Page 100 of Fear No Evil

Checking her watch, Maggie roused from her insight and started forward again. She only had a minute to get to Gordon’s office on the third floor, and he was a stickler for punctuality.

The two analysts who shared her elevator wrangled over the viability of a new software. Their quarrel kept Maggie feeling unsettled. Was she really going to resign today? What if she was making a huge mistake?

Sooner than she wished, she was forcing a smile for Gordon’s secretary. Gordon’s door was shut. Maggie could hear him through the thick mahogany, his voice louder than usual, making an argument to which another male voice reacted in a steady and certain tone.

Wait.Maggie pricked her ears. No way was that Jake. She had to be projecting her thoughts onto someone else. Jake wasn’t even in the area until later this afternoon. Well, no‍—he hadn’t said that in so many words. He’d said they wouldget togetherthis afternoon. And wouldn’t Gordon want to debrief Jake as well as her?

A cataract of emotions rushed through Maggie. She wasn’t ready to see Jake yet‍—not without accomplishing what she’d set out to do today. At the same time, every nerve in her body wenttaut in anticipation that he might step out of that door. Itdidfeel like a month since she’d seen him last.

The door popped open, and there stood Gordon with a scowl of resignation on his face. He shook the hand of the man leaving. Jake’s broad shoulders came into view. He wore the same heather-gray suit he’d worn to their briefing in New York City. As his head turned, their eyes met, and the same joy that had made her sob on the slope atArribawinged in her again, reaffirming her intention.

“Take care, sir.” Taking polite leave of Gordon, Jake crossed straight to her, folding her in a quick embrace. “Lena.” As he straightened, his blue gaze raked over her, taking in every detail of her appearance. “You look great.”

All the doubts that had been stacking up in her head blew away like dry leaves in an autumn breeze. “Thanks.” Being with Jake meant more than protecting the country she loved.

“I guess you’re next.”

“Ahem.” Gordon cleared his throat, not so patiently.

“Yeah.” But doubts hovered on the periphery of her mind.

“Meet me in the courtyard after?” Jake suggested. “We’ll catch up then.”

“Sure.”

With a glance at the ring she was wearing and a satisfied smile, he strode away, all confidence and contentment, leaving Maggie standing there, having no idea what she was going to say to Gordon.

When her boss raised an eyebrow, she marched dutifully into his office, aware of the pity that entered Gordon’s dark eyes as he assessed her physique. She sank into the nearest seat, pleased to feel Jake’s residual body heat on the cushions. She could do this for him.

“So.” Gordon made his way behind his desk. “I’ve heard Lieutenant Carrigan’s version. Now let me hear yours.”Lowering himself into his large chair, he picked up a pen and held it over the notepad in front of him.

Gordon was surlier than usual. What had Jake said to upset him? Apart from Mike Howitz having succumbed to illness, their mission was a rousing success. She delivered her report without once having to consult the notes in her purse. Her memories were crisp and vivid, making them easy to recollect.

As she came to her conclusion, describing the conditions atArribaand sharing the names of the three JUNGLA who deserved commendation for their assistance, she prepared herself to tack on her resignation. Gordon would assume, no doubt, that her imprisonment by the FARC had broken her.

To her dismay, she began to stammer as she described David and Jake’s rescue. The moment was finally upon her. With a deep breath, she opened her purse, discovering a tremor in her fingers as she pulled out the envelope containing her official resignation letter.

“Gordon, I don’t know how to tell you this, so I’ll just give you‍—” She began to hand it across the space between them.

With an astonished expression, Gordon slammed his pen down onto his notepad. “He said you would do this!”

“What? Who said I would do what?”

Her boss gestured angrily at the door. “Lieutenant Carrigan. He said you would hand in your resignation letter unless he got to me first.”

“What?” Maggie blinked her confusion.

“Didn’t you hear me in here yelling at him? That man just handed in his notice. He’s quitting the Teams and walking away from the Agency so he can followyouaround the world.” Gordon’s eyes bulged. “Don’t you dare hand me that envelope, Maggie. I know what’s in it, and I’m not about to lose another field operative today.”

Maggie remained speechless. Jake had tendered his resignation with the Agency? He was quitting the Teams so he could go wherevershewas assigned? Astonishment kept her speechless. Second by second, relief eased the stricture in her chest. She didn’t have to quit! Jake had beat her to it.

Very slowly, Maggie withdrew the envelope, slipping it back into her purse. It took a moment to find her voice. “Well, in that case, I’ll just await my next assignment.”

Gordon nodded several times, the whites of his eyes still visible. “You do that. And Maggie”‍—he stood, looking down at her from his impressive height‍—“don’t you ever think about quitting again. You’re one of the best case officers I’ve ever had. This country needs you.”

Her heart swelled with gratification, pride, and contentment. She couldn’t wait for her next assignment. She could still give her best in the struggle and the sacrifice‍—more so with Jake’s support. Pushing to her feet, she stood tall. “Yes, sir. Can I go now, sir?” She and Jake were about to have an earnest conversation.

A reluctant smile crinkled the corners of Gordon’s eyes. “Tell the lieutenant I said to take good care of you.”

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