Page 21 of It's Always Been You

“But your interviews—” an annoyed, but sweet female voice spoke over the phone.

“Re-schedule the interviews for tomorrow after lunch.”

“The security brief is due tomorrow afternoon.”

Travis cursed. “All right. Have Shephard interview them.”

There was a long pause.

“That’s so unlike you, Travis. You’re always hands-on.”

“Things are about to change; I trust your man to get things done.”

“Beatrice won’t be pleased.”

“Look, we’ll discuss this when you drop the files. Give Shephard a heads up.”

There was a sigh and then, “Fine. I’ll see you in an hour.”

Travis finished cutting the bread and gestured for Caitlin to take a seat. “Dig in, babe.”

“Looks like I’m infringing on your time for work.” She tried to act nonchalant about it and speared a couple of the fluffy morsels on her plate. Travis knew how to make proper scrambled eggs.

Travis frowned at her as he slid the bread cutting board toward her. “Just need to shuffle things around. It’s time I delegated anyway.”

Caitlin nodded. “Did I used to know her?”

“Emily?”

“Yes.”

“No. I hired her after I started the business. Her husband Edward Shephard was a buddy of Nate’s, and no, you didn’t know Ed either.”

“Who did I know, then?”

“Nate. A couple of my SEAL buddies like Gabe. My parents and sister.”

Caitlin inhaled sharply. “Your parents?”

“Well . . . yeah,” Travis replied. His eyes turned cautious, like he was watching for signs of a freak out. “I told Emily to keep a lid on your return. Give you a chance to adjust before springing my family on you.”

She released the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “Thanks.”

“My family loved you, Caitlin,” Travis whispered, his hand closing over hers. “They will again. Don’t worry about it.”

For a few minutes, all that was heard was the tinkling of silverware as both of them contemplated this change in both their lives. At least, that was what Caitlin was thinking. What would she do? Play housewife? Somehow she knew that would drive her crazy. She was good with computers and code. She could learn a new programming language and get a job.

“Caitlin, I was approached by the CIA early this morning.”

She nearly choked on a piece of bread. Travis cursed and patted her back while she took a gulp of water.

“Sorry for dropping that on you,” Travis said. “There’s no other way to segue into it except—”

“That’s okay,” Caitlin laughed. “I was just unprepared for the sudden shift in topic. What did they want?”

“They believe that Komarov is after you.”

“I don’t have what he needs. If he thinks I can get his money for him, I can’t. I don’t remember how to access it.”

---