Page 29 of Code Name: Atticus

“Two months ago? Three? Running a company eats your life, man.” He studied me. “What about you? Your work thing keeping you busy?”

“You know how it is. Can’t really talk about it.”

“Same old Finch. Never left the intel game.” Luke grinned.

“Something like that.”

“You seeing anyone these days?”

“It’s complicated.”

“When isn’t it with you?” He laughed. “Love ’em and leave ’em Perry Mason, we always called you.”

“Most of the leaving was mutual.”

“Sure, it was.” Luke’s expression grew more serious. “You know, Bug had a pretty big crush on you back in the day.”

I scowled at him. “And you did your best to fill her in on all my lesser qualities.”

“It’s a big brother’s duty.”

“Yeah, thanks for that.”

“Just looking out for her. On the other hand, a guy can change, right?”

The comment stunned me, but it was probably best not to read too much into it. “So they say.”

We talked for another few minutes about safer topics—his parents and mine, mutual friends from USAFA, the football team’s chances this fall. Normal friend conversation that felt both familiar and strange, given everything I couldn’t tell him.

“I should get going,” Luke said an hour later, checking his watch. “Trevor scheduled a breakfast meeting with some potential investors.”

“The joys of business development.”

He stood, and we shook hands. “Hey, maybe we can grab dinner later this week? When things calm down a bit?”

“I’d like that. Text me.”

After he left, I sat in the coffee shop for another few minutes, processing what I’d learned.

I pulled out my phone and started to dial Kodiak’s number, then stopped. This wasn’t a logistics problem—this was a strategic disaster that required command-level decisions. I switched to Admiral’s number.

“Morning, Atticus. What’s up?”

“Mornin’. We have a complication.”

“How big?” he asked.

“Luke Austen—Brenna’s brother—just informed me he’s in town for the AI summit.”

“Shit.”

“No kidding. It gets worse. He’s going to the same party Brenna and I are supposed to attend tonight.”

“What’d Brenna say?”

“She doesn’t know yet. Luke just left.”

“Copy that.”