Page 160 of Blind Prophet

“He didn’t bring a date?” Sophia asks Trevor.

Trevor shakes his head, grinning. “No. He got corralled last minute into coming. But he’s spent years with these guys. They’re like family.”

“Ryan and Alex have kids too, right?”

“They do. College. They’re too busy these days when they’re home on break to come to something like this.”

“It’s a nice holiday party,” Dorian says, clearly making small talk.

“It’s smaller than normal. The guys from up north stayed up there this year.”

“Up north?” Dorian asks.

“Napa area,” Trevor says. “They’ve got family up there, so it’s hard to get away. A lot of our team works remotely. We also have team members based in North Carolina, but one of those guys just had a baby. They’re not here tonight either.”

“You’re talking about Knox, right?” I ask, and he grins with a nod. “The way Stella shares Knox’s daughter’s baby photos around the office, you’d think she’s the grandmother.”

“Have you worked with Knox?” Trevor asks.

“Not Knox, but I debriefed Sam.” I feel like I know him now. “He’s on sabbatical, right?”

“Well-deserved. He’s a good guy. On call if we need him, but hopefully, we won’t.”

The risk level has de-escalated. Our allies are working with us to assess the situation and enact appropriate prevention protocols. And it’s the holidays. The world feels calmer during festive periods.

“Let me know if there’s ever anything I can do,” Dorian says. He’s undoubtedly referring to his satellite network.

“For now, let’s hope we can all relax and enjoy the holidays,” Trevor says. “You know, we’re talking about taking a summer vacation. Bringing all of us together on Jack’s island at a time of year when it’s easier for everyone to get away. If we do it, you’ll get to see everyone. Knox and his baby included. The island’s fantastic. Stella and I have a place there. We get away every chance we get.”

“Stella mentioned it,” I say, remembering her office photo of Trevor windsurfing.

“Yeah, we’ve been talking about it for a while, but it’ll happen. Stella’s determined. If we do it, I hope you both can join us.” Trevor gives Dorian a firm handshake and steps away.

“Ethan was correct. Trevor is protective of you,” Dorian says.

“It’s just how he is. I’m in the office a lot, and since his office is in another building, he floats around, talking to everybody when he comes over. He’s gotten to know me, and he looks out for his team.”

“They know you left me, right?”

“You left emotionally before I left physically.” I point a finger at him with enough of a smile that it’s clear I’m not looking to start a world war, but I won’t bear the fallout of our marriage alone.

He nods. There’s a conversation going on behind those dark eyes of his again, and I’d push him to hear his thoughts, but we aren’t in the right place. Still, I’m done repeating past mistakes.

“Here’s what we’re going to do,” I tell him. “We’re going to say hello to Ryan, and I’ll introduce you to his wife, Alex. There’s more for us to discuss, but we won’t do it here. Tomorrow, we have a long flight on a private plane and nothing to interrupt us. I want to hear everything going on inside that head of yours. Got it?”

I reach up to tap his temple lightly with my index finger, and he circles my wrist and presses his lips to my palm.

“I like this side of you.”

“You do?”

“Taking charge. Speaking your thoughts.”

“Yeah, well, that goes both ways. Unless you say what you’re thinking, I can’t possibly know.”

“True.” His gaze roams the festive decorations and the lighted trees clustered in corners. Outside, lights wrap the palm trees. “Why don’t you have any decorations up in your house?”

“Didn’t feel it this season.” In truth, I haven’t decorated since I left our decorations behind in our townhouse. But those decorations weren’t on display in his home. “You didn’t decorate either.”

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