Page 45 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

“He’s not following Sasha, he’s following you.”

The room grew quiet. “What?”

“Dammit. I wasn’t going to tell you.” Jake raked a hand through his hair, messing up its perfect asymmetry. “It’s the reason I didn’t arrest him at the wedding. Wherever you go, he goes. I can see him on the travel screen for a minute, and then he disappears.”

“He’s taking off his key.” I leaned against the back of my chair.

“I’m sure he knows we can see him, but he also knows I care about you. And it was nice knowing he was out there in case you needed a hand. But he’s snubbing his nose at us. He knew I’d allow it, that I wouldn’t report him to General Potts. He’s screwing with my job security.”

“How is this possible? Can’t Pickles and Al see him?”

“They do. One of them is feeding him your coordinates. Probably Al through Itty. Pickles won’t say anything because he’s not going to tattle when McGregor’s protecting you.”

“I don’t need protecting.”

“Jen, I’m about to send you into the pirate’s den. These guys are cold-blooded killers. Knowing he’s got your back gives me peace of mind.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because the general was in the travel lab last moon cycle. He saw McGregor jump. All our asses are on the line. I want you to bring him back to Gitmo.”

“You want me to trap Caiyan in my outhouse and bring him back with me?”

“Yes. The general ordered Ace to bring him in, but I don’t think Ace is capable of luring Caiyan into his photo booth.”

I snorted. “And you think I can.”

“I think you have a better chance at it.”

“Why does the WTF want Caiyan so badly they’d risk alienating him by putting him in jail?”

“I couldn’t tell you, even if I knew.”

“What is it with men and their secrets?”

“Maybe you should ask your intended.”

“I won’t do it.”

“All I know is Caiyan has information about Rogue that he’s not sharing, and we need to persuade him to share it.”

“Are you going to torture it out of him?”

“I would enjoy that, but I was thinking of asking first.”

“Why didn’t you ask him at the wedding? Or try and catch him at my house afterward?”

“This is a recent request from the general.”

“Why can’t you just call and ask him.”

Jake didn’t look me in the eye. “He’s not answering.”

“Then leave a message. I can’t do it. I won’t do it.” Even though Jake wouldn’t look at me, I looked at him. “I won’t trap my boyfriend so the WTF can interrogate him.”

“Fiancé,” Jake corrected. “It’s possible he was informed of our plan to interrogate him. What if he forced this engagement because he knows you’re the only one who can get close to him?”

“He wouldn’t.” He would in a heartbeat.

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