Page 90 of Agent Zero

“I amnota help.”It was the first time Trinity’s tone was anything but flat, and it was shocking.Her lips skinned back, a startling toothy grimace.“They know it’s possible to cut the emotional noise out, because they did it to me.”

Well.That answers that.Induction, she said.I’d better tell Reese.“Then why are you here checking on me?”

The almost-snarl vanished.Trinity hesitated, her weight balanced just so, and Holly sensed something.Maybe it was a subtle change in respiration, in the other woman’s sweat-chemicals, or maybe it was just the sure instinct that came with years of waiting tables and seeing people in every possible shape, size and mood while they ate, hearing their conversations and predicting the size of the tip.A realization, or perhaps even a struggle inside the other woman’s contained, impenetrable shell.

“I had to.”The words were almost lost under the susurration of night breeze.“Ihadto,” Trinity repeated.“Perhaps my calculations are in error, and I am degrading.Be...safe, Ms.Candless.Goodbye.”

“Trinity, wait?—”

But the other woman was gone, stepping out onto the balcony.By the time Holly arrived, there was just a fading smear of agent-strong scent, and it again reminded Holly powerfully of Cal’s.

Was that why he was looking for her?

Outside, the city growled, and a sharp spatter of gunfire sounded in the distance.The songs in this part of the country sang about thenarcosand forbidden love,corridasandmuerte.Was the violence any cleaner because it was out in the open?

Footsteps in the hall.Holly recognized them, and relief poured through her.The key rattled at the lock, and she rushed to unbar the door—because you couldn’t be too safe—and Reese’s smile as he saw her was a balm.He stopped, his nostrils flaring, and she pulled him inside.

“Trinity was here, she just left.Reese, she’s?—”

“Good.”His grin widened.“Cal’s in town, too.He’s determined, I’ll give him that much.Were you waiting up for me?”

“Of course.Reese?—”

“Let me just be happy to see you, baby.We’re moving on tomorrow.”He barred the door and took her in his arms.“But that can wait.I, um, found you a ring.”

What?“A ring?”

“Crap.”Now he looked rueful.“I thought I’d get down on one knee, but I blew it.There’s a place farther south, I know a priest—they’re all Catholic here, I forgot to ask if you?—”

Oh, good God.“You’re asking me to marry you?”

“Well, we’re running for our lives, I suppose I might as well, you kno?—”

He might have said more, but by that time, Holly was kissing him, and for that night, at least, the outside world didn’t matter.

finis