Page 73 of Girl Between

Jake’s mention of ‘home’ was cryptic. Had he been called back toD.C.? Nevada? Paris? Or was it simply a future offer to find one together?

There were too many variables. And as usual, not enough time to explore the ones that mattered.

After a moment of contemplation, Dana decided to push thoughts of Jake and his mysterious whereabouts aside. She needed to focus on the present and regain her strength before dealing with whatever was coming next.

She had no idea what the day promised, but normalcy was not an option. In her life, it rarely was. She’d come to accept that, but that still didn’t mean she needed to face it with an empty stomach.

The unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed tea hit her senses as soon as she poured herself a cup. She inhaled deeply. Jasmine and green tea, her favorite. The fact that Jake knew that tugged at her heartstrings once more.

She shook her head and took a deep breath, reminding herself that she had to keep moving forward. She took a careful sip of tea, savoring the rich, warm flavor as she looked out the window, considering her options for the day.

After draining her tea and polishing off the entire bag of beignets, Dana dragged herself out of bed. Glancing at the clock, she stretched again. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept so long.

On her way to the bathroom, she passed by the mirror. She couldn’t help the yelp of laughter that escaped when she took in her appearance. Face covered in powdered sugar, hair wild, she was a sight! But she noticed the purple beneath her eyes had faded. And more importantly, her mind was sharp.

It was clear what she needed to do next.

70

“Damn.What’s this place called again?” Jake asked around a mouthful of roast beef.

“Told ya it’s worth the wait,” George said, nodding to the line of people crowding the sunbaked sidewalk of Tchoupitoulas, for their chance at the heavenly hoagies.

“Guess it pays to be a cop,” Jake retorted, since they’d cut the line.

George laughed. “Pays to order ahead,” he said, flashing the online order app on his phone. “I got you the Smoltz. It’s my favorite.”

Jake grunted his approval, turning his full attention back to the incredible sandwich he was devouring. It was the perfect blend of rare roast beef, fontina cheese, shaved red onions, horseradish, dill, and mustard vinaigrette.

He had to admit, when George suggested the unassuming storefront for a quick meal, Jake’s initial impression was that the menu seemed too posh for a cop sandwich shop. But his first bite had him eating his words. Francolini’s was the real deal. They were slicing up culinary dreams on freshly baked buns.

Not only did Jake find their food divine, but he was a fan of their humor as well. Painted large and loud right next to the Francolini’s logo was the phrase,Not Everything From Jersey Sucks.

How could he not root for a place with a slogan like that?

Since this was probably going to be the most enjoyable part of his day, Jake finished his sandwich in the silence of George’s truck. He had three missed calls from his boss. Jake didn’t need to listen to the messages. He knew he was being called back. He’d expected it considering how long he’d been gone. But going back to D.C. without Dana made his mission feel like a failure. And Jake didn’t do failure.

He’d practically been brainwashed into believing failure wasn’t an option in every aspect of his life. The Army, the FBI, his father …

He was tired of feeling like someone else’s puppet. Maybe it was time to cut the strings and be in charge of his own damn life for a change.

Jake could admit he’d been feeling the pull for life outside the FBI for a while now. The FBI’s new director wasn’t exactly his biggest fan, and without a partnership with the brilliant Dr. Gray, Jake wasn’t sure what was keeping him at the bureau.

Sure, he still had amends to make for what he’d done during combat. But for the first time, Jake found himself questioning if there was a better way to do it.

But first things first. He needed to get back to D.C. and close the door on his last case. He wanted to be there for Claire’s trial so he could quiet the lingering doubts that still haunted him.

One of his uncle’s sayings came to mind.Sometimes ya turn the page, sometimes ya close the book. There’s a time for both. Only you know when.

Jake wasn’t sure if he was ready to close the book. He needed to finish this chapter with Dana first before he could make that decision.

He washed down the last bite of his sandwich while wondering if he had any chance of convincing the stubborn woman to see things his way.

As if he could see straight into his mind, George asked, “So explain to me what’s so complicated with you two.”

Jake glared at the detective. “With who?”

George chuckled, shaking his head in that good-natured way ofhis. “Deny it all you want, Shepard, but you both get that same sour, stubborn scowl when the other’s on your mind.”