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“I’m glad. Are you working?”
“Doing research for a book.”
Which I know is code speak for him still working in intel. Maybe not in the field as much at the age of seventy, but still using his uncanny ability as a spy to fix the wrongs of the world.
“How about you? Enjoying being a nanny?”
“It was boring. I needed a break from the monotony.”
He laughs. “So like you, I knew you’d be on the hunt for another job before long.”
My insides tighten with a cold rush of dread. “Another job might have found me.”
The line goes silent and I know he’s reading between my words.
“Anyway, I just need to get some things together and enjoy some travel before I start this new opportunity.”
He makes a hmmm sound. “I see.”
“I’m thinking of visiting Sweden.” Code speak for one of our drops.
“Sweden’s nice this time of year. I heard the weather’s going to be pleasant there tomorrow.”
“I didn’t realize it. I should look more carefully at the forecast.” After a beat, I say, “I might want some travel advice.”
He’s smiling, I hear it on the other end. “Of course. Call me anytime, once you arrive there. I’ll be sure to refresh my memory.”
“I love you, my friend, stay warm and safe.”
“Always, my dear. Be sure to get in touch right away once you reach Sweden.”
“Of course. Goodbye.”
Tears are standing on my lashes when I hang up. It’s always hard to say goodbye to the only father figure I ever knew. The only person I’ve ever truly trusted. I turn into the alley, my heart heavy, my arm painful, but my love for Josef carrying me forward.
He’ll help me in every way he can, I just need to wait four hours before I visit the drop. Once I have the package in hand, I’ll have the resources I need to move ahead.
The bell above the door of the tiny hotel jingles until I grab it and silence it in my palm. The vestibule is dimly lit and warm. It’s late. The clerk is sound asleep, snoring, behind the desk on a cot. My key is lying on the counter. A note tied to the ring. “Welcome Mrs. Grayson. See me in the morning.”
I’ve stayed here years ago. Same note. Different fake name. Same clerk. It’s why I knew it was safe enough for me to rest for a few hours.
Long enough for a good cry while I change my bandage.
Plenty of time to remember the man who saved my life, held me in his arms, and for some reason, deposited me into an apartment full of spy cameras.
Nothing makes sense.
Except the fact that I was a fool.
I never should have let the gates around my heart open the tiniest amount. It hurts.
So damned bad.
The sky is fading from ink to lavender when I open the trash can lid in the park. Pretending to drop in a coffee cup, I see the package. A tattered paper bag with food stains on it.
The coast is clear. I already checked, so I lift the bag and walk slowly away as if I’m about to enjoy a breakfast as the sun rises over the river.
Sitting on a park bench by the slowly flowing water, I dig into the bag. On top is a breakfast sandwich. Unopened with a smiley face drawn on the paper. Ah. Josef always made sure I was fed.
