Page 17 of Destroyer
“I met a guy here. I don’t date the customers, but he asked me out. We’ve gone out a few times and he told me I could make extra money talking to lonely guys.”
What the fuck.
“I connect with guys using my webcam,” Tara continued. “Mostly, we talk.”
She broke eye contact, ran her finger down the outside of the water glass and swiped away the condensation.
I’m not buying that.
She glanced over at him. “Sometimes I dance, or take special requests.” Her cheeks flamed red. “I’m making good money, so I moved out of my efficiency. My new apartment wassupposedto be ready, but the landlord is painting and installing new carpet. I just needed a place to crash for a few days.” A prideful smile lit up her face. “It’s ready today and I’m moving in.”
“So, you’re okay?”
She beamed at him. “Better than okay. Sorry about not letting you know, but you’ve been gone.”
“C’mon Tara, I’m a text away, or you could have told Greystone.”
“You’re right. I messed up. It won’t happen again.” After a pause, she said, “I’m not fired?”
“Hell, no.” He picked up his plate and mug.
Her grin lit up her face. “Thank you. I’ll clean up. Will I see you later?”
“I’ll swing by.”
“Are you headed out of town again?” she asked.
“No. I’m home.”
“Thanks for being so cool about everything. I’ll clear out this morning and be back before we open.”
“Congrats on your new home. If anything comes up, just talk to me, okay?”
She nodded.
He left, locking the front door behind him.
In his SUV, he slid on his shades, opened his sunroof, and let the brisk October air wash over him. As he headed west toward BLACK OPS’ Black Site, he couldn’t help but wonder what Tara wasreallydoing for that bump in income.
Forty minutes later, he drove into the Black Site’s oversized hangar and made his way toward the entrance. Energy coursed through him. He could not wait to see the team, especially his brother, Greystone.
At just before ten in the morning, he stood in front of the scanner, the light flashed green, and he entered the secure building tucked into a wooded area of Great Falls, Virginia. As he strode down the bland hallway, he paused in front of Dakota Luck’s office. Dakota ran BLACK OPS, a top-secret arm of ALPHA.
Door open, but no Dakota, so he pushed on, stopping in front of the office Greystone shared with his fiancée Caroline. Neither were there.
Alone in the hallway, he called out, “Hey guys, anyone here?”
No response.
As Teddy headed toward the break room, Greystone camejogging around the corner. When he saw Teddy, a smile erupted on his face.
“Hey!” Greystone pulled him in for a hug and slapped him on the back. “Welcome home, fratello.”
Teddy grinned. “Damn, it’s good to see you.”
Caroline Austin appeared, her gaze jumping from Greystone to Teddy. She hurried over, hugged Teddy hard, then kissed his cheek. “Boy, have we missed you.”
Teddy adored his future sister-in-law. She was smart, fiercely loyal, and a perfect match for his beast of a brother.
