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Still, he could’ve told me anytime after, so I’d be having a little chat with him about that one.

Hayes rubbed a hand over his cropped hair. “And in the meantime, we’re sitting ducks. Especially if Lincoln’s lying, and he’s in on it.”

“He’s not,” Kennedy said.

The others looked to him then nodded. If he said Lincoln was innocent, he was. Their deep trust was insane. But I felt that toward the men as well. I took them at their word because they’d only give it if they felt they could back it one hundred percent.

“We’re probably sitting ducks,” Ford confirmed Hayes’ words. He turned to him and Kennedy. “I want you two to double the security measures on the compound.”

“You think they’ll come here?” I asked.

Ford glanced my way. “No. I think it’s far more likely they’ll try to hit us on a job, most likely the next one he has Lincoln toss our way. Or frame us for wrong-doing of some kind while on that job.”

“So no more jobs referred by Lincoln or the Navy,” Taft said.

“On the contrary.” Ford’s grin was wicked. “We take it and wait for the ambush. If they’re planning on taking us out, it’s the perfect time to do it. We’ll look like fuckups and be dead. For us, if we’re expecting them, what better way to get our evidence?”

“Okay,” Taft said with appreciation. His face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Defensive offense. Or offensive defense.” He grinned. “Sounds like a good plan.”

“What about Friday’s job? Was that from Williams?” Kennedy asked.

“No, that came from a referral from a past client. No connection with the Navy,” Ford said. “It’s still a go.”

“I’ll be right back, guys,” I said, slipping away to the kitchen.

Mrs. L was there, putting something in the crock pot–it seemed to be her favorite kitchen appliance–and the smell of the barbecue sauce turned my stomach. I swallowed hard and took a detour for the bathroom and stood over the toilet, heaving a couple of times. Fortunately, nothing came up.

Okay, I just needed to eat a piece of toast or something. I was probably just hungry.

I returned to the kitchen to find Mrs. L examining me with shrewd eyes. “Are you feeling okay?”

“My stomach is a little queasy. Seasoned nuts on the plane aren’t like your breakfasts. I think some toast would help.” I reached for the bread and popped a piece in the toaster.

She came around the kitchen table and stepped close, setting her hand on my shoulder. “Have you taken a test?”

I blinked at her. “I’m sorry?” My toast popped, and I snagged it, dropping it on a small plate and slathering it with butter. I’d grown up with it kept in the fridge, but Mrs. L had it on a plate left out so it was nice and soft.

Even now, I wanted and didn’t want to eat it at the same time. I forced my mouth to open and take a bite. I chewed the bread and my body responded with gratitude. Apparently, Iwashungry, I just hadn’t felt like eating.

“Are you late, dear?”

I still couldn’t follow. I wasn’t late, our plane had even gotten in early. What was she talking–oh.

I blinked then glanced over my shoulder. The guys were still in the other room, fortunately. They’d rather hear about dismemberment or gangrene than about a woman’s period.

“Oh no.” I gave a nervous laugh. “Not possible. I’m on the shot.” I took another huge bite of toast. I seriously could eat that whole loaf of bread now.

My answer only indicated that I was on birth control not that I hadn’t had sex, which I had. Which meant she probably knew I had. Which meant every single person knew Kennedy and I were together. Or together-ish or whatever we were.

“Sweetheart, when you finish your toast, could you run me into the store? I need to pick up my allergy meds.”

I eyed Mrs. L suspiciously. She didn’t need me to run her to the store. Despite her age, the woman was perfectly capable of driving herself, and I’d never seen her even sneeze or sniffle from pollen.

Then again, some ginger ale might be helpful with this nausea. “Sure, no problem.” I ate the rest of the piece of toast in record time and rinsed off my fingers. “Ready now?”

Mrs. L already had her purse on her shoulder.

“I’ll just let the guys know.” I popped my head into HQ. “I’m running Mrs. L to the store. Be back in a bit, unless you need me.”


Tags: Renee Rose Romance