Page 21 of Tell Me All Your Lies

Dodger straightens his tie as I look at him, utterly confused.

“What is it?” I ask.

Grant remains silent next to me, almost as if none of this is new information for him.

“We have reason to believe that the Marlin is in hiding in Charlotte at this very moment. Due to this, Collins, I’m asking you to go and infiltrate their organization and capture the Marlin.”

“Sir. With all due respect,” I start.

“Don’t, Collins. Do you want this one or not?” Dodger asks.

“I do.”

“Then it’s settled. You’re going. And Sinclair is going with you.”

“I don’t understand his connection to this,” I admit.

Grant finally adjusts in his seat.

“I’ve known about the Marlin for a while.”

“What?” I shout.

“The Marlin will know of me as Ace.”

“Ace,” I repeat.

The same code name he gave me that first night we discovered each other in the field.

“Collins. Sinclair. Your new identities and details will be waiting outside with my assistant.”

“Sir,” I continue.

Dodger sighs.

“Collins. Are you in or not? I can’t keep asking.”

“You haven’t even asked our friend Ace here if he’s in.”

Dodger gives me an annoyed look before glancing over to Grant.

“I’m in. When do we leave?”

“Wheels up in three days at 0600 hours from San Diego.”

Dodger looks back over at me.

“I’m in.”

“Good. Mr. and Mrs. Weston, good luck.”

I nearly faint on the spot.

“Did you say…”

“Come on, Collins,” Grant says as he stands.

I look up at his outstretched hand, feeling like I’m in some kind of other universe. I can’t marry Grant, even if it is all pretend.

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