Page 30 of Code Name: Atticus

“So, what do we do?” I asked.

“The first thing you do is inform the person in charge of the investigation.”

I scrubbed my face. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Check in after you have, and we’ll get this figured out.”

“Thanks, sir.”

“You’re welcome, and, Atticus?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t tell her you called me first.”

“Roger that,” I said, but Admiral had already ended the call.

BRENNA

Iwoke before dawn to an empty bed, the pillow wall I’d constructed still intact between the two sides. The scent of coffee drifted from downstairs, which meant Atticus was already up.

I slipped out from under the covers, my feet hitting the cold hardwood. After a quick stop in the bathroom to splash water on my face and run a brush through my hair, I padded downstairs in my pajamas and fuzzy slippers.

A note sat propped against the coffeemaker in his clean handwriting.Meeting Luke for coffee. Back by 0730. - A

Regret settled in my chest. Last night, I’d hurt him when he was being vulnerable, when he was trying to show me exactly how much he wanted me. His explicit confession about what he wanted to do had terrified me into retreating—not because I didn’t want it, but because I wanted it too much.

I stared at the coffeepot, remembering how he’d made my tea with the cream exactly how I liked it. Such a small gesture, but it had revealed an attention to detail that went beyond the mission’s requirements.

I’d just poured myself a cup when my phone buzzed. Luke’s face filled the screen.

“Mornin’, Bug.”

“Good morning. Where are you?” Yeah, I knew he was in the Bay Area already, so while I could tell myself I was maintaining my cover, it didn’t change that I felt like shit for deceiving him.

“Silicon Valley. Although right now, I’m in Tiburon for a summit on artificial intelligence. You’ll never guess who I ran into,” he said.

My stomach dropped, but I kept my voice light. “Who?”

“Mason Finch. My old roommate at the academy.”

“Yeah, I remember him.” I gripped the counter, hating that I had to continue the subterfuge. “Where?”

“Actually, I first saw him Thursday night at a place in Sausalito where I had a business dinner scheduled. Then this morning, we met for coffee.”

“That’s crazy,” I managed. “What’s even wilder is I’m going to be in the Bay Area too—DOJ thing.” God, I was getting so good at lying to someone I loved more than anyone in the world other than my parents that I was scaring myself.

“No way! We should all get dinner. You, me, and Finch if he’s got time.”

“Sounds good.”

“Cool. Hey, I gotta run, but it’s good to see you. You look great, by the way. Love you, Bug.”

“Thanks,” I said, rolling my eyes. I looked like crap, and we both knew it. “Love you too.”

Atticus would be back soon,and the least I could do was make him a proper breakfast. I rummaged through the well-stocked kitchen, finding eggs, bacon, and sourdough bread for toast. Cooking gave my hands something to do while my mind wrestled with how awkward things were between him and me.He’d gone as far as choosing to sleep down here so I didn’t feel pressured.

When had anyone ever put my comfort above their own like that?