“Yeah, but she knows you and I don’t talk like that.”

“Your doing.”

He huffs. “I think you remember shit a little differently.”

I look over at the house thinking now isn’t really the perfect time to get into this with him, but at the same time, Garrett doesn’t usually come down for a heart to heart. “I’m not trying to cut you off, but what did you come here for? Not that I don’t want to see you, I’m just curious.”

Garrett sits in the sand. So much for trying to talk through this mess with Charlie. “I want to know why we’re like this. What the hell did I ever do to you?”

“You got my Playboy mags taken.”

He looks at me as if I sprouted a second head. “Are you serious?”

“Dude, I had Pamela Anderson’s tits in my face to look at. Then you went and told Mom about it, and I had to try to remember it.”

“You’re fucking kidding me.”

“Did you or did you not tell her?”

Garrett shakes his head. “I was eight! She offered me cookies to tell where you kept your magazines.”

“Traitor.”

“You broke my bike that day. I think that was payback.”

“Pffft,” I roll my eyes. “Tits or a bike?”

“This is the most insane conversation I’ve ever had.”

I slap him on the back. “That’s because you’re a pussy and have pussy friends. You prefer a bike over some fun bags. But seriously, it’s more than that. We just were never close. I don’t know if it’s because we have a few years difference or you were smarter than me and would rather study. I was more focused on ways to convince Claire Attar to suck my dick.”

“She never did.”

“No, but she let me touch her tits once.”

He laughs and smacks my chest. “She let me, too.”

“God, she was a slut.”

“Yup.” Garrett stands and brushes the sand off. “Let’s do this again. Maybe with less shit between us.”

I get to my feet and extend my hand. “Say you’re sorry and that you’ll replace my porn.”

Garrett laughs. “I’m pretty sure Mom smoked weed around you. There’s no other explanation.”

I shrug. “Do we have a deal?”

“Fine, Mark. I’ll give you twenty bucks to replace the porn I apparently cost you.”

“Good. Nice to have you back in the family. Now, I have a sexy woman waiting for me, and I can only imagine how hostile she’s gonna be. It’s been nice chatting, but I’m going for round two today.”

“Whatever floats your boat.”

We say good-bye and I head up to the house. I’m ready for knives flying or even a gun. I wouldn’t put it past her to shoot me. She doesn’t get why this upsets me so much. I’m always thinking of the next step. I plan, prepare, check the plans, and I control the situation. The fact that I never even paused to consider when she’d eventually do this scares the shit out of me.

“Honey, I’m home!” I throw the door open and start to look around.

The bag that was sitting on the couch with all her girly crap is gone. I stride back into my bedroom and notice her suitcase is missing too. “Son of a fucking bitch!” I yell as I throw on a shirt and shorts. “Nice play, princess, but I have the rule book.”

I grab my keys and head out the door. She’s about to witness what happens when she runs away.

Charlie

A chill runs through my body as I arrive at my apartment door. I look around but there’s no one here. My mind starts to spin as I think back to what seemed off in the cab. There was a black SUV parked on 17th Street, but this is DC, there are black SUVs on every street. When I climbed the stairs, someone shifted, but it was subtle. If there is someone here, they’re very skilled.

I’ve been trained to trust my instincts. If something seems off, it probably is. The fact is that I was drugged a few weeks ago. So clearly, I’m on someone’s radar. Although, according to Mark, it’s the people I work for.

What if he’s right?

I was so focused on being angry with him and what he was saying, I never thought about it. But it makes sense. Anything is possible, but it still doesn’t quite fit for me.

Instead of being unprepared, I take my keys from my purse, grab the knife that’s hidden there, and slip it up my sleeve. My eyes shift again, seeking the danger I can sense.

I debate what to do. I’m not sure what is waiting for me, or where. It could either be in my apartment or behind me.

Releasing a deep breath, I turn the key and open the door.

I glance around, but nothing seems out of place. My heart settles a little as I turn the lock behind me. Once I set my bag down, I turn around and come face to face with what was waiting.

“Hello, Charlie.”

I gasp but recover quickly. “Director Asher.”

“Let’s be frank here, you weren’t surprised.” He chuckles from his post against the counter.

“No, but I didn’t expect it to be you.”

He nods. “I see you were away.”

I’ve known Christopher Asher since I was twelve. He worked hand in hand with my father for years. He doesn’t make house calls; he summons. His visit means either something happened or is happening. The fact that he felt the need to penetrate my fortress tells me this is big. Lying to him is my first instinct, but something holds me back. I recall the last text from Mandi. I needed to get back to her, and then he happens to appear in my apartment. Mark was right. I’ll kill her.

“I was. I informed the agency when I submitted my leave paperwork.”

“May I?” he asks. He holds his hand out to indicate the table.

“Of course.” I sit and wait.

We sit in silence for a second, each of us measuring the other. “I’m here about your leave.”

“Oh?”

“You’re not sunning it up in Barbados, and I know you very well. Hell, I trained you myself. I’m offering you help, Charlie.”

I weigh his words to decipher the meaning behind them. This doesn’t make sense. The CIA is not on board with rogue agents. They don’t allow us to stay off the grid for long, which is why I’m sure I’m being tailed.

“I’ll be honest with you, Sir. I don’t understand what help you’re offering.”

“Your father’s death was far more in-depth than even you know.”

Doubtful.

He tips to the side and pulls a file from inside of his jacket. It falls with a slap on the wood. My hand itches to grab it, but I have to play this cool. I can’t seem too eager or he’ll think I’m impulsive. So I wait with my reactions controlled. I slip even further into my training and become stoic. He’ll never see anything but what I allow.

Director Asher smirks as if he can read my thoughts. “Go ahead, Charlie. Open it and see.”

“Before I do . . .” I pause. “What I’m about to see in this, I’m pretty sure is not something I’m cleared for. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here alone.”

“That’s correct.”

“Then why read me in?”