security and the internet in some capacity. Thinking of the businesses on his route, he automatically prioritized them, starting with the prime targets. The two banks for sure, but he could see the value in targeting the investment group and a nationally recognized architectural firm, too.
“Three suspects were under surveillance,” Casey continued, “but one suspect, a man we believe was instrumental in the key’s development, has suddenly disappeared from the Los Angeles area. The files and everything related to the program have vanished from all databases in the DC lab.”
“Am I being relocated?” The flicker of regret at leaving Durango—and Charly—surprised him. His SEAL training had made him innately qualified for action in this kind of rugged terrain.
“No. You sit tight. This is a nationwide alert. What we don’t have yet is hard intel on the location of the key. Photos of the missing suspect and full details will be emailed to you. Keep the information secure and notify me at once if you spot anything that relates to this alert.”
“Sit tight,” Will echoed. “Does that mean you don’t want me to act?”
Casey hesitated. “You are authorized to take whatever action is necessary to protect civilians or recover the Blackout Key. This breach cannot go public. We can’t allow it to reach the black market, either.”
“Copy that.”
The line went dead, and a moment later a knock sounded at the door. He set the phone to vibrate and pushed it into his back pocket. When he opened the door, the rich aroma of hot pizza spiced the air.
Charly smiled at him over the big square box. Her long hair, usually pulled back from her face in a braid or ponytail, was down tonight. It fell like a thick midnight curtain across her shoulders and lower, brushing the gentle curve of her breasts highlighted by the deep V of her light green sweater. His breath caught and his stomach growled.
“Sounds like I’m just in time.” Her lips gleamed with a soft sheen, and she’d added some subtle touch that made her big brown eyes wider, more... It hit him suddenly—she’d applied makeup. For him. He liked it.
“You look great,” he said, stepping back so she could come inside. She looked more delicious than any meal. He reminded himself they were friends. The smart play was to take it slow. His assignment was long-term and he didn’t want to make the wrong move and alienate her—or anyone else.
While she settled the pizza in the kitchen, he pulled down plates and offered her a choice of the locally crafted beers he’d picked up.
His phone hummed, and he pulled it out. A quick check of the display confirmed it was the expected information from Casey.
“Problem?”
“Not tonight,” he said, raising his glass to hers for a toast. “Let’s eat.”
The next morning, under a cloudless blue sky, Charly parked her truck behind the store and slid the key into the back door. Stepping inside, she silenced the alarm system and locked the door behind her. At just past seven, she still had two full hours before Tammy arrived.
She sighed happily. Two full hours to enjoy the sweet high resulting from the combination of an interesting evening with a sexy man and a perfect morning hike through crisp winter air.
It had been a bit more challenging than she’d anticipated getting out of bed after the impromptu double feature at Will’s place. The beer and pizza had been impeccable accompaniment for the loud, over-the-top action flick they’d started with. But his unexpected admission that he had a weakness for Disney films had forced her to test his honesty. She’d woken up with random lyrics and lines from The Little Mermaid playing in her head.
Along with the memory of his face—so solemn—when he’d said the film had been required viewing during his navy training. She’d laughed in complete disbelief over both parts of his wild claim.
Oh, he undoubtedly had the well-honed body of a warrior, but she couldn’t fathom any reason a navy veteran would settle in Colorado. She’d blurted out the observation and listened, entertained by his colorful explanation of having had his fill of endless oceans and major waterways.
Whatever the reason, she was more than glad he was part of her landscape now. “You’ve got it bad,” she scolded herself while she started a pot of coffee. A few dates was way too soon to be this enthralled over any man, but especially irresponsible when the man was new to town.
Still, she’d wanted to spin in a happy circle as she left his place last night, after he’d asked her for a pool game rematch at the pub tonight. This was almost like having a boyfriend, though they hadn’t really discussed it in those terms.
She suffered another nearly deflating moment thinking the feelings were only on her side, but then she remembered the way he’d looked at her when she left last night. There’d been a certain chemistry—or at least something that felt distinctly warmer than friendship in his clear blue eyes.
Catching her reflection in the glass of the half door between the storefront and the back room, she wondered what Will saw when he looked at her. She paused, taking stock. With her hair pulled back from her face, a company ball cap on her head and only a sweep of mascara, she felt plain. Bland.
Not ugly, just...unfinished. Unpolished was the better word. But she had no intention of changing her habits. Makeup didn’t go well with her career, though Will had seemed to approve of her effort in that area last night. She wasn’t sugar and spice and everything curvy and nice like other women. A total tomboy, she’d spent her youth proving she could keep up with the nature-loving men in her life instead of embracing the critical differences that made her a woman, from chewing tobacco—once, on a dare—to splitting wood every winter. It was simply who she was. She wouldn’t change for any man, no matter how hot and ripped or funny or intriguing. With an irritated huff for letting anything as silly as a reflection erode her good mood, she pushed through the door and into the storefront.
She hit the power button for the computers, then went out and took a quick stock of the displays. Tammy had everything neatly organized, and while she might not be a big fan of the great outdoors, she was an asset here in the shop.
“Here’s hoping she’s that efficient with spreadsheets, schedules and financials.”
Charly filled a tall mug with coffee and returned to her desk, the same simple and scarred desk her father and grandfather had used. Now it was hers. Feeling connected to all they’d handed down to her, she started on the email.
She discarded the obvious spam and answered the easy ones before dealing with the rest of it. Inquiries ranged from advertising offers to shipping confirmations. A new shipment of ball caps was scheduled to arrive today, and she smiled when she saw they were coming by the US Postal Service. She’d make herself available to sign for that package when the hunky new mailman delivered it.
The time slipped away as she dealt with necessities and soon she heard the security system chiming as someone came in the back door. Her eyes went to the little monitor perched on the corner of her desk that kept an eye on the back entrance. Tammy and Clint.
Well, that should keep spirits high around here today. Charly stood up, stretching her arms and grabbing her empty coffee cup to go greet them.
After
