Page 73 of Deadly Charade

The waitress chose that moment to bring Agent Bailey’s order, which silenced Bryce.

But the look on Kira’s face told him everything. He’d just ended their partnership.

And maybe any potential relationship going forward.

19

BRYCE HAD JUST CUT HER OUT of the mission. She’d worked so hard to get here, and now she’d watch the action go down from the sidelines?

Not going to happen. She’d earned her status as a Special Agent. They couldn’t just remove her from her first assignment. Well, technically, they could. Bailey would be calling the shots. But she didn’t have to smile and accept it. “My cover is still intact. I’m still an asset. I can—”

At Ivan’s and Agent Bailey’s unblinking stares, she stopped protesting. It made her appear weak. She dropped her gaze and ordered her seething fury to cool.

A worthless effort.

She’d trusted Bryce. Done everything by the book. And look where it got her.

Left out in the cold. Abandoned yet again because she wasn’t enough.

Bryce touched her hand. “Kira, I just think—”

“No. That’s fine. I understand.” She removed her hand and crossed her arms. “Sophia sold me out to get to you. Might as well see how that plays out.”

Bryce’s eyes pleaded with her to understand. “This protects your cover. They won’t think you stole Zaika if I lead them to believe I acted independently and gave the statue to Levi.”

She plastered a smile on her face. “Sounds like a winning plan.”

Meanwhile, the gold digger Sophia would get everything she wanted. The statue and Katrina’s husband.

Kira’s fake husband. Why was Sophia’s scheming such a gut punch to Kira? The woman was a criminal. This wasn’t personal. She and Bryce didn’t have a real relationship. Personal or professional, apparently. She’d weather this like she always did. Alone and with her walls intact. She shot him her coldest stare and tightened her lips.

Agent Bailey scrutinized her and Bryce, as if he might have to jump in and referee an argument. But Kira wouldn’t pitch a fit. She’d be the team player, the agent who stepped aside so the operation could continue. It was the right thing to do, of course. She knew that.

What stung the most was that Bryce didn’t stand up and fight for her to stay.

“Kira,” Bryce said. “You’ve done an amazing job with this assignment. If it weren’t for your translation, we wouldn’t be here. I just think we can play this Sophia angle and shut this case down so we can all go home knowing this treasure doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. It has nothing to do with your ability to get the job done.”

“I understand.” And she should understand that this wasn’t personal. Any Special Agent knew circumstances changed in an instant when on assignment, and she needed to think about what was best for her team. Along with recovering a hostage. Time to put aside her past baggage. The only person at the table telling her she wasn’t good enough for the mission was herself.

Kira took a deep breath and did something she hadn’t done in forever.

She prayed. Asked God to remove the lies that she wasn’t enough. Prayed for the success of the mission and God’s protection.

Agent Bailey studied her as she shut down her negative thoughts. “Kira, I want you hiding in the surrounding areas with the other agents, on standby. You’ve got sharp instincts, and I want you listening while we go in. We may need your input and translation ability. You know the players and we’ll need your expertise.”

She nodded. She would work hard, even if it was from the outskirts. Her mind cleared, and her focus returned with double sharpness. They’d rescue Natalia and find those statues.

They discussed the plan details. Ivan started dictating the mission again, and Bailey—despite the occasional subtle eye roll—allowed the man to lead. For now.

“I will bring Levi and Brian to the meeting and force them to give up the statue. We will trade Zaika for the woman’s freedom.”

“Of course, we’ll be on comms and the FBI will surround the place for protection, then tail the bad guys from the scene to track down the other two statues,” Bailey said, turning to his hefty-sized lunch of eggs, bacon, and a mountain of tater tots. “I love this place. My wife never lets me eat bacon.”

Ivan went outside to make the call.

Under the table Bryce placed a hand on hers, presumably so Agent Bailey couldn’t see. “Kira, you know I’m only agreeing to this because it’s the most likely path to stop the bad guys, right? If Sophia has it in for you and you’re there, it could jeopardize everything.”

“I understand. Really, I do.” And she meant it. Sure, she needed to process some hurt feelings, but a sense of peace had replaced her initial anger. She squeezed his hand but didn’t let go. “I want what’s best for the team. And who knows? Because I’m so close to this case, I might be better serving the team by observing and listening in.”