Page 338 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“I’m a journalist, Jen. If my mother were alive and said she loved me, I would look into it.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that line before. I’m going. All this talk of the FBI and spies has me spooked.” She giggled. “Spooked. Get it?”

Many people might hate Jen for being so goofy and seemingly unconcerned with helping me, but I understood she would only get in the way. I had a hell of a lot of work to do if I would bring down the people smuggling precious minerals out of Afghanistan on a massive scale.

Clearing Cooper’s name as well as my own was my first priority. I saw Laura out of the apartment then returned to my laptop. Running the Tor browser made it more difficult for them to watch where I went on the Dark Web, a real source of information that flew fast and free.

As I worked on the story of my career, I realized if Cooper was going to be a part of it, he’d have to go on record. My first instinct was to protect his identity, but having his name attached would give the story even more credibility when it broke online. If I ever finished.

THIRTY-FOUR

Jade

As much as I hated to admit it, Laura had given me decent advice. Even though my father wasn’t a freaking spy, he was my superhero and might have an answer to my dilemma.

He appeared surprised yet happy when I appeared at his doorstep. I threw my arms around him and hugged tightly. No matter the situation, he always made me feel better.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Come inside.”

I stepped in the apartment.

“How do you always know when something’s wrong?”

“How long have I been your father?”

“Don’t remind me,” I said. “I’ve got a problem, and I thought you might be able to help me solve it.”

“What’s that, dear?”

“I need to sneak into a building unrecognized.”

He tilted his head to the side as he studied me.

“You sure everything is

okay? You can talk to me.”

“I know, Dad. Everything’s fine. It’s just… for my job.”

I hated lying to him, but he didn’t need to know the FBI was after me. Some things were better left unsaid.

“Well, you need a good disguise.”

“Like a mask or something? Maybe a wig?”

He laughed.

“If you want to look conspicuous, that will work, but if you want to blend in, you’ll need to work on it more. Lucky for you, I can help.”

It was my turn for me to tilt my head in curiosity.

“When did you become such an expert at disguise?”

“It’s been helpful in my career.”

“As a traveling salesman?”

“Yes, dear, as a traveling salesman.”