Page 105 of Ford

The woman with him stood away from both of them, her hands in her coat, watching, her eyes hard. She was petite, dark-haired, and wore something resolute, almost angry on her face.

As if she blamed RJ for getting them into this mess. Yes, well, RJ blamed herself, so get in line.

“Okay, start at the beginning. What were you thinking coming to Russia?”

Ford’s vehemence was a slap, and RJ recoiled, just staring at him in the artificial orange light of the eerie, vacant subway. Down here, the bowels captured the odors of old cement, diesel fuel, dust, and oil. The metal from the bench sent a chill creeping through her jeans, the cold cement wall finding her bones.

She tucked her hands between her legs and tried not to shiver. “I was doing my job—”

“Yeah, let’s start there, should we? Yourjob.Your job with the freakin’ CIA.”

“Maybe you could shout it a little louder so the FSB will be sure and find us.”

Ford cut his voice low. “Just listen to yourself for one doggone minute. FSB. You’re wanted for an international crime, sis. I’ve been going out of my mind with worry.”

“I’m not sure why—I’m not your responsibility! You walked away from me years ago—”

“What are you talking about?” His eyes actually widened, his voice thin. “Ineverwalked away from you.”

She shook her head. “I’m not having this fight now.”

“Yes, actually, you are. I didn’t drag myself—and Scarlett—halfway around the world for you to give me the silent treatment. Again. Been there, done that, and I’m over it.”

“I never gave you the silent treatment.”

“My entire teenage existence was the silent treatment from you—”

“You didn’twantto talk to me.”

His mouth opened. Closed. He shook his head. Walked away from her.

She glanced at the woman.Scarlett. Wait— “Are you the one Ford brought to my brother’s wedding a few weeks ago?”

The woman nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

It felt a little surreal shaking her hand.

“Thank you for…um….” RJ frowned, glanced at Ford. “I’m sorry—how did you get here?”

“We flew. And then took a train. Then flew again,” Scarlett said.

Ford strode back to her. “Do you have any idea what it felt like to watch Ma hear that you were wanted in connection to the assassination attempt on a Russiangeneral?”

RJ made a face. “Really?”

“It was on the news. Congratulations, you made CNN.” Ford shook his head. “What happened?”

She took a breath.

“For cryin’ out loud, sis, would you just trust me for once?”

She stared at him. “I’ve always trusted you, Ford. Always.”

He shook his head, turned away from her.

“Is that what you think? That I didn’t trust you anymore?” She found her feet. Walked over to him and grabbed his arm. Oh my, yes, her twin had put on muscle.

He didn’t turn, so she crossed to face him. “Is this about the cave?”