This is odd. “I’m all right. I just feel a little dizzy.”
“Mmhmm,” she hums, continuing to check my pulse.
“How do you deal with it?” I am desperate for some help.
She sighs and lets my arm go.
“It took a while to get used to it,” she says quietly. “I just found things to keep me busy until he came home. Luckily for you, you have me, Abigail, and June, until she goes home, and the rest of the house.”
“I’m scared,” I admit.
“I know.” She gives me a comforting hug. “So am I.”
Cole
Cole is doing everything in his power to concentrate on the meal and the guests, but his conversation with Frank left him very uneasy. He nods to his father to meet him at the bar. They both excuse themselves and make their way over.
“Two brandies,” Daniel orders as Cole runs his hand through his hair. “All right, son, what did Frank say?”
“Blackstone is shipping out tonight at twenty-three hundred.”
His father hands him his drink. “Target destination?”
“Mexico City.”
“That far south?”
“Yeah.”
“Hmm,” Daniel says, rubbing his neck. “Are you thinking—?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Should I make the call to Agent Joel?”
“Definitely.”
“Cole,” his father says, placing a hand on his shoulder, “we’ll protect her. I’ll bring in my guys and make sure it’s Fort Knox up here. You need to focus on this trip and do whatever it takes to get your head in the game.”
Cole looks up and sees Savannah is back at the table.
“I hear ya, Dad.”
Savannah
I watch as Mark says goodbye to Melanie. I feel torn, wondering which side I would like to be on. Maybe there’s something to being kept in the dark about their work. But at the same time, not knowing would kill me. Oh, Christ, I’m my own worst enemy.
I feel Cole come up behind me, and he slips his arm around my waist and ushers me out into the cold air. Sue and Daniel decided to spend the night, and say goodbye to the guys before they leave.
When Cole broke the news to Paul and John, I was surprised by their reactions. They acted as if they were just given an updated weather report. I, on the other hand, am feeling tired—very tired. I lean into Cole, wrapping my arm around his waist.
“You cold?”
I shake my head. The Christmas thrill I had earlier is long gone now. I wish the holiday would pass so I don’t have to think about the fact that our first Christmas together will now be spent apart.
We all walk quietly back to the cars. Cole’s body language has changed. He seems like he’s lost in thought. I want to ask him what’s on his mind, but that seems silly considering they’re shipping out in four hours.
The ride home is painfully quiet. Cole holds me close, stroking his thumb over my hand.