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“What reservations?” I heard Buck ask her.
“Ali wants to go home,” she answered.
“When?”
“As soon as I can get a flight.”
From where I sat, I could see Buck make eye contact with Decker, who nodded.
“I’ll take care of it,” he said.
“Um…okay,” said Chloe, walking back over to us. “I mean, I can do it.”
Decker shook his head. “Do you want to leave tonight or in the morning?”
Could I leave tonight? I wasn’t sure I could stand not spending one more night in Cope’s bed, knowing that it would be the last time I ever would. “Tomorrow,” I whispered.
Decker leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “I’ve known Cope for a really long time. He was a good friend.”
I nodded, wishing I could get up, go back to the bedroom, and not listen to him. I didn’t want to talk about him. I wanted him to walk through the door, put his arms around me, and tell me it was all a terrible mistake.
“I’m sorry,” I said, standing and rushing down the hallway.
I don’t know how much time had passed when Chloe came into the bedroom. “Ali, Mr. Ashford is still here. I’m sorry, but he said it’s important he speak with you.”
I rolled over and sat up. “Okay.”
I followed her back out to the kitchen and apologized to the man still sitting in the living room area.
“I understand, and if it weren’t imperative we speak, I wouldn’t bother you. I know you had deep feelings for Cope and he, you.”
I nodded, wishing he’d get to the point.
“I know who you are, Ali, and what you do.”
“Yes. I assumed you did by now.”
“The mission isn’t over. Does that make sense to you?”
“How is Irish?”
“He’s recovering and has been moved to an undisclosed location for his protection.”
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“You also remain in danger. Until this is all over, you will need protection too.”
“Why?”
“Because whoever Cope and Irish were investigating believes you know more than you do. The night your apartment was broken into, was evidence of that. Until we determine who that is, whether it’s one or many people, you’ll remain under protection.”
“Who knows this?”
“Your chain of command along with Money McTiernan.”
“Anyone else?”
“It’s need to know, Ali.”