Page 128 of Once a Hero

Jake.

“How did they let you in?” Beatrice asked.

“Your brother invited me.”

“Why?”

“I asked him if he would let me date his little sister.” Jake lifted Beatrice’s free hand—the other was still clutching the hardcover book—and gently kissed the back of her hand.

“I don’t need his permission,” Beatrice said sweetly. Inside, she was pleased that Jake had respected her brother enough to check in with him.

“How did you contact him?”

“Your dad gave me his number.”

“My dad?” Beatrice almost said she also didn’t need Dad’s permission to date. “I thought he was in WITSEC.”

“Yes, but he’s advising the FBI Art Crime Team on stolen World War II art pieces, so I got a message to him.”

“What did he say?”

“That he’s been out of your life for so long that he didn’t feel he had the right to approve or disapprove.”

“I don’t need his approval either.”

“He connected me to your brother.” He rubbed the back of Beatrice’s hand with his thumb.

“What did my brother say?” Beatrice knew his brother wanted the best for her.

“He said, ‘Haven’t you been together already?’ I told him that was for work.”

“We kissed on company time?” Beatrice rolled her eyes.

“Today I’m not on company time. Speaking of work, I bring you news from Stella. Your conversation with 819A yielded a treasure trove of data that goes a long way to protect national security. Your country thanks you.”

“I’m glad to serve.” It paid well, but that was part of the deal. And besides, she also achieved her goal of getting the Japanese puzzle box for Benjamin to add to his vast collection of puzzles.

“We handed the Libya information to the CIA, and they took care of it.” That was all Jake said but Beatrice didn’t ask for more information.

“You could have emailed or texted me regarding all that.”

“I wouldn’t be able to do this if I weren’t here in person.” Jake gently pulled Beatrice toward him.

She leaned against his chest. Feeling his warmth. Listening to his heartbeat.

They were silent for a while.

Then they were talking about work again.

“What are you doing these days?” Jake asked.

Beatrice wondered why he came all the way here to ask her about her work.

“I’m thinking of putting my doctorate to good use. Teach at some local colleges or lecture at museums about World War II artifacts and such.”

“Not much traveling there?” Jake’s eyes were on hers.

“Only every now and then. And certainly no undercover work. You? When do you go incommunicado again?”

---