Page 84 of Shadow Burn

“She tolerates you because you bribe her with chicken.”

Jasper mustered a smile. “That’s affection.”

“You keep telling yourself that.”

Katherine lifted the carrier with her good hand, but Jasper took it before she could strain her wrist.

“I can carry my cat.”

“I know.”

She looked up at him, and something in her expression softened painfully. “Premium package?”

“Lifetime coverage.” The words slipped out before he could decide whether they were too much.

Her eyes filled again.

They walked through the compound together. The halls were quieter than usual, as if everyone had decided not to intrude on the goodbye and then stationed themselves nearby anyway. Mack leaned in the kitchen doorway with his arms crossed. CB stood slightly behind him, jaw tight, expression unusually sober. Sebastian and Reid were near the front entrance. Garrett waited by the main doors, his face unreadable. Vivi stood outside beside the federal SUVs, talking to one of the agents, but she turned when Katherine stepped into the daylight.

For all the things Jasper hated about the moment, he was grateful Katherine didn’t have to leave alone.

The SPS team followed her out. Vivi hugged her carefully. Garrett shook her hand and told her to call if anyone so much as looked at her wrong. Mack made a joke about Priss being an honorary tactical asset. CB promised to send chicken if Virginia failed to meet the cat’s standards. Sebastian gave Katherine a small nod that somehow carried more respect than most speeches.

Then there was nothing left to do.

Jasper set Priss’s carrier in the back seat of the federal SUV, making sure it was secure. He checked the tires, the driver, the rear vehicle, the agents, the plates, the road beyond the gate. He knew he was being obvious. He didn’t care.

Katherine stood beside the open rear door, watching him. “Jasper.”

He looked at her.

“If you keep checking the SUV, Porter may arrest you for being annoying.”

“She can try.”

A real smile touched her mouth then, small and beautiful and gone too soon.

He moved close enough that the agents tactfully looked elsewhere.

“Call me from the airport,” he said.

“I will.”

“When you get to wherever they’re housing you. I need to make sure it meets my security standards”

“Of course.”

“And before your first debrief. I can have Reid make up a list of things not to say.”

“Jasper.”

He hated that tone. “If anything feels wrong⁠—”

“I’ll call.”

“If anyone pressures you⁠—”

“I’ll call.”