Page 27 of License to Kill

“Look at the bright side. I bet that cop is asking if that hot number of yours is actually married. Aren’t you interested in finding out what he’ll say?”

“I’m pretty sure we’ve been over this before. He has a list of regrets a mile long. We could spend a year trying to prioritize them and get nowhere fast.”

“Are you sure you’re not a natural blond?”

I yanked off a piece of dried blood and threw it at her. “He’s—”

The interrogation room door slammed open, and my injured leg gave out when I jumped out of my seat. I hit the floor with a yelp, and Amelia cursed. I shuddered, drew several deep breaths, and sat up.

Blood smeared over the tile floor, and fresh rivulets dripped down my arm.

“Karma?” Jake breathed my name, and I stiffened at the sound of his voice.

Amelia leaned over the table and stared down at me. “That looked like it hurt.”

I reached up with my right hand, grabbed hold of the table, and staggered to my feet.

Jake wore a suit, one I recognized as the spare he had kept in his car for emergencies. Unlike me, who had a full-body layer of dirt and blood, he’d showered so recently his hair was still damp.

He looked me over, and his eyes widened. “How much of that blood is yours?”

His question took me by surprise, and I looked down at my stained sports bra and exposed stomach. How much of it was mine? “Good question.”

“Why are you covered in blood?”

If he wanted to pretend nothing was wrong between us, I could handle that. It wouldn’t change anything, but I could handle it. I shrugged and winced at the ache in my shoulder. “Heard some asshole had gotten himself trapped in a warehouse, so I decided to have a look around. Since I wasn’t in the mood to chat, my rifle did most of the talking.”

Jake grimaced. “I should have known you were one of the two tangoes who assaulted the building.”

I sat and waited in silence, clenching my teeth together. Turning my head and staring at the wall made it easier. If I didn’t have to look at him, I could pretend he wasn’t in the room with me.

“Oh, look at the time. It’s awkward o’clock,” Amelia muttered. “Hello, Agent Thomas. I’m Amelia. I’ve heard all about you.”

“I bet you have,” Jake replied in his driest tone.

“Her mother murdered her father and almost killed her, too. I found the poor thing next to his body. She was shot multiple times before she used lethal force, although I don’t really know if she was the one who used the lethal force. Her ma’s body wasn’t too far away, though. I recommend therapy. Bail might be useful, too. And a trip to the hospital. She’s kinda high maintenance. I tried to tell her she shouldn’t wear her blood, but she’s not very good at listening sometimes.”

“Amelia!” I hissed.

“What? I’m just cutting through your bullshit so the man knows what he has to work with. Otherwise, I’ll have to put up with you dancing around the problem for weeks, which will only make things worse. Of course, I expect your hot number over there has the same exact syndrome.”

“Hot number?” Jake asked.

“You’re not bad. You’re not my type, but you’re not bad. I can see why she might like you, assuming you get your head out of your ass and adjust your general beliefs. You can reach the upper cabinets without having to work at it. Useful, when you’re as stunted as the doll over here.”

I sighed. “Let’s just get this over with. There’s no need for bail, I have no intention of fighting any charges, and it’s better for you if you just go away, Jake. I got myself into this mess, and I’ll get myself out of it—or not—on my own. Go back to your life and your career.”

“She’s also completely convinced you want nothing to do with her, and that it’s better off for the entire world if her ship just sinks. It’s really annoying. Please don’t listen to any of the bullshit coming out of her mouth.”

“Amelia!”

“Yes, I know you know my name.”

“All right. Where was she shot, Amelia?”

“She’s taken a few rounds to the leg, a few rounds to the arm, her shoulder has seen better days, and she dodged damaging anything vital. I recommend against tossing her over your shoulder. You might want to just knock her out so she doesn’t struggle. A slap to her right calf should be enough to do the job; that one’s healed enough it shouldn’t reopen even if you’re a bit rough.”

“Amelia!”