Page 55 of No More Lies

“Well, today is kind of like a training day. Miss Adams is training with Daddy’s team, and you get to be a part of it.”

“I do?” When Megan’s face lit up, Steve smiled.

“Yes, you do. But we need your help.”

His daughter grinned widely. “OK.”

“Whatever Miss Adams asks you to do, do it without question. Can you do that?” Steve said.

Megan nodded. “That’s easy. Will you be there?”

“Not at school, no. Miss Adams is my friend and a really nice lady. You’ll like her. Just make sure you can see her at all times. OK?”

“Even if I need the bathroom?”

“Yes. Where you go, she will go. A secret mission, just the two of you know about.”

Megan smiled. “I get to be a part of your team for the day. This is so cool!”

Steve smiled back as Megan drank some orange juice, taking this whole thing in her stride.

“Yes, it’s cool but it's also important,” Diane said. “It will really help Daddy if you are a really good girl today and do whatever Miss Adams tells you. Whatever it is.”

Diane was smiling, but he could see the fear she was trying to mask. He felt the same. He could refuse, keep his family here under his protection. If he did that and they were still being watched, Volkov might sense they were on to him and take action. Like releasing the sarin. For a brief moment, he considered whisking them away. Getting on a plane and out of the US. He dismissed the thought just as quickly. He would not be able to live with himself, knowing he’d left his team when they, and thousands of others, were killed when he could have done something to help stop it.

“I understand the mission, Mommy,” Megan said in a serious voice. “I will be good.”

“Alright then, Pumpkin,” Steve said. “Go wash your hands and get your backpack. We have to leave soon.”

Megan put her bowl and cup in the sink and headed upstairs.

“She will be safe, right?” Diane looked at him. Conversation had been limited this morning. Both were focused on keeping things normal and light in front of Megan.

“Yes,” he said softly. “No one will get to her. I promise.”

She nodded. “Then I guess I should get going, too.”

When Diane got up, he was struck again by how tired she looked. She’d lost weight these past few months, probably from the stress of everything going on.

“You will be safe, too. Logan and Scottie have your back, no matter what. You can trust them.”

“I know. I just wish it was you there with me.”

“Volkov knows me. It’s too risky. If I could be there, I would.”

Diane tilted her head. “Would you?”

“Of course I would, Diane. You’re my wife.”

“Yes, I know. But doing something out of duty or out of love are two very different reasons. I guess I’m just wondering which it would be.”

Megan bound back into the kitchen before Steve could respond.

“OK, Daddy. I’m ready!”

Diane leaned down and kissed Megan on the cheek. “I’m leaving too, sweetheart. Be good today and enjoy your adventure. I’ll see you really soon and you can tell me all about it.”

“Bye, Mommy. See you tonight.”