Page 64 of No More Lies

“Diane, I don’t share what we do partly to protect you. You wouldn't want to know the details. Trust me.”

She lowered her hand. “Why? Because I'm so weak I wouldn't be able to handle it?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

“No. There are rules and well, some of what we do, I don’t want to talk about it. There are some things I’ve seen and done that cannot be unseen or undone. I don’t want you involved in that.”

“Do you know what it’s like when I go out with the girls? Kelly, Mira, Sophie?”

When Steve frowned, she sighed. “It’s like I’m on the outside looking in. They all know what you do and seem to deal with it pretty damn well.”

“Kelly and Mira work at Onyx. Of course, they know. Sophie has some clearance because of her position as the base ER doctor. It’s different with you because you’re not...” When he trailed off, she gave him a sad smile.

“I’m not part of the team.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Steve turned, dragging a hand over his face.

“Maybe not. But it’s the truth.”

“There are rules.”

“Yeah. I know. I’m your wife, Steve. Ten years I’ve been by your side through every step of your career. I don’t regret a day because I am so proud of you and what you do. I love the team as much as you do because they bring you home safe to me. Perhaps I am foolish to think I am part of your team. That the support I’ve given you helped you be a better teammate.”

“Of course, it helped. I would not be half the man, the special operator I am today without you.”

“And yet, I’m still on the outside looking in.”

Steve’s phone rang.

“I know you need to take it. Go ahead. I’m going to dry my hair.”

She walked back to the bathroom and closed the door, resting her head against it. Now her heart hurt as much as her head.

***

Chapter 15

“Tell me we have something?” Steve was on a secure video call with the Farm. His head was still trying to digest what Diane had said. They hadn't finished that conversation, but right now he needed to focus.

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