Page 40 of Freeing Lark

Haley’s voice came through the comm. “Her parents sound delightful.”

Lark looked around. “What was that?”

“What?”

“I heard someone comment on my parents.”

Hoot’s eyes widened. “You heard that?” It really shouldn’t be possible. Their comms were top of the line, designed so only the wearer could hear.

“I have above-average hearing,” she stated as if it was no big deal.

“Guess I’ll have to watch what I say from now on.”

She laughed. “Was that your team?” she asked, pointing to his ear.

“Yes.”

“Are they listening?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Do they always listen?”

“Yes, when we’re on a job.”

“Then I suppose I should watch what I say as well.”

Eggs’ voice immediately came through. “Please don’t.”

Lark laughed. Hoot shook his head. His team had gone from teasing him to quietly listening. He could feel the mood change. They didn’t know Lark, but they knew enough. And none of them liked what they were hearing.

Hoot looked at her. “You don’t have to share everything with me. And you should never feel compelled to alter who you are for the sake of being accepted or making other people happy.”

“I know.”

“Then why?”

She looked down. “Because Wren asked me.”

That stopped him. He understood that. Family could make people do stupid things. Especially when love was involved.

Before he could respond, Voodoo’s voice cut through the comm. “Hoot.” The tone changed everything. Hoot straightened. “What?”

“Calloway just arrived.”

Every muscle in Hoot’s body tightened. His eyes moved toward the ballroom entrance, and there stood Grant Calloway. The man connected to the mission that had cost them Bullet.

Hoot’s instincts went instantly on high alert. Lark noticed. Her eyes followed his. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

She looked at Calloway, then back at Hoot. “You know him?”

Hoot didn’t answer. He couldn’t. Not without explaining too much. Instead, he watched Calloway walk through the ballroom. The man looked perfectly at ease. Perfectly respectable and harmless. Hoot knew better than to trust appearances.

He glanced at Lark. Her expression had changed. Recognition? Uncertainty? He couldn’t tell. But suddenly one question became impossible to ignore. Had Lark met Grant Calloway before? Because if she had... this night had just become a hell of a lot more complicated.

CHAPTER 12