Page 60 of One Cry Too Loud

“We’re not a couple,” Holly said. Her eyes flickered to me for just a moment, and then they returned to the sand.

“Whatever. I was just trying to make small talk,” the younger man said.

“You did a hell of a job back in England,” I said.

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Tag muttered. “Your boss is practically salivating to put me on the payroll. He offered me some very hefty financial incentives.”

“Really?” I asked. “What did you tell him?”

“That I already have a team.” Tag shrugged. “And that we’re still government funded. Financial incentives might be good, but I’ll take a government pension anyday. Besides, where the hell am I gonna get decent gumbo over here. It’s a travesty. Still, I told him to keep my card. I’m always a phone call away.”

“That’s very nice of you,” I said.

“Yeah. Yeah. I’m a saint,” Tag said, looking past me and directing his question to Holly. “I gotta know something, though. If our positions were switched, how long would it have taken you to break through Nefarious’ firewalls? Half the time?”

She winked at him. “Less.”

“Damn. I gotta sharpen up my skillset.” He lifted his fruity drink to us. “Until next time,otherCoastal Crime Unit.” He turned and started down the beach. As he did, I caught sight of Kat walking toward us. The wind had taken her hair, blowing it around her striking face. I smiled a bit, despite myself.

I caught Holly looking at me as she took another sip of her drink. “I guess I know what’s next for you.”

“Me?” I asked, looking back at the woman coming toward us. “I've got a date to keep.”

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The End