Deadly Interpretations

by Andie Alexander

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t think it was in my control.”

  “No, it wasn’t and we’re very happy for everything you did remember,” he said. “I’m to tell you that Brian’s father is very grateful to you for finding his son. I think he wants to reward you.”

  I didn’t want his money, or he’d probably put it all over the news, showing my face and bandages. “No thanks. I just want to hide under the radar and not be seen.”

  “That’s my Harley.” He grinned and kissed my cheek. “Also, we’ve gotten more information on the pen. Dieter sent Billy in to find you when you got to New York. It was no accident that he retrieved your purse at that diner, or that he’s been keeping you around. He was the go-between for the Saudis and Dieter’s terrorists.”

  “I hate being used.”

  “It’s kind of complex, but this is what we’ve found out. Linus Wu, who you met while in Geneva, didn’t like the Chinese taking control of Hong Kong, so he infiltrated the government and stole nuclear codes. He gave the codes to Dieter through various channels, who gave them to Billy to sell to the highest bidder at the United Nations. The Saudis wanted the codes to make the Chinese start a war, and were using Ali to get the codes for his own government.”

  “And he was killed for it, too,” I said.

  “He was? That was the reason?”

  I nodded, remembering the conversation Boris had with his guards at the soda machine. “He was trying to sell the information about the stolen nuclear bombs to the Chinese. Boris found out about it and killed Ali, then used the Chinese car for the dump.”

  “Just like we suspected, but now it explains why. If the Chinese started a war, all of the Middle East would be justified in fighting back, giving them a common enemy. You were the go-between and had no idea it was happening. I guess Boris wanted in on the action, making Ali angry, and getting himself killed. According to Sami, Boris pulled him in after the party at Boris’ house, since he was so curious about what was going on. They used Elizabeth’s death to guarantee he’d be loyal to them. Sami began stealing the codes for Boris and not the Saudis. With Russia having the codes, it was insurance that China would help bomb the United States, even though the Russians were going to retaliate against China anyway.”

  “So I was involved but didn’t know it? Can I be charged with treason for something I knew nothing about?”

  “No. You’ve been cleared, because you’ve helped us thwart the entire threat. You’re free to go about your business, but we’re going to protect you for what you’ve done. You’ve saved millions of lives, and everyone is deeply grateful.”

  I sighed. “So I guess I’m going undercover now.” Goodbye old life.

  “Yes, you need to.” He kissed my cheek. “But, speaking of protection, Felix sends his best. One of those bouquets over there is from him.” He pointed toward the dozens of flowers.

  “Felix?” I said. “But he’s dead. I saw him shot with my own eyes.”

  “No, he was wearing a bullet-proof vest. We couldn’t tell you, because we were afraid you’d give it away. He’s fine and hiding out with his wife right now in Berlin.”

  “My how time flies.” I stared back at the flowers. “Who else sent flowers?”

  “Every man you’ve ever met, pretty much, other than the evil ones. Pablo’s men, Brian and his father, all the guards at the United Nations, all the male interpreters, Kent, the men at the DHS underground offices, all the men who were in your apartment, every male agent for the FBI, I swear—”

  “Okay, I get it.”

  “And even Claus.”

  “Claus?” I asked. “I thought he was dead?”

  “No, he was hiding in Portugal, working underground with MI6. He knows what you’ve done and wants to talk to you again. I think he wants to date you and have you work with him.”

  “No. I’m done with him and all of them.” I looked at Jim’s face. “I’m ready to move on.”

  “Good.” He leaned closer and kissed my forehead. “I’ve told you about all the flowers except for the huge one from me, with a dozen red roses for my sweetheart, since you seemed to like roses.”

  I tried to smile but felt tears in my eyes. “Thank you. Those are the most important ones anyway.” I looked down at his white coat. “Nice disguise. Do they know who you really are?”

  “Yep. I’m your doctor. I was just talking to the neurologist when you woke up. He did tests on your head and thinks you’ll be fine.”

  “Wait. You’re my doctor? Can I get a second opinion?” That was a nasty comment and I covered my mouth as soon as I said it. I’d made a deal and was going to try to be nicer. I had to remember that.

  He leaned closer with a grin. “I thought you said doctors were hot?”

  I moved my hand, certain I was blushing. “Well, yeah, if you’re talking about what I said back at the kidnapping house. But I was also in a lot of pain at the time.”

  He laughed and kissed my cheek. “You’re such a bad liar.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. You know, when we were fake dating, a lot of things were said and I’m not going to hold you to any of them. You were just doing your job and I know it. So, you can go save the world or something. You really don’t need to stick around here. I’ll be fine.”

  He lifted my hand to his lips. “You’re my job, sweetheart. I told you that last Thursday when we met, and I meant it.” He reached into his pocket with a nonchalant grin. “As a matter of fact, how would you like to be my job for the rest of your life?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  He opened a dark blue box in front of me, with a beautiful and very large golden diamond ring positioned in the center of it.

  “Diamonds Are Forever,” I whispered.

  “Uh-huh.” But he didn’t sound amused at my Bond title. “Marry me?” he asked.

  I couldn’t believe this. “You can’t be serious. I’d be a terrible wife. I’m nasty.”

  “Not at all. You’re honest and I can see that wall is breaking down in your heart. I love you and know you really do love me. You told me that every time we tried to wake you up, even apologizing for being so mean to me.”

  “So you really are The Spy Who Loved Me?”

  He laughed. “I’m going to let that title slide. The answer is yes, I am. We’re meant for each other, and I’ve known that for a long time.” He leaned closer and his blue eyes pierced through to my heart. “Besides, you have to go undercover now, because Boris and Mr. Wing, at least, want you dead. It seems you foiled their plots and may have killed Natasha Yuropov, the most well-known woman in all of Russia.”

  I shook my head. “But I didn’t kill her. I found her body that was starting to decay.”

  “We know that, but the Russian government is telling their people it was you, instead of her own husband who had her killed. They can’t ruin Boris’ reputation.”

  I felt my eyebrows lift in surprise. “Boris did it?”

  “He had Georgi do it, according to Georgi’s story, and it broke his heart to kill his lover, but it was like a punishment. We’ve been monitoring the chatter, and your name is popping up everywhere. Now, if you’re not married, and have no attachments, DHS will be forced to send you somewhere no one can find you, and you’ll live under guard, alone. But, say, if you were married—”

  “I understand and I’ll marry you.”

  He frowned. “You don’t sound very convincing. I can always take back the offer.” He slipped the ring back in his pocket.

  I couldn’t let this happen. “I do love you.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “More than I’ve ever loved anyone. You’re perfect, but I’m not sure if I’m right for you. Also, you can’t marry clients or you’ll lose your job and Rufus will get you back. Does that make sense?”

  “More than you know.” He kissed me and moved closer to my face. “I know all of that’s true, too, and just wanted you to be honest. Just know that I love you and have never had such open communication with any woman ever befor
e, even if it’s not pleasant. You’re one of a kind, Harley.”

  “You’re such a charmer,” I said with a grin. “I’ll marry you on one condition.”

  “Name it.”

  “I’m in charge.”

  “No, equals.”

  I shrugged. “Good enough, I guess.”

  “Deal.” He took the ring from his pocket and slipped it on my finger. “I can get a justice of the peace in here to marry us right now, if you want.” He glanced down at my clothes. “You’re even wearing white.”

  I laughed as I looked down at my hospital gown. “I guess so. Sure, get the guy and then I’ll be safe, right?”

  His smile warmed my heart. “We’ll see. You still have me to contend with.”

  “Yes, but there’ll never be a dull moment. It’s the golden prize, and no man would ever stack up to you. I’d never be happy again, unless you were there, you know.”

  “It’s the tux and the Hippocratic oath, isn’t it?”

  “No, it’s what’s inside. You have a heart of gold, Dr. Bond, and I mean that. Once you get past the tough exterior, you’re a teddy bear.”

  “Furry and fluffy?”

  “Yep.” I looked down at the ring on my finger, glistening in the light. “Now, does this make me a Bond girl?”

  He tilted his head with a grin. “Sure does.”

  “Oh, James,” I said in my sweetest voice. “Just don’t make me appear naked at the opening credits.”

  He laughed and caressed my cheek. “Never. You’ll only be naked with me, and that’s for my eyes only.”

  “Close enough to a movie title for me.”

  He leaned down and kissed me, then stood up and waltzed out the door to get the justice of the peace. I saw my single life fly away, to be replaced with a happily married one. He was a good guy, and I could start to be nice to him…or not. Only time would tell.

  Thank you!

  Thank you for reading ‘Deadly Interpretations.’

  I hope you enjoyed it.

  ~~~~~

  Visit Andie Alexander at www.andiealexander.com for more books,

  or go to www.sweettalebooks.com to see all her pen names’ books.

  She writes as every author on that website, covering various genres.

  ~~~~~

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  About the Author

  Andie Alexander resides in Wisconsin with her husband, three adult children, and various pets.

  Find her books at www.andiealexander.com. All of her pen names’ books are located at www.sweettalebooks.com. She writes as all names on that website.