Page 12 of What Remains

“Not gonna argue with that.” Ella flicks the brim of her floppy hat. “Jesse has taken being overprotective to a whole new level since becoming a dad. God help the man if we have a daughter one day.”

“More like help her.” I bite back a smile. “Though, I have to admit, when my sister starts dating, I might become a little stabby myself. Background checks gone wild.” I laugh, but when my eyes land on two of the many stickers on top of my rig, my heart stalls out for a split second and that happy feeling dies.

FAFO Alumni and Powered by Caffeine and Bad Decisions.

Both were gifts from Easton last year. He randomly tossed them on my desk one day with a quick, “Here.”

I’d picked them up, staring at them in confusion as if he bought me flowers instead. “What are these for?”

Arms over his chest, the fabric stretching against his biceps, he gave me a strange look. “Do I need a reason?”

“You do.”

“Fine. Consider them a ‘because it’s a Monday’ gift. I know how much you hate Mondays.”

Chills dart up my back as I let go of the memory and flip open the lid so I don’t have to look at the stickers. I log into Diana and Carter’s secure network, and within seconds, I have access to their surveillance cameras.

I smirk and turn the screen around on my lap. Carter’s standing in his skyrise conference room with a whiteboard behind him, talking to the guys.

Mission: Nap Time is written in red. Underneath, a tactical flowchart. Another board lists the kids’ snack schedules and “intel priorities.”

“Five bucks says Jesse drafted a contingency plan for diaper blowouts.” Ella grabs a handful of grapes.

Juliette smiles. “I bet my son is also saving their asses. Colin’s been great with Illiana.”

“Speaking of your little girl.” Natasha eyes Juliette’s bikini top. “Time to pump?”

Juliette cups her breasts. “Yup, about to pop. Still can’t believe Constantine spilled some of the breastmilk I left with him last night.”

“I bet that was really an excuse to see you and have a quickie.” Ella coughs, choking on a laugh. Or maybe a grape.

“Easy.” Natasha slaps her back twice. “The last thing we need is the guys fast roping onto the roof from a helo. Jesse’s liable to deck the first EMT who tries mouth-to-mouth.”

That’s putting it mildly.

“Who does Carter have piloting now that . . .?” Juliette lets her words trail off.

“I’m not that fragile. Jeez.” I roll my eyes, lean around my screen, and launch a grape at her. “Also, I’ve already flown with Easton’s replacement.” I hold up two fingers. “Twice. He goes by Nash. I think it’s his call sign.”

“Ah, well, that’s, um . . . nice.” There’s a whole lot Juliette doesn’t say there. Has she talked to her brother since he took off? “I should go pump.”

“Not solo,” Natasha reminds her, switching to CIA mode. “You know the rule. Two or more. Always.”

We’re in Dubai, one of the safest cities in the world, but she’s probably right. She and Dad make a pair. I power off my rig and return it to my bag. “I’ll tag along.”

“Take your laptop with you while you’re at it.” Diana nods to my bag. “No more working.”

“Fine, fine.” I sling the strap over my shoulder and follow Juliette from the cabana, scanning for the tails. Instead of finding them, I clock our server hovering by the bar. Cute, sure, but not happening. “So, uh, when’s the last time you spoke to your brother?” I ask as we step into the hotel.

“He makes a call to a secure number every couple of days to check in. You know, to make sure there aren’t any emergencies on our end. Things like that. Whenever he calls, it also sends a signal to Carter, letting him know he’s safe and alive.”

“And no clue where he’s at?” I keep searching and always come up empty, which means he’s avoiding CCTV footage.

“I could have Constantine poke the bear and ask Carter.”

I press the lift button. “I’ve already poked the grizzly myself. No luck.” The lift chimes, and the mirrored doors open. “Maybe don’t have him ask. Your hubby and Carter are finally not at each other’s throats, so let’s keep it that way.”

She laughs as we walk into the lift and presses the number for our floor.