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Gideon came to the end of his story, briefly describing his work at DGSE and then how he left the organization to join a private security team. And then he’d gotten a call that had changed his life.
He sent her an encouraging look, leaving it up to her to tell them about what had happened at the US Embassy in Paris.
She made her account as brief and unemotional as she could. Both Ash and Serena had seen brutality up close and personal. She didn’t need to embellish the facts. They could read between the lines.
Tears streamed down Serena’s face at the telling, then she smiled brilliantly. “And Gideon’s the one who rescued you?”
“Yes.”
“What happened to the lowlife responsible for all that?” Ash asked.
“He’s in a maximum-security prison in Terre Haute, Indiana.”
“With no chance of parole, I assume,” Ash said.
“None,” Eve answered with a slight smile.
“So how did you two finally end up as partners?” Serena asked. “I mean, you guys were together long before you came to OZ.”
“I was in a bad place after everything that happened. I received a get-well card that included the website for the Carmichael Group.”
“I remember you did some work for them, Gideon,” Ash said.
“Yeah. Eve came on board, and she was a natural. I was her trainer.” He shrugged, adding, “We clicked.”
“But you never knew your connection until the dirt bike accident?” Ash asked Eve.
“No,” Eve said.
“And you were working for her father?” Serena asked Gideon, a gleam of accusation in her pretty eyes.
Before Eve could jump in to defend Gideon, he shook his head. “It’s more complicated than that, but in a way, yes, I was employed by the king.”
“It’s okay, Serena,” Eve said. “We’re past that now. Gideon has promised full disclosure from now on, and I believe him.”
Gideon pulled her closer and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. “For which I’m eternally grateful.”
Ash glanced at his watch and stood. “Hate to break this up, but our plane leaves in forty-five minutes.”
Eve and Gideon went to their feet, too. Eve couldn’t believe how much lighter her heart felt. She hadn’t realized how worried she’d been about how her teammates would feel about the secrets she’d been keeping from them. It was such a relief to know they didn’t plan to treat her any differently than they had before.
“Thank you both for coming,” she said. “I wish you could stay longer, but I understand.”
Serena hugged her. “You’ll hear from me soon. I’ll dig hard and fast until I find out who’s threatening you and your family.”
“Thank you.”
While Serena hugged Gideon, Eve said goodbye to Ash and gave him a promise. “As soon as I can, I’ll be back at OZ, if you’ll still have me.”
“There was never any question of that. And we’ll do everything we can to make sure you and your family stay safe.”
Gideon went with them to the door and then stopped to look back at her. “I’ll walk them to their car. Be back in a few minutes.”
The instant the door closed, Eve dropped onto the sofa with a sigh. Not only had a huge hurdle been cleared, but she also knew Serena’s words were true. She would uncover the people threatening her family, and they would be dealt with severely. Ile de la Lune was a peace-loving country, but when it came to traitors the government could be ruthless.
Her cellphone buzzed, and she grabbed it, checking quickly to see that her uncle was calling.
“Jacques, how are you?”