“Yay, finally! Is he cute? Wait, of course he’s cute.”
“Not cute, as much as handsome, and very intimidating.”
Gwen filled her sister in on their conversation and him wanting to meet for drinks.
“You did say yes. Please tell me you said yes!”
“Um, I did, but now I’m wondering if I should have. Daisy, he works with the freaking CIA.”
“And you also work with the CIA. I don’t see a problem here.”
“What if it didn’t work out? I would have to leave.”
“Wait, I thought you were quitting. Did you decide to stay?”
“No, I’m leaving. I already told my supervisor. He wasn’t happy.”
“He’ll get over it. Besides, if you stayed there you’d never be able to travel to Asia. It’s your dream.”
“I know,” Gwen softly said.
“So again... what’s the problem?”
“I don’t know... like I said, he’s very intimidating.”
“And... what aren’t you saying?”
“What if he claims sexual harassment if things don’t work out. I offered to work on special projects when they needed me. It could get awkward.”
“Okay, Gwenie, listen to me. He’s cute... or handsome. He’s single, or I suppose he is. He works at a job that you have quit, and you like him or else you wouldn’t be calling me for advice. As for the whole sexual harassment thing—that’s just crazy talk. Besides if he’s cute... then it’s not sexual harassment.”
Gwen chuckled. “Be serious.”
“I don’t think you want me to be serious. I think you called so I’d talk you out of tossing him aside.”
“Maybe.”
“Then go have that drink. See where it takes you, hopefully his apartment, and enjoy yourself.”
Daisy had been correct; she’d called for moral support. Nodding, as if Daisy could see her, she finally agreed.
“Good, now I’m staying up for all the deets.”
That evening, Gwen recounted her entire night with Carter to her sister. “I really like him.”
“I’m glad, and I’m especially happy that you’ve agreed to meet him again. You never know, Gwenie, he could be your Lois Lane.”
“Har, har.”
Gwen met Carter several times that month. Even after she left the CIA, they continued to see each other, and when she felt it was appropriate, she introduced him to her family, who’d instantly loved him. He had a way of pulling her out of her comfort zone, which endeared him to her sister. So it didn’t surprise anyone when she accepted his marriage offer six months after their first date. Together they made a life, one where he sought danger, and she sought solitude.
One that she cherished for nearly two years, until she could no longer trust the man she’d vowed her heart to... a man who’d taken the ‘til death do us part’ literally.
* * *
She liftedher cell phone with a shaking hand to her ear. She needed help and there was only one person she could truly trust. She’d once thought she could turn to Carter, but not after today. Not after he’d tried to kill her again. Not after he’d killed all those people.
“Daisy, help me.”