Page 46 of Clear Blue Sky

“Don’t forget to copy me.” Lake collected the bassinet and all the other baby items.

Nelson walked to their vehicle, checking the surroundings. Jared had promised that both local and state would be driving by his place, as well as Lake’s house. “Text me when you get home.”

“Take care of my sister.” Lake stretched out his arm.

“You have my word.” Nelson stood in the driveway and watched Lake pull out onto Assembly Point. Turning, he strolled down the path. He locked the front door and headed back to the kitchen where he found Brandi sitting at the island with her laptop open. “I take it you’re already constructing that email to Marcus.”

“I’m going to schedule now so we don’t have to worry about it.”

“Good idea.” He snagged a water bottle from the fridge. “Are you almost done?”

She closed the computer. “Yes,” she said with a heavy sigh.

“What’s the matter?”

“I hate to admit it, but I’m scared.”

He took her into his arms. “So am I.”

11

“Ihate waiting.” Brandi checked her watch. “He’s fifteen minutes late.” She lifted her water glass and sipped before glancing around the restaurant. “Nelson is always punctual. Actually, he’s always early. He says that’s a military trait. I would think Marcus is the same way.”

“I’m sure he is,” Lake said. “Nelson mentioned Marcus might play games with us, so I’m also not surprised.”

“He’s probably sneaking around, doing recon—that’s what the military would call it.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I’m worried he might know Tristan Reid’s a trooper.” It took all the discipline in the world not to look over her shoulder at Tristan. He’d planted himself at the bar with a friend. She had no idea who he was or if he was a trooper too. It didn’t matter.

The bases had been covered.

Somewhere at the table, Nelson had planted a bug. She didn’t know where it was, and she didn’t want to know.

“Here he comes,” Lake said.

Her heart crawled up her esophagus and landed in the center of her throat. Every time it beat, it closed off her airways and she thought she would suffocate to death.

Dramatic? Perhaps.

It was as if she were about to land in the climactic scene of one of the books she edited.

“I’m so sorry. I had to take care of some family business.” Marcus strolled up to the table, stretching out his arm. “You must be Lake Grant. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well,” Lake said. “Please, have a seat.” He waved his hand in the air and nodded in the direction of Veronica. “What would you like to drink?”

“Whatever you’re having is fine.” Marcus leaned over the table and clasped his hands.

“Two beers on tap and a glass of rose,” Lake said. “Along with a sampler of appetizers to start.”

“I’ll bring the drinks right over and put in the food order.” Veronica nodded.

“You didn’t have to order any food on my account,” Marcus said. “I thought I mentioned that my time is limited and I can’t stay too long.”

Brandi squeezed her fingers together. He had not stated anything of the sort. Not to mention it was unprofessional, considering he’d been pushing to have a discussion with her face-to-face.

“Then we should get down to business,” Lake said.

A brief moment of silence passed while Veronica placed the drinks on the table before scurrying away.

“I have to admit that I was surprised Brandi called this meeting.” Marcus lifted his beer. “She’d been so adamant that I go back to the drawing board on my manuscript and that I make all those adjustments before there was any chance of a dialogue.”

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