Page 99 of It's Always Been You

“Gabe?”

“Yes.”

“He quit the SEALs before I did. I thought he went private. I was so detached after Caitlin’s death; I didn’t give a shit about anyone,” Travis said with much regret. “Haven’t heard from him in three years.”

“Well, he’s certainly not on the security circuit in DC. You think he went private in South Africa?”

“Who knows?” Travis tipped back his head to finish his coffee. “I’m making you guys breakfast. After that, I want you to catch me up on what’s going on at BSI.”

16

Lockdown didn’t seem sobad. It looked like a house party every day.

Travis was trying not to make her feel isolated and brought most of the BSI activities to the house. It was almost as if they had moved the entire office into their residence. The dining room table was cluttered with files and laptops. There was a buzz of activity and laughter in the past three days. Today wasn’t any different.

Most of the men were out in offsite meetings and only Sam was in the house. Caitlin hadn’t messed with the files since the morning of their return from Iron Ridge. A rebellious streak in her wanted to poke at the bogey man who was lurking in her computer, waiting to see what would jump out. So she’d been using her laptop to search for interior design ideas. She even opened an account on a visual discovery website to organize her home decoration inspirations. And she couldn’t stop.

Em looked up from her laptop. “I just love the latest picture you pinned on yourWalls I Likeboard.”

“Yes, that’s a Venetian plaster finish,” Caitlin said. “Very common in Italy. It’s made from marble dust.”

Em had the glazed-over look.

Huffing impatiently, Caitlin added, “I’ve checked the professionals offering this wall-finish and they’re really expensive.”

“How expensive?”

“At least twenty thousand to do the living room.”

“Just use paint,” Sam interjected dryly. The new recruit leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. “Why in the world would you spend so much on”— he looked around —“three and a half walls.” There was a wide expanse of windows fronting the southwest side of the house.

“Travis can afford it,” Emily pointed out, but she was grinning cheekily.

“Or I can just use the faux plaster from the home improvement store,” Caitlin said.

“Just out of curiosity,” Sam added. “Why is it so expensive?”

“You need several layers to achieve a good depth and texture. That makes it labor intensive.”

The doorbell chimed.

“Are we expecting anyone?” Sam asked. He cautiously walked to the door.

“That’s Beatrice,” Caitlin said, returning her attention to her computer. “She’s bringing in some swatches for the furniture,” she said it matter-of-factly, but knew Sam had rolled his eyes. She stole a look at Emily, whose eyes were sparkling with mirth, but was obviously trying to keep a straight face.

Poor Sam. He must think he was guarding a ninny instead of a woman who used to hack for the CIA.

Beatrice swept through the door and shoved a couple of binders at Sam. “Thanks, Sam.” She stopped at the edge of the dining table, resting a hand on Emily’s chair. “Caitlin, you should just hire an interior decorator. I had to use all my charm so they’d let me take home those binders.”

“They’re too expensive,” Caitlin muttered.

“Says the girl who wants twenty thousand dollar walls,” Emily piped in.

“What? Are you out of your mind?” Beatrice shrieked.

“My sentiments exactly,” Sam murmured.

Caitlin glared at Sam before spinning her laptop around so Beatrice could take a look at what she envisioned.

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