“It won’t be easy.”
“No, and that’s why I called in the best.”
“I have an idea, but you won’t like it.”
“What is it?”
“Remember what we did in that hotel in Kabul?”
“Oh no,” I said, shaking my head. “Not that.”
“It’s easy and safe. No one will get hurt. Or they shouldn’t. We pull the fire alarm, everyone comes out of the building, and I bring her to you.”
“You might scare her. And they’re probably watching her.”
“That’s why we get everyone out of that building.”
“She’ll be pissed.”
“It’s the only way. And it’s safe. I’m done with killing people.”
“Alright. Let’s do it. Tonight?”
“I’ve got your back. You know that.”
I lifted my mug into the air. He raised his too. We clinked them together then drank.
With a little luck, I might actually get to Jade to warn her.
*
Traffic passed by, clueless, as I waited on the opposite side of the street from Jade’s building, far enough away that the spooks keeping watch wouldn’t be able to see me.
Come on, Logan. You got this.
I shifted from one leg to the other, ready to jump into action when people exited the building. Two blocks away, we had found a place to talk.
All of a sudden, I heard the fire alarm. Dozens of people stormed out of the front door a few minutes later. This is it, I thought as I slipped back into the alley.
I broke into the neighboring abandoned building, the spot we determined was the safest to talk. Anxiously, I stopped and leaned against a wall in a dark corner.
I hated waiting, but it was necessary. My only thoughts were of making sure Jade would be safe. Helping the feds was the least of my worries.
She was my priority plain and simple. Our relationship had sparked quickly. I didn’t want it to extinguish so soon. Not someone like her.
I heard noises outside.
Braced for anything, Jade walked in the lobby with walls covered in graffiti. She rushed over when she saw me. I stepped forward, my arms stretched out.
She ran into them. I hugged her tight, so damn tight.
“Are you okay?” I asked, pulling back, my palms on her cheeks.
“Yeah,” she said, nodding. “A little surprised, but okay.”
“I can’t believe they dragged you into this mess.”
“Jade, I’m involved because I’m part of your life now, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.”