Page 68 of Tattletale

“Oh? Why?” I can’t help but think that Vesper on social media is unnatural in every single way.

“My ex-husband’s youngest son is trying to graduate from the Field Scouts. He needs to sell about one hundred boxes of cookies to get his badge.”

About a million questions barrel through my mind.What the hell is Field Scouts? I thought it was Boy Scouts. Why is Vesper social stalking her ex? What kind of cookies?But I opt to address the biggest elephant in the room. “You were married?”

“Yes. Then, divorced. Is that so shocking?”

“I mean…yeah.”

Vesper’s eyes narrow. “Once upon a time, I thought I could juggle my job and a romantic life. But I was wrong.”

“How’d things end between you two?”

Vesper’s eyes drop to her lap. “Not well. He hates me. Or at least the memory of me. It’s been over fifteen years since we spoke. He probably thinks I’m dead.” There’s a sadness in her voice that breaks my heart.

“Did you buy a box of cookies?”

Eyes still down, she smiles. “I bought one hundred boxes. Their troop has a cookie tracker. The little guy was far behind, but now he’s kicking his troopmates’ asses.”

“Nice,” I say. “When do the cookies arrive?”

“Don’t be foolish; I didn’t have them sent here. I used an old business account linked to the FBI and had the cookies shipped to a couple of group homes for orphans in the Midwest.”

“Okay, that’s a little disappointing.”

“Charity?” Once again, Vesper’s face screws up in confusion.

“Um, no, that there will be no cookies in the break room.”

“You’re such a child, Lancelot,” Vesper muffles out.

My expression goes neutral, and I wait until Vesper meets my gaze. “If you’re keeping tabs on him and his family, that means…”

“Yeah…I still do.” She won’t say the words out loud, but I know she means she loves him.

“And his new wife?”

Vesper smiles. “She’s beautiful, kind, and has given him two children. Three, if you count his stepson. He always wanted a big family. I’m very glad he ended up with her.”

That must mean Vesper can’t have children. We always assumed, but we never really spoke about it. But it’s obvious the way Vesper is a mom to me, Linc, and Cricket, that she’s fulfilling some sort of innate desire.

“Can I ask you something? But don’t get pissed.”

She wets her lips. “No promises.”

“You’ve been divorced. Callen’s been divorced. You’re both the same age. Callen’s a good-looking guy, and don’t ever tell him I said this, but he’s all right. I wouldn’t be mad if you guys started something. I mean, if you’re lonely, Vesper, there’s no shame in chasing some happiness.”

She’s quiet, so I know I crossed the line. Dammit. I really meant it in the best way. “Just forget I said—”

“He asked once,” Vesper admits. “When he first started with PALADIN we were spending quite a bit of time together. He asked me out.”

“And you said?”

She sighs, shaking her head. “We wanted different things. I think Callen’s still looking for love. My heart, however, hasn’t been available for fifteen years. I’d only end up disappointing him. We’re great as friends.”

“So that’s how you’re going to leave it?” I lean back in my chair. “You’ll just never love again?”

“It’s not really my choice, is it? Once love has a hold of you, you don’t get to decide when it lets go.” Vesper unsubtly raises her dark brows. “No matter how messy and toxic it gets.”

---