The Loving Daylights

by Lynsay Sands

  "Oh, yes, of course." Jane backed up a step, nearly stumbling over Gran's wheelchair. Abel caught her arm and pulled her to his side as the couple entered the apartment and closed the door.

  "Hello, Maggie. You look beautiful as usual," Ira said with dignity. Taking the handles of her wheelchair, he turned it around and pushed her into the living room, leaving the others to follow.

  "Well," Y said once everyone was seated, "you look like you've come through your ordeal well, Ms. Andretti."

  Edie nodded.

  "I gather you didn't get the job you'd hoped to?" she said to Abel next.

  He shook his head.

  "Good. We happen to have an opening in the accounting department that I think you'd fill nicely."

  "B.L.I.S.S. has an accounting department?" Jane asked with surprise.

  "Everyone has an accounting department," Y said. "Someone has to keep track of expenditures," she pointed out, then turned back to Abel. "We pay well and do what we can to keep employees happy; but of course you can't tell anyone about anything having to do with us and would have to sign a privacy contract. You'll take the job?"

  "Yes," Abel said promptly. "Good. You have the job."

  He blinked. "Just like that? Don't you want references or--?"

  "Dear boy, we investigated you the moment you got involved in the Ensecksi incident. We know more about you than you know about yourself."

  "Oh, yes. Of course," Abel murmured, looking a touch discomfited.

  "It's settled then. Now, on to the reason we came."

  Jane felt herself stiffen. She couldn't think of a single good reason for Y and Mr. Manetrue to be here.

  "We have a problem. A case that needs special agents."

  "Special?" Jane asked uncertainly.

  "An extended family," Mr. Manetrue explained.

  "A husband and wife, and the grandparents of one of them."

  "Yes." Y nodded. "Of course, we don't have many male agents at B.L.I.S.S., but since you three did so well with the Ensecksi case..." She shrugged. "And Ira has offered to play the grandfather."

  "Oh." Jane looked at Abel uncertainly. He wasn't looking happy.

  "Do we have to take it?" he asked finally.

  "Only if you want the position in accounting," she said easily.

  Jane bit her lip, but when Abel groaned she knew he'd agree.

  "Did you hear that, Tinkle?" Gran asked cheerfully. "We're on another case!"

  Abel moaned.

  "I could be extended family. Can I come too?" Edie asked.

  "Dear God!" her brother said.