Page 19 of Identify

“Fuck.” He runs both hands over his face and scrubs at it.

“You wanna recuse yourself?”

“Not if I don’t have to.”

“Okay, then let’s figure out how we’re gonna catch this guy.”

9

Quinn

I’m still ampedfrom seeing Reed, especially since he talked to me. We practically flirted, and I totally caught him checking out my boobs. If I were just a bit creepier, I think I could legit become his stalker. But I have a modicum of self-respect left. Once that bit goes though, all bets are off. If Daria really trains me in some badassery. I’m betting I’d be a good stalker. But not if I have to train for three hours a day.

I finish wiping down all the tables from after the lunch crowd and head to the back, where I find Daria in a corner texting on a phone I don’t think is hers.

“Did you get a new phone?”

“No, this is one of my burners,” she answers.

“Oh, are you sending out a kill order?” I rush to peek over her shoulder.

“Keep your voice down, and no. I’m just telling Mack about these shoes.” She holds the phone out so I can see the photo he sent.

“Oh, those are so cute. God, I can’t wait to have money again so I can buy some shoes.”

“You can’t wear shoes like that here.”

“I know, but I can wear them on my date with Reed.”

“Ohmigod, did he ask you out? Did I miss it?”

“No. But I’m certain he will soon. He looked at my boobs today. And I’m fairly sure we flirted.”

“Oh, that’s great, honey. Real progress.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

I pull her by the arm into her office and close the door. Then I push her back into her chair, and stand straighter, crossing my arms over my chest, doing my best to look authoritative. “Speak,” I command.

“It’s just the same old shit, Q. I tire of it sometimes.”

“Assassin shit or Mack shit?”

“Mack shit.” She sighs.

I lean over and give her a hug. “Why don’t you just get back together but be careful or something?”

“I wish it were that simple.”

“Well, it can’t be that this is the answer, Dar. I mean, Mack is yourone. And when you find the one, that’s it, you get the happy ever after, the end, close the book.”

“Apparently not.” She sulks. She’s always like this after Mack leaves. Or after she talks to him. Or thinks about him. In fact, she’s like this a lot.

“Daria, this is no way to live your life. You can’t just be perpetually unhappy.”

“I also can’t put Mack or his career in danger.”