Page 134 of Covert Mission
It takes a beat before I can steady my voice and go on. “You see, I got out of my town. I went to college on grants and loans. There was a program for people that grew up in old mining communities.”
I smile painfully. “I even had an academic scholarship, much to my father’s dismay. But I guess he was right about me not being smart in a way, because I didn’t know I wasn’t a candidate to work in either agency until I got through college, had the required work history, then I applied for federal jobs. When I found out that his rap sheet prevented me from working there, it shattered me.”
Lucas squeezes my hand. “Babe…”
I sigh and try to focus on the warmth of those strong fingers. “Anyway, I guess I was too stubborn to give up. I was told that if I proved myself in the industry, there might be a way to get around the issues. So, I had to take a job in the private sector.”
I’m staring at our hands when a waitress shows up. She’s wearing a cute dress, reminding me that I’m wearing one of Lucas’s T-shirts with my shorts. Luckily, he had a go-bag in the truck, so I could at least have a clean shirt.
“Hello, welcome to Vista Del Mar.”
I try to smile, but I’m stuck in a sad place.
Lucas slides the menus aside. “We need a few minutes. Can you circle back? Thanks.”
She drifts off.
Trying to change the subject, I say, “I almost forgot the ocean is right over there.”
“You were too busy looking at me.”
“Okay, you have me there.” I somehow manage to smile, even though I’ve just revealed the most embarrassing thing in my adult life.
He leans in, rests an elbow on the table. All of his focus is on me. “What did you study in school?”
It’s unnerving how easily he disarms me. But that’s something I can’t figure out right now. “Finance. I’m good with numbers. Languages, no. Formulas and number sequences, yes.”
His gaze goes thoughtful as he strokes his thumb over the back of my hand. “Can you tell me about your case?”
I pinch my lips between my teeth. “Um. I’m not sure. I guess I could be general…”
“How long have you worked for Nighthawk?”
Something inside my head clicks. I jolt but try to hide my reaction. A sinking feeling hits me, making my stomach feel cold.
“What did you say?” I ask nervously.
“When did you start working for Nighthawk?”
How does Lucas know my boss’s code name?
ChapterForty-Four
It’s impossible to miss Cameron’s reaction when she realizes that I know the man she works for.
“It’s okay. Take a breath.”
Her eyes are wide. The pulse point at her throat shows that her heart rate is ticking higher and higher.
“H-how well do you know him?”
I cut my eyes around the place. There’s no one close. When I lean in, her gaze is fixed on me. “If you let this leak, I’d have to kill you.”
Her lashes flutter as she blinks rapidly. The color of her cheeks cools. “Oh, come on, I’m being serious here.”
“I am too.”
“You know the owner of PCI?”