Page 37 of Damián

So I lean back in my chair and take a deep breath, soaking it in as much as I can, because after today, I won’t be able to come back here.

Not for a very long time.

— ¤ —

I park Chiquita in a reserved spot in front of a multi-story tower of interlocking glass and dark metal that stands over the edge of the Hudson River.

Above the entrance, molded from Damascus steel, is the agency’s name:

HARKNETT 8

Elite Security Agency

The waving curls of the folded metal have always looked beautiful to me.

In fact, that pattern is the same design we used for the infinity symbol that all of us Harknetts have tattooed on the back of our left hands.

Although mine has been, and will be temporarily covered in makeup… at least until this assignment ends.

I pass the front garden and reach the building. The bluish, floor-to-ceiling glass walls make our HQ look incredible and so damn elegant… which our clients love.

But in reality, those walls aren’t just for aesthetics; they are capable of stopping a .308 round or a small-to-medium blast.

…At Knox’s request, of course.

I walk through the main entrance and shiver at the delicious breeze the ceiling fans make. The lobby is as minimalist as it gets; it barely has two couches, a coffee table, and our receptionist’s desk.

The outer glass walls are completely bare, while the cement walls are covered with large canvas art pieces that actually soundproof the area and create a buffer in case of an explosion.

…At Logan’s request, of course.

I swing my backpack off my shoulder, pull out a huge Tupperware container, and zip it back up.

“Morning, Mrs. Evelyn,” I say to the sweet, silver-haired receptionist sitting at the front desk.

She is the only other person working with the eight of us. She was retired, lost her pension, and needed help, so we hired her.

…At my request, of course.

And now she takes care of all of us.

“Good morning, Damián.” She smiles, and her eyes immediately spot the huge Tupperware I’m carrying. Her smile widens. “Is that what I think it is?”

“If you’re thinking of my mom’s pie, you would be right.”

She stretches her arms out excitedly, and I hand over the delivery. She opens the lid and takes a deep breath. “Your mom is the best.”

“She really is.”

“Tell her thanks, and that I have the book she needs. I’ll bring both the book and the Tupperware by later tonight.”

“I’m sure she’ll love to see you.”

“Boss told me to give you a temporary card.” She leans down to a security box Knox installed to keep important deliveries safe. “He told me your clearance and biometrics were erased from the company network for your new mission. That you’ll be needing the card for now.”

“Oh, right…”

She takes out a blank white plastic card from the security box and passes it to me. “And Dami, there is a lost puppy inside, probably very scared by now. Can you send him back to the lobby, please?”