Page 26 of French Escapade

Élodie

Inever get anxious before a mission. I did the first few times, when I was still in the police academy, but not since. With experience, I came to understand that my training and the work we put into the preparation of our operations reduce our risks. We take chances, but we know what we’re doing.,

Tonight, however, everything is different. I’m hitting the ground running without much prep work or a team. My backup is comprised of three men I had yet to meet when I got out of bed this morning.

I can only rely on myself. Even though I know Kenneth, Jimmy and Ted are trained, I don’t think they are used to this sort of mission. That’s what scares me the most.

I hope they were sincere when they promised to not go in guns blazing. I would hate to have to explain to my boss that I’m responsible for a bloodbath.

That is why, for the first time since forever, I’m nervous. And Ken seems to notice, since, as we leave the car, he asks again, “Are you okay?”

There’s something about the way he looks at me. When he asks something, he means it. He really wants an answer. He doesn’t only pay attention to the words spoken, he looks for the answer in my eyes.

“I…I can’t wait to get started. I don’t want to overthink …”

He nods. But if I’m tense, it’s nothing compared to what he’s been dealing with for a few days. Of course he’s very worried about his sister.

I get that he’s been taking care of her since their parents passed. I think it’s admirable, given that, when it happened, he was at an age when young men are more inclined to party than to babysit a younger sibling. And then he has this job that forces him to travel to foreign countries on a regular basis.

“Are you cold?” he asks, noticing me shivering.

It is true that I’m only wearing a dress with a light shawl, and the April night is not that warm.

I would have loved to offer my jacket to you.”

“But you’re going to need it in a minute to enter the building. Don’t worry, I’ll get in soon enough, and I’m sure I’ll warm up quickly.”

I arrange the shawl, but it drops from my shoulder. Before I have a chance to react, Ken catches the material and puts it back in place. The tips of his fingers touch my skin, and suddenly I’m not cold anymore. This short contact troubles me more than it should.

Come on, Élodie, now is not the time.

Two minutes before the beginning of a risky operation is no time to lose my cool because this extremely handsome man has barely touched me.

Get a grip, girl!

But, instead of moving his hand away, Ken lays it on my shoulder. The palm of his hand almost sets me on fire.

“Élodie, I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but I wanted to thank you for—”

I cut him short. “You can thank meafterwe get Madison back in one piece.”

My abrupt answer seems to surprise him. He takes a step back, no longer touching me. I’m relieved and disappointed.

I understand that he must be confused by my behavior. One moment, I’m friendly and kidding around with him, a little while later I’m rough and distant.

I give him a tentative smile, and he smiles back.

“Sorry, I’m a bit anxious.”

That’s new as well. I never share the way I feel with anyone. It’s not who I am. Probably because of my education. My father is not much of a talker, and not one to have a heart to heart conversation with anyone. And then I’ve never had many friends, and none with whom I felt safe enough to share my thoughts.

So why am I suddenly ready to confide in this man who is almost a stranger to me? I don’t know. Maybe because there is something reassuring in his eyes and in the way he talks to me.

He’s about to say something when Ted, who was searching for god knows what in the bags in the trunk, declares, “Well it’s time to get this show on the road, don’t you think?”

I see Jimmy discreetly putting something metallic in the inside pocket of his vest.

This is my cue to not pay attention to what they are doing.

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