Covert Affairs

by Rhonda Laurel

  “Can we talk?”

  “Sure.” She furrowed her eyebrows. “Let’s go into my office.”

  Once they were inside, he gently closed the door behind them. “Sis, I have to leave town for a little while. A week or two tops.”

  “What do you mean? You said you’d be home for Thanksgiving.”

  “I did and I will. I have something very important to do and it can’t wait. But I promise you that I won’t break my promise.”

  “What does Theresa have to say about this?”

  “She’s not happy.” That was an understatement. The look of panic and fear on her face were etched into his brain.

  “I can imagine so. I thought you were taking your relationship with her seriously?”

  “You know I am.”

  “Why don’t you act like it?” She put her hand on her hip. “What’s so damn important that you have to put your life on hold again?”

  “It’s complicated,” he said with a stoic look on his face.

  “Trevor Reed, I’ve been a good sister for a long time.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I accepted whatever you told me about why you stay away from home so long, being a photojournalist for a magazine no one’s ever heard of. I’ve accepted what Derek’s told me too. I know you two keep secrets.”

  “Derek’s only doing what I asked.”

  She held up a hand. “I also know you both just want to keep me safe. I’ve come to my own conclusions a while ago that you somehow make the world a safer place. And that’s wonderful. But I have to warn you that while you’re out doing noble deeds, you’re missing out on a love few people have been privileged to experience. As hard as she’s tried, Theresa’s never given up on you. I can forgive you for many things, you’re my brother. But I can’t forgive you for turning your back on true love.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  All Trevor could think to do was put his arms around his sister. She’d been his greatest supporter throughout his life. He couldn’t stand the thought that she believed he was throwing his love for Theresa away. She was right. He was taking one hell of a gamble with Theresa’s heart.

  “Listen to me.” He wiped her tears away. “Reese is it. She’s the one and only one. I had to travel around the world to come to that simple conclusion. I’m not going to throw anything away. I have to go but I will come back to my family. For good this time. Come hell or high water.”

  “You promise?”

  He lifted his pinky. “Pinky promise.”

  “This is as good as a binding written contract.” She linked her pinky around his.

  “I know.”

  “We’re having Thanksgiving at my house.” She sniffed. “I’ll set a place for you.”

  “Thank you for everything over the years. I love you.”

  “I love you too. Be safe.”

  Trevor kissed her on the forehead and walked out of the office. The stakes just kept getting higher.

  * * *

  Trevor sipped on his cup of tea on the terrace of his luxury hotel suite and watched the bustling activity of the city. He’d been in Venice, Italy for a week and was still waiting for a meet with the Gregorians. He dined in posh restaurants, went to ultra-exclusive nightclubs, and drove an obnoxiously expensive sports car around the city all in the name of making his presence known.

  All the spending and flamboyancy wasn’t for naught; he’d found something perfect for Theresa. The breathtaking scenery of the connecting canals and the architecture was normally a treat to see, but he was anxious to get home. He missed her something terrible and wanted to get back to his life. His real life. He hadn’t had one in so long it almost sounded strange. Spending time with Alexis the past few months had ignited the desire to become a parent. He wanted a house filled with the calamity of kids, pets, and stolen moments with Reese while they cooked dinner and planned their summer vacation.

  He swiped at his jaw. Becoming Dante again meant growing the beard back. He’d grown used to being clean-shaven for over a month. It had been difficult becoming Dante again. He’d just been getting accustomed to being Trevor again.

  It had taken on a few days for someone from their organization to contact him and let him know the brothers were in town and were anxious to talk to him.

  He’d spent a glorious couple of months living in the sunlight. He’d confided the truth to Theresa. At least this time she wasn’t wondering where he’d dashed off to. She was fully aware of and feared what he did for a living. Being someone else other than himself made him feel ill at ease.

  He turned when he heard his cell phone. He walked over to see he’d received a text. They’d finally made contact.

  La Plaza Ristorante. Half an hour.

  He whipped out his other cell phone. “Yeah. They made contact. I’m on the move. La Plaza in a half hour.”

  “We’ll be in position. Don’t worry. We have this all worked out.”

  “Rick, if something should happen to me. I need you to tell Theresa that I did my best to get back to her.”

  “Now I have to make sure you live. I suck at giving people bad news.”

  Trevor laughed. “You’re an ass.”

  “You’re going to miss me.”

  “I’m going to miss the friendship, but it’s time to get out of the game. You should think about it too. I’ll be within visual range in fifteen.”

  “Copy that.”

  He went to the nightstand drawer, retrieved his gun and checked his magazine. If everything went as planned, he could get back to Philadelphia and keep his promise to Theresa.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Theresa sipped her wine and tried to mingle, all the while trying to keep a positive attitude. Today was Thanksgiving. It had been a week since she’d talked to Trevor and she was worried. He’d promised he’d be home today, and she expected him to burst through the door while she ate breakfast. Then she listened for him while she got ready. She waited with her new leather jacket with a faux white collar on by the door for forty-five minutes before she got in her car and drove to Derek and Charisma’s. She’d even waited in their lobby another half hour just in case he dashed in while she was getting on the elevator. But still no Trevor.

  So she did what all women did when they were involved with a man who had a dangerous job. She put on a happy face, drank a glass of wine, and mingled with his family, who was just as bewildered as she was about his absence. The only people who weren’t surprised were Derek and Charles. Derek tried to hide his concern, and Charles’s stoic expression and light jokes only made her more nervous. Neither of the men could divulge that they knew he was off doing something that might get him killed.

  Derek and Charisma’s place was nicely decorated, and the aroma of amazing foods filled the air. The Reeds had come out in full force, with the exception of the relatives in Texas. Luckily their massive place could fit a hundred people without a problem. There was activity and conversation all throughout the house, and it was an awesome sight to see. Charisma was walking around putting on the finishing touches, while Derek basted the turkey. Grandma Reed had several pots going while Trina and Dana set the table. Alexis was proudly placing the turkey name cards she’d made on the table with the help of Grandma Debra.

  Still, Theresa was bursting to talk to someone about Trevor. She knew he confided in Charles. He’d said before that his cousin was his lifeline to the real world when he was out on a mission. So here went nothing. She followed Charles into the game room.

  “Charles,” she said in a low voice. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “Always. What’s going on?”

  “Have you heard from Trevor?”

  “Uh.” Charles put the pool balls in the rack. “We talked a couple of weeks ago.”

  “Look.” She checked behind her to make sure no one was coming. “I know I’m not supposed to know anything, but when he left, he said he was going to put something to bed. I need to know if you’ve talked to him. If he’s OK.”

  “No, I ha
ven’t.” He sighed. “But that doesn’t mean anything. He’s been known to go dark when he can’t make contact on a secured line.”

  “I was afraid of that.” She swallowed hard. He could be somewhere injured or worse. There was no way to reach out to him.

  “Theresa, don’t worry. Trevor is good at his job. The things he’s done over the years, most people wouldn’t have the guile or courage to get through, but he has. Trust that he’s coming home to you. I know that it means the world to him to have you back. He’s not going to risk that for anything.”

  “OK.” She nodded stiffly.

  Trina popped her head into the game room. “It’s turkey time.”

  She looked for her name card and was happy to see she was seated next to Trina. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Debra’s refreshing attitude change, but she wanted to eat in peace without having to make conversation with the lady. By some miracle, they hadn’t cornered her yet, but the day was still young. But her heart stopped when she sat down and saw Trevor’s turkey name card in front of the place setting to her left. She looked at Charisma, who’d been bustling around all day. She was a great hostess, but she also had that same glow that she’d had at the club that night. Seeing Trevor’s name only made her yearning for him stronger.

  The conversation was flowing as the dishes were being placed on the table, but she didn’t participate. Thoughts of Trevor consumed her.

  “Theresa?” Dana said.

  She shook herself out of her fretting thoughts. “Yes?”

  “I asked if you could recommend a good time to go to the Caribbean.” Dana rubbed her belly.

  “I would say six to nine months after that little one pops out,” Theresa replied.

  “You and I have a date to put an itinerary together for me. I was thinking about the Dominican Republic. That would be an awesome post-baby girls’ trip.”

  “When was the last time you visited?” Sydney asked.

  “It’s been about five years,” Theresa said. “My mom went to visit her sisters before she got sick. Before that, we would go every other year when my grandmother was living.”

  “I like the idea of a girls’ trip.” Trina beamed. “My friend Celeste raved about one of the resorts, and Theresa could show us where her mom grew up.”

  “I say we coordinate our calendars and discuss after dinner. Maybe we can get the ladies in Texas in on this too,” Alicia said.

  Everyone applauded when Derek came out of the kitchen with his prized turkey on a huge platter. The bird looked big enough to feed everyone in the building.

  “It’s gorgeous.” Charisma moved the cranberries out of the way to make room on the table. “You did a great job.”

  Alexis clapped. “Good job, Daddy!”

  “I had the sexiest sous chef in the world helping me.” Derek put his arm around Charisma and kissed her.

  Theresa could feel the love that radiated between Derek and Charisma. They were a great couple. They loved and cherished each other, never taking each other for granted. She’d wanted that same strong bond with Trevor. Once they took their seats everyone held hands. Grandma Reed was ready to say grace when the doorbell rang.

  “I invited one of my old teammates over.” Derek stood. “Looks like he took me up on my offer.”

  “Hurry back, babe.” Charisma stood too. “I’ll get another place setting.”

  “He can just take the empty seat next to Theresa,” Beverly said.

  She looked at the empty place next to her. The sadness must have shown on her face because Trina gave her a warm hug.

  “No, that’s Trevor’s seat.” Charisma approached with the extra table setting. “He’ll be here. He pinky promised.”

  Theresa felt comforted that Charisma was holding out hope for Trevor too. She closed her eyes and said a little prayer again for his safe return. The sound of Derek coming down the hall with someone got closer to the dining area. She was shocked to see Trevor was with him. She blinked, only half believing it was him. She’d never had a prayer answered that fast in her life.

  “Hi, everybody,” Trevor said, but he only had eyes for Theresa.

  “Trevor.” Theresa’s heart thudded wildly and tears threatened to falls from her eyes. She sprang out of her chair and ran into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

  “I told you I wouldn’t leave you again,” he whispered into her ear as he held her close.

  Charisma clapped. “I knew you’d make it.”

  “I’m sorry I’m late. I—”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Debra said. “You’re here with us now.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “I was telling Charles you just wanted to get out of setting up the tables and chairs.” Robert chuckled. “Glad to have you home.”

  “Trevor baby, have a seat,” Debra said. “We were just getting ready to have dinner.”

  “Can you give me a few minutes? I need to talk to Reese.”

  “There you two go again sneaking off.” Robert laughed.

  “Old habits.” Trevor took her hand.

  Grandma Reed smiled. “Don’t take too long. My stuffing doesn’t taste good lukewarm.”

  “We’ll make it quick,” Theresa said as Trevor led her out of the room.

  Trevor knew he probably should have waited, but screw it, he’d been waiting his whole life to tell Reese all the things he needed to tell her right now. Once the door closed, he kissed her hard. When they finally came up for air, her lipstick was gone, and he wanted to skip dinner and go back to her place.

  “Thank goodness you’re OK,” she whispered. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  “I apologize for not calling. I had to make sure my cover identity was officially dead. I didn’t want anything following me home.”

  “How did you do it?”

  “Let’s just say my friend Rick is fond of explosions. He missed his calling as a pyrotechnics coordinator for a rock band.”

  “Did you do what you set out to do?”

  “Yes. After all the commotion of my staged death, they were able to nab the bad guys and save some people too.”

  “Is it really over?”

  “Yes. Dante Andreas and my intelligence career went up in a spectacular fiery flame.”

  “Dante Andreas?” She wrinkled her nose. “He sounds like a slick-talking womanizer.”

  “He has quite the back story too.”

  “You can tell me about it later. I’m starved, now that my stomach has untied the knots. Let’s get something to eat.”

  “Before we do that.” He dug into his pocket and held up a black velvet box. “There is something I want to give to you.”

  “Oh my.” She put her hands on her cheeks.

  Trevor got down on one knee and opened the ring box. “Theresa, would you do me the honor of making me the happiest man in the world?”

  “Yes! A thousand times yes.” She held out her hand.

  Trevor caressed her hand to stop the trembling and gently slid the engagement ring onto her finger. “This is many years overdue. I want to make a home with you and spend the rest of my life making up for the distance I put between us.”

  She caressed his cheek. “I’d settle for us leaving the past behind and making a pact not to let it happen again.”

  “Deal.”

  She looked around the room. “I left my cell phone in my purse in the other room. I need a pen, paper, and a calendar.”

  “For what?” he asked.

  “We have a wedding to plan.” She shook her head. “I know your family. They’ll want a wedding date, reception location, and a honeymoon destination the instant we open the doors and make the announcement.”

  “We’ll get that all hammered out later, but right now I’m in the mood to celebrate.” He nibbled on her earlobe.

  “Your entire family is on the other side of those doors.”

  “I can be stealthy. I am a former spy after all.” He played with the button on her blouse.

  “And I’m
sure they’re wondering what’s going on. I can see silhouettes next to the frosted door panels.”

  He stared at the silhouettes as if trying to guess who they belonged to. “My money’s on Trina or my mom.”

  She grinned. “Come on.”

  Trevor opened the door only to find the entire family clumsily huddled in an attempt to eavesdrop. “I was wrong.”

  “Well? What going on?” Trina asked.

  Theresa held up her hand to show them the ring. “We’re getting married.”

  “Congratulations!” everyone said at once.

  The family rushed them, giving them hugs and kisses.

  “I knew you two wouldn’t waste time making it official,” Grandma Reed said as she gave them each a good squeeze.

  Trina inspected the ring and gave him a thumbs-up. “Look at the size of that rock. You could signal ships with that thing. I love it. We have to start making the wedding plans after dinner.”

  “We can get the bridal magazines and a few wedding planning books from Reed Bradley tomorrow,” Dana chimed in.

  “I know this lovely bridal shop right down the street where Theresa can get a dress,” Charisma said. “I can see you in a princess style gown.”

  “I’ll speak with Reverend Johnson about presiding over the ceremony,” Trevor’s mother added.

  “Congratulations, son.” Trevor’s father gave his son a bear hug. “Does this mean you’re going to curb the traveling?”

  “Yeah,” Trevor replied. “I think it’s time I came home for good.”

  Beverly was practically dancing with excitement. “We have to get the family in Texas on the phone.”

  Trevor couldn’t help but smile when Theresa gave him a knowing look.

  Sydney hugged her. “Welcome to the family, Theresa.”

  “I’m getting a daughter-in-law.” Debra, who was near tears, embraced Theresa too. “We have to get together and have a nice long talk. I can’t wait for more grandkids.”

  “Mom.” Trevor rubbed the back of his neck.

  “OK, everybody back to your seats,” Grandma Reed ordered. “We may be too excited to eat, but the little one and the mommy-to-be need their nourishment.”