Page 127 of Tapped

The plan … well, I can’t say I’m excited about it.

Of all the options, it’s the best one, even if it is the most awkward.

But I’m not wavering.

It is what it is, and I don’t give a shit what anyone says.

Especially my mother.

* * *

Micah

“He’s dead weight,baby. I’ll get him and the car seat if you can get the bags.”

Chase slept on and off throughout the flight. He coughed and sneezed all over me.

He’s a cool kid, but it was disgusting.

His fever broke about an hour ago, and he’s a sweaty mess. But we’re back in the land of beaches, humidity, and palm trees. At least we don’t have to worry about keeping him warm.

“Come here, buddy.” I stand and drag his dead weight up my body. He lays his head on my shoulder as I wrap one arm around him and pick up his car seat with the other.

Evie scavenges through the snacks and mini fridge one more time so she’s stocked up on the ride home before she turns to the pilot. “Thank you again.”

“It’s always a pleasure, Dr. Litchfield. I look forward to your next trip. I’ll make quick work of getting your bags.”

I need to ask her if she’s traveled by private jet her entire life or if this is something you get used to. She doesn’t act like it’s the big deal that it is.

I’m out the door first, and our entourage is waiting, just like they promised. Brax, Tim, and Rocco stand at the bottom of the stairs. Brax and Tim are armed with their duty weapons on their hips.

I’m done fucking around and want to get out of here. Being out in the open is not my idea of a good time after what happened at Evie’s house.

But none of them show any urgency. Not at all.

What the hell.

Two government cars are parked on the private runway. The plan was for a caravan and extra agents.

Brax tips his head as I come down the stairs with Chase in my arms. He slowly peels his shades from his face before putting fists to his hips and shakes his head. “Well, that didn’t take long. In fact, you officially hold the record. I’ll hand over my trophy when we get back to the office.”

I squint through the Florida sun and push the car seat at him as soon as my feet hit the tarmac. “Shut up, Cruz. I want to get them in the car. And I’m not going back to the office until I get them settled.”

Brax takes the car seat. “Chill. We need to talk. There’s no need to panic, but your case was active this morning.”

“What happened?”

“I’ll fill you in on the ride. But we’re going straight to the Division. You have a meeting waiting on you, and it can’t wait.”

“Let me take those for you, Evie,” Tim says and grabs our carry-ons. “You look good. The mountains agree with you.”

She smiles at my boss. “Thanks, Tim. I wasn’t ready to come back.”

Brax climbs into the back of the SUV to buckle in the car seat before I can demand to know more.

Chase wakes up with all the activity and looks around. He comes alive so fast, I’m jealous. I wish I could wake up like that. “We’re home!”

He pushes out of my arms, and Evie tilts his face to inspect him. “I’m sure you’re not over it that fast, but for the time being, your fever broke. Does your throat hurt?”

---