?But, I, um—”
“Mercer just wants to make sure the locator is fully functional,” Gunner said as he stepped away from Sydney. “Nothing more, Tina. You don’t have to run any extra tests.”
Cassidy forced a tight smile. “Right. Nothing more.”
Tina hesitated, but then she gave a little nod and hurried from the room.
Sydney skirted around Gunner and closed in on Cassidy. Sydney’s gaze was assessing as it took her in. “You’re not what I expected.”
Sydney wasn’t what she’d expected, either. If the lady was with Gunner, shouldn’t she be a little package of death and danger?
But the woman didn’t look dangerous. She was...pretty. Very pretty.
And her hand was lightly rubbing her belly, as if caressing the child inside.
Cassidy pulled in a slow breath. “A party girl, right? That’s what you expected?” Another slow breath. Then she let a big smile take over her face. “I’m just a little tired. Give me a bit...” She forced a light laugh. “And I’ll be back on my game.”
Sydney’s head cocked to the side as she studied her. “You’re very good at that.”
Cassidy kept her smile in place.
“It’s almost like another woman just slipped inside of you.” Sydney’s voice was musing. “I thought you were an asset, but you’d sure make for an interesting agent.”
Cassidy didn’t so much as flicker an eyelid.
Sydney leaned closer to her. “Why is your file sealed?” A whisper that didn’t carry.
Gunner had taken up a position guarding the door.
“What do I need to know about you,” Sydney demanded as steel slipped into her soft voice, “in order to make sure that Gunner isn’t put at any additional risk while he’s on your detail?”
Gunner...who would be a father soon.
Gunner...who looked at Sydney with love.
“Is this about the Executioner?” Sydney wanted to know. “Or is there something more going on here?”
Sydney just wanted to protect her family. What was so wrong with that?
Cale knew Cassidy’s secret.
He won’t tell them.
Mercer sure wouldn’t.
“Gunner is going on the exchange with you tonight. If I need to make sure you have more backup, if I need to change any of the plans, then tell me.”
Sydney sounded afraid.
I don’t want Gunner going with me.
Because it could still be about more than just the nightmare in Rio.
“Why is your file sealed?” Sydney pressed. “Tell me. Or don’t.” Anger. “I can find out on my own—it will just take a little longer.”
But Mercer would have safeguards in place to block access to Cassidy’s file. If Sydney did manage to hack her way through the system, Mercer would find out.
Then what would happen to Sydney?