Page 122 of Jonesing for a Spy

“Old habits die hard.” He makes a loop under the interstate and sends us west toward the city.

“So true. Have you learned anything I need to know before I walk into this meeting?”

One shoulder lifts and drops. “More than I want to.”

“…But never enough,” I finish.

“All things in life, Jones. That’s all things in life.”

We ride in companionable silence. After a while, I pull out my old phone and message Strider.

Safe touchdown. With Young and heading into Austin.

Sorry for not checking in sooner. All’s fine here. How’s your morning?

HoneyBun

Jamie insisted we run. I blame you. Though, it was a great way to kill a couple of hours with you gone.

You won’t regret it.

I regret letting you out of bed this morning. Does that count?

A smile plays across my lips.

You made that clear. It’s a shame duty calls. On any normal day, I would’ve been down for the cuffs.

Don’t say that via text. You have no idea where I am or who I’m with.

Where are you and who are you with?

Let’s just say it’ll be a minute before I can leave Mona’s or I’ll be banned from the Waffle Hut for lewd behavior.

I snicker before my eyes snap to the ones in the mirror. I instantly school my face.

Don’t get us banned from Mona’s.

Don’t talk about handcuffs over biscuits and gravy.

No promises.

Young breaks my thoughts about Strider and restraints. “Hotel first or strategy first?”

“Strategy. Once I get to the hotel, it’ll be harder to leave⁠—”

My words are cut off by the sound of an explosion and shrapnel raining down around us. The vehicle shakes under the weight of the fireball, and I fight to keep my mind in the here and now and not go there.

“What the fuck?” I start, but my words are cut off as I’m pushed back into the seat by the sheer speed of Young flooring the SUV.

“Down.” His order is harsh.

I’m flat on the back seat in an instant. One thing I learned early in the Special Forces, an order is an order. Worst case, it’s a power trip. Best case, it saves your life. But a Ranger’s gut is a sixth sense, and it’s worth respecting.

He drives like he stole it while I’m pinned to the seat for longer than I expect. A ringing in the car jerks me back to reality.

“What the fuck just happened?” he barks.

Before I can reply, a disembodied voice comes through the cab. “A plane exploded. I don’t have any other details. You sure this is worth it?”