The End of Lies: The Single Lady Spy 4 (The Single Lady Spy Series) by Tara Brown

Author:Tara Brown [Brown, Tara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tara Brown
Published: 2018-10-03T16:00:00+00:00

17

Hannibal the composer

August 2013

“Can I ask you a question?” Simone stepped into the office where Jack normally hid out. We’d all agreed she should of course come to the estate where it was safe, instead of being on Portobello Road with minimal security, in case of a Saransk retaliation. It was weird explaining her to my kids, but Coop had done a masterful job of not making it sound as strange as it was. And they were never openly affectionate with each other, in fact, I started to wonder if Coop and Simone were dating at all.

“Are you looking for Jack?” I asked. “Since he and Luce made up, he hasn't been spending as much time in here,” I joked but she didn't laugh. Her pale complexion was fairer than normal and her eyes were almost watery.

“No, I’m looking for you.” Her words were shaky. “I just wanted to ask if you and Coop are lov—”

“Just friends,” I lied.

“You sure? He’s sort of obsessed, I think.”

“He’s obsessed with us all. Jack, Luce, me, my kids, all of us. His role as the guy in charge sort of makes him feel responsible for everyone.” I was getting better and better at lying.

“No, Evie.” She closed the door and leaned against it. “You are something to him. And I knew it from the moment he began speaking about his team. If there’s something going on, I don't want to end up with my heart broken.”

“Well then, you are in the wrong line of work.” I sat back, pressing my lips together for a moment. I really didn't want to have this conversation.

“Are you in love with him?”

“In some way, we’re all in love with each other. There is plutonic love and admiration and familial love.”

“You’re avoiding the question.” She lost the sweet and melodic tone to her voice.

“Can we step to the side for a second? Before I answer anything, I have to ask you a randomly weird question. Do you want kids and marriage and a cute house in the burbs?” I asked.

“What?”

“Answer that and I will answer anything you want to know.”

“No. I don't want kids. I’ve never wanted them. My sister and brother are older and both have three each. So I can love them as much as I need and give them back.”

“And marriage?”

“I don't know. I never gave it much thought. We work in a business that changes. Needs change. I could be working in England this month and Singapore next. I’ve never had it as an option for myself. I like my job. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. And now I’d like to advance in my position, learn to be a spy perhaps.” She blushed and glanced down. “I guess that sort of sounds selfish.”

“No.” I folded my arms. “It sounds smart. And to answer your question, Coop was there to protect me when I was vulnerable and scared. He feels responsible for me. And I feel safe with him. People can mistake that as something else.

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