Page 12 of Code Name: Tank
“Sophisticated financial fraud confirmed.”
“Has to be.” I closed my tablet as we pulled into the hotel parking lot.
“Tank,” I said as we sat in the parked car. “There’s something else. The thieves are getting more confident. The theft methods at Apex show they’re taking bigger risks than they did at Titan.”
His brow furrowed. “What does that mean?”
“They’re confident now. They tested their methods at Titan, refined them, and hit Apex harder. That suggests they’re planning more thefts.”
“I need to compile the evidence and coordinate with Admiral for tomorrow’s briefing,” he said without looking at me when he arrived at his door—which, coincidentally, was next to mine again. “I’ll probably order room service and work late.”
“Of course. Another early flight tomorrow,” I replied, trying to sound unaffected. “Get some rest when you can, right?”
“Yep. Night, Dragon.”
“Good night.”
I closed my door and stood just inside the empty room, aware of how quiet it was. After hours of constant coordination and conversation, the isolation felt jarring.
Was I imagining his aloofness? Yesterday, he’d suggested dinner together, and I’d been looking forward to it more than I should have. Tonight, he’d made it clear he wanted to work alone. Maybe I was being paranoid, but the shift in his demeanor felt deliberate.
I settled at the desk with my laptop, attempting to organize my notes into coherent briefing materials. But concentrationproved elusive as Tank’s voice filtered through the shared wall during what was most likely a call with Admiral.
By twenty-one hundred hours,the confined space had become stifling. I changed into jeans and a casual sweater, grabbed my key card, and headed downstairs. If Tank wanted distance, fine. I’d eat alone and give myself space to think.
The hotel bar was dimly lit, with only a few other patrons scattered throughout—business travelers nursing drinks while working on laptops and a couple having a quiet conversation near the windows. I chose a table in the corner, where I could review my notes without interruption.
I’d just pulled out my tablet when a familiar voice made me look up.
“Dragon?”
Tank stood near the entrance, holding a tumbler of what looked like bourbon. He’d changed into jeans like I had and carried his tablet at his side.
“Tank, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
For a moment, he seemed to consider retreating. His attention shifted between me and the exit, and I could see him weighing his options.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked, approaching my table. “Unless you prefer eating alone.”
The request surprised me, but I motioned to the open chair. “Please, sit.”
He settled across from me. “No work to do?” he asked.
“Too much on my mind to concentrate. I thought a change of scenery might help me settle my thoughts.”
“I know what you mean.”
“What about you?” I asked.
“Finished sooner than expected.” He didn’t seem relieved about it.
The server appeared, but I hadn’t even taken a look at the menu. I scanned it quickly, found something passable, then waited while Tank did the same.
After she left, he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Earlier today, you seemed more comfortable with me.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “But I got the impression it unsettled you.”
