Page 144 of Lethal Threat

Across the party, I see my brother, smiling and laughing, hugging and wishing everyone happy new year. I’m guessing that only I can see the lingering sadness in his eyes.

My heart fills with bittersweet warmth.

He’s leaving soon. I knew he was turning restless. But Bryan needs to heal his heart from Evelyn’s death in ways that work for him. Wherever that takes him.

Marshall appears in front of me suddenly, blocking out all of the light with his enormous frame. Hugs me in ropey arms the size of tree trunks. Then shakes Cole’s hand. “Hey, I have a little something for you.”

Cole takes an envelope from his boss. “Thank you, but really you didn’t need to…”

We’re suddenly surrounded by Roark, Scotch, and Simona.

“Just a little something.’’ Marshall winks. “Consider it an apology gift and a starting bonus for Sierra.”

I shake my head. “Apology gift… what for?”

Marshall chuckles, “Enjoy your wedding night, guys,because tomorrow is go time. If you’re game, that is. We have a situation.”

Cole blinks twice and looks around at the team. “Damn.” Then my husband glances at me. “Babe?”

I toss my bouquet over my shoulder. “We’re in. Let’s make this happen before I get too big to fit in the cockpit.”

When I turn around, I realize Simona’s standing there, a shocked expression on her face. My bouquet is in her hands.

She shakes her head furiously and shoves the bouquet at me. “Oh no, not me. I don’t believe in that myth!”