’t mentioned it. Though, maybe she wasn’t in charge of the panel.

A darker thought occurred to me. Maybe this was why she’d been evasive lately. Maybe she hadn’t mentioned the panel because she didn’t want me to attend. Because she didn’t want to meet. I quickly pushed it away.

He shook his head. “Is that something you’d be interested in?”

I tried to hold back my smile. A free trip to California? Hell yeah! “Absolutely. The program has been very helpful, and I’d be happy to speak about it.”

And meet Olivia. Oh god, I couldn’t wait to meet Olivia. This was the best damn news I’d had in a long time.

“Also, we have reason to believe you were right about George.”

Well, shit.That made me feel both better and worse.

“What are we going to do about it?” I asked, feeling both vindicated and sick at the thought of that monster hurting his wife and daughter.

“Nothing—for now,” Clay said, and I clenched my fist. “But I spoke with Maverick and Wyatt, and we all agree—your suspension is over.”

Fuck yes. Finally!

“I can return to the field?” I asked, hoping this wasn’t the end of it with George. I had faith in Clay, and the fact that they’d continued to monitor the situation was encouraging. Even if I wanted to do something immediately.

“Not yet. But you can return to the office and assist the teams with recon and surveillance.”

It was a start, even if it wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped for. And the fact that they’d kept watching, digging. That they believed me…

“I know I just came off suspension, but would it also be possible for me to use some leave to extend my trip? I’d like to stay through the following weekend, if possible.” Assuming Olivia wanted to spend time with me. God, I hoped so because I was dying to hang out with her.

He shuffled some papers on his desk. “That was the other thing I wanted to discuss. The ambassador is suing Hudson Security.”

I stared at him, mouth agape. “You’re fucking kidding me.”

He shook his head, massaging his temples. “I wish I were. But it means that your vacation comes at a good time.”

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