Page 13 of Jonesing for a Spy

Charlie drops his empty glass on the bar with a thunk. “I needed someone to pull wire. Strider here showed up with supplies, a willingness to work, and a meter.”

“It was the least I could do.” Strider taps his glass against Charlie’s empty one. “And now I get free beer every couple of years.”

“Hey. Who said the beer’s free?” Davie asks, looking around like he’s offended.

“I did, asshole.” Charlie uses his big brother voice. “I promised him when we were sweating our asses off getting shit back up and running. Why do you think we’re here tonight? Add it to my tab.” He lifts his eyebrows, daring our brother to contradict him.

“You ever plan to pay that tab?”

“Nope.” He tilts his cup toward Davie to show it’s empty.

“Fine.” He pours Charlie another beer, letting it foam more than usual. “But I’m calling in mine when needed.”

Charlie takes a sip, fighting the foam on his upper lip. “Never expected any different.”

Strider turns to me. “Is it always like this?”

“I’d say yes, but that’s downplaying what it’s actually like. Usually, it’s double the dick-waving and the language is more colorful. They must be on their best behavior with you here.”

The look on his face is priceless.

“You’re used to sisters. I’m accustomed to brothers. While they protect me like I’m fragile, I’m not.” I drop my voice. “I’ll let them think that, though, because why not? They’ll figure it out eventually, but no sense in rushing it.” I smile and wink.

His eyes dip from mine to my lips and come right back again.

“You’re not fragile?” The question is loaded.

“Not like a flower.”

His voice drops. “Then like what?”

“What are you two whispering about?” Davie asks as Jamie overtakes him, “Why are you two whispering?”

I lift my chin and hold Rookie’s gaze for an extra beat before laying it out, “Whatever the hell we want to.” Turning to Jamie, I add, “Because we can. Are you worried about my virtue or about you missing out on the details?”

“Virtue? As if. Well, as if there were ever a question of it being intact. Anyone who messes with you”—his gaze whips to Strider—“should know better. Besides, he’s too old for you.”

“Ham, I love you. Butt the fuck out of my sex life.”

“Sex life?” Charlie groans. “No. We are not having this conversation.” He drains his beer and shakes his head on another groan.

“How old are you?” I ask Strider loudly, returning my focus to him.

“Old enough to recognize a no-win conversation when I hear it. Old enough to know what it means to want to protect your little sister. Old enough to know better than to mess with family dynamics, even if watching you put them in their places is a show I’d pay money to see.”

6

magnetic north

Mirren

“That doesn’t answer my question.” Though it does.

It’s the kindest possible no I could receive. It makes my brothers feel superior while not making me less than. And it stops the madness that is my overbearing, overprotective family, and me poking them simply for shits and grins.

“Forty.”

Oh. He’s Charlie’s age-ish.