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“Does that mean you’ve come up with a different idea?” he asked.
“Not necessarily. More, I was thinking Schön could help.”
Both turned in my direction.
“Of course,” I said. “What can I do?”
“If Magnet agrees, I can show you how to apply the hair dye.”
When I glanced at Magnet, my heart sank and I felt nauseated. Horror was the best word to describe his expression, as if the idea of my assistance was the last thing he’d ever agree to.
“I, uh, don’t think that will work,” I said, brushing around the two of them. Once in the hallway, I found the closest lavatory and ducked inside, thankfully before anyone saw the tears that threatened to fall.
I grabbed a tissue and blotted my eyes, hoping to keep the mascara from smearing underneath them. Once I felt as though I’d gotten my emotions under control, I turned my back to the mirror and rested against the sink’s counter.
Why did Magnet want to replace Michelangelo on this op if the idea of me helping with his disguise caused him so much distress? There was really only one logical explanation. He’d been forced to accept my assignation to the Albanian task force, and now that we were about to work an actual op together, he realized he couldn’t abide it.
As much as I hated to do what I knew was my only option, I left the lavatory and went in search of Nemesis.
“Schön? Is everything all right?” she asked when I approached.
“Can we speak privately?”
She stood and motioned for me to follow her. I was relieved when she stopped at the door to the library rather than suggest we speak in the solarium.
“What’s wrong?” she asked after closing the door behind us.
“As much as I’ve appreciated your willingness to honor my uncle’s request to assign me to one of the coalition’s task forces, I think we both know it isn’t a good fit.”
She motioned to a chair, and we took a seat. “I know nothing of the kind. What’s this about?”
I’d hoped she’d accept my pronouncement and wish me well, not ask me why I’d said it. “As I said, I appreciate the opportunity you so graciously offered me. However, I am not qualified to carry out the objectives of the upcoming op.”
She sat back in her chair. “I disagree. You are more than qualified, Schön.”
My eyes scrunched. “Ma’am, please. Baissier will not be upset if I look for something else to do.”
“This has nothing whatsoever to do with your uncle. Now, what’s therealproblem?”
“I don’t believe the Albanian task force commander shares your confidence in my qualifications.”
This time, she raised a brow. “Is that right?”
“No, it is not right.” I hadn’t heard the door open or Magnet step inside, but I certainly heard him slam it closed.
“Ugh,” I groaned inwardly, wishing Nemesis had locked the door.
“Magnet, can you give us a moment, please?” Nemesis asked.
“I will not. If Schön intends to leave the task force, it is her duty to inform me, the commander.”
Nemesis turned to me. “He’s right. If your decision is to leave, you must follow the chain of command. I have no doubt you know this, Schön.”
I lowered my gaze. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Fix this,” I heard her snap at Magnet on her way out of the library. I glanced over my shoulder and saw him close the door behind her.
“Schön—”