Page 49 of Jonesing for a Spy

Shit. That’s next week.

“Let me look at my calendar. But plan on going. I’ll do what I can.” Putting the truck in park, I grab my coffee mug and messenger bag with my laptop.

“We don’t want to leave you if you can’t go.”

And there it is. “Mom, go. You and Dad enjoy. You need it, and Lorien would love to have you there to help plan the wedding. Go. I’ll figure things out.”

“But—”

“No buts. Plan it. I’m heading into work now. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Strider.” Her voice is quiet, and there’s an extra second before she disconnects.

21

jones mafia

Mirren

“Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Brody Daxton replies with a look of disbelief on his too-young face. “It’s not for long and it’s just recon. Four days… seven tops.”

“Details?” I grab a pen and pad, knowing exactly what I’m not allowed to notate.

“Taiwan. Jet leaves tonight from Atlanta. I can get you on a plane to Hartsfield-Jackson around noon. You’re a tech mogul who’s been tapped to see the newest factory where the chips are made. You can choose your persona. But wear the glasses. We need to map the factory layout and get all specifications. Let them wine you and dine you. The more you can see, the better. The more details the better. The chips are universal across generators and CPUs alike.”

I note I need to look up weather and brush up on all things tech on my trip. “Anything else?”

“All personal devices, IDs, anything that could track you is left at home. No computer. No cell phone. You’re Tanzi Shackleford for this job, with all her credentials.”

“Done. Do you want me at Mobile or Pensacola for the flight?”

“Pensacola. Noon takeoff.” The screen goes black.

Well, nothing has the impact of a slap of cold water to the face like a last-minute trip to do recon and doing it in the dark.

The good news about being tech mogul Tanzi is that I get to have money and play the bitch. As far as assignments go, it’s not the worst I’ve had. I have one bougie suitcase for just such an occasion.

I dye my eyebrows jet black so my face looks paler and more angular, and somehow my hair looks like the sun streaks are very expensive highlights. I check the weather in Taiwan to pack and get ready for my day… or in this case, my week. By eleven, I’m at the airport.

Work trip. Back by Thanksgiving. Don’t worry.

The replies are immediate.

Dad

Be smart, darling girl. I know you will be.

Mom

Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

To my brothers, I send another.

Taking off with a couple of Army buddies for a camping trip. Don’t be envious.

Rookie—Davie