Page 49 of Code Name: Tank
She chuckled and rested her head on my shoulder. “There haven’t been many times in my life when I didn’t want to get back to work. It always felt safer, I guess. Or more comfortable.”
“And now?”
She looked over her shoulder at the camp. “This place feels like heaven, and I never want to leave.” She shook her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever said anything like that, either.”
As we drove around the lake to the compound, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the peaceful bubble we’d been living in for the last couple of days was about to burst, and I had no idea what we’d be facing when it did.
16
DRAGON
The distant sound of rotor blades approaching Friday afternoon jarred me back into reality. Through the trees, we could see a black helicopter heading toward the compound’s helipad. I hadn’t seen Flint yet since we returned, but with James’ arrival, I knew I wouldn’t be able to avoid him much longer.
“Reality calling,” I said with a sigh.
Tank brought my hand to his lips for a quick kiss. “Let’s get this over with.”
Ten minutes later, we walked into the command center just as Hartwell arrived. Alice was already there, looking more tired than usual. I should’ve thought to offer to help her yesterday, knowing Flint wouldn’t. Then again, with the other women here, they probably wouldn’t have let her overdo it. Atticus looked up from his work area and winked, then wriggled his eyebrows, looking between Tank and me.
I just shook my head and chuckled.
“Thank you all for accommodating my visit,” James said as we assembled in the conference room. “I hope I’m notinterrupting your holiday weekend, but the situation has escalated significantly.”
He turned to me with a warm smile. “Piper, I heard your mother and her new husband took that cruise to Alaska. I hope you had a wonderful holiday as well.”
“I did, thanks,” I said simply, not elaborating on the best couple of days of my life with Tank’s family. Especially when Flint came in and took a seat.
“The fund diversions are escalating. Treasury needs regular updates on your findings. As fast as you can work. These thefts are impacting defense readiness.” He looked at me. “I’d like you to send me your analysis directly. Don’t wait for formal reports.”
“Any specific timeline?” Tank asked.
“Treasury’s getting pressure from Congress and the Pentagon about these losses. I need to stay close to this investigation so I can provide real-time updates to leadership.”
“There’s a nice hotel in Lake Pleasant,” Alice offered. “About fifteen minutes away. I can make arrangements.”
“That would be perfect, thank you.”
The meeting felt routine, what I’d expected, except why did he come here rather than doing this via videoconference?
“Any questions?” Hartwell asked.
“You wanted a briefing on PSI,” I reminded him.
“Right. Forward that at your earliest convenience.” He looked around the table, but avoided looking at Flint. “Anything else?”
“Seems straightforward,” Tank said when no one else spoke. “We continue our investigation, with updates straight to Treasury.”
“I’m glad we understand each other.”
After he left and everyone else left the conference room—including Flint, who stormed out more than walked—Tank and I sat quietly for a moment.
“Well, that was painless,” Tank said. “Hartwell seems like a straight shooter.”
When he rested his arm on the table, I wanted to reach over and put my hand on his. Instead, I gathered my things and stood. “I, uh, should get back to work.”
“Me too.” He reached to open the door, and our eyes met. The awareness between us was undeniable now.
“Dragon,” Tank said, pausing. “I’m glad it’s you I’m working with on this.”
