The logical voice tries to argue, but I firmly shut it down.
“I think,” I start slowly, thinking things through as I go. “I could work something out with my company. I don’t need to be on-site five days a week. A lot of the time, it’s analyzing data, and I can do that remotely.”
A hopeful light brightens Ace’s eyes. “Would they let you do that?”
“I think so. If I go in two days a week, work remotely the other three… I might have to go for longer if there’s a deadline coming up, but most weeks… Yes. I think they’d agree.”
“What about the class you teach?”
“It’s almost over for the semester. And I could schedule my days in Seattle to coincide with it next semester.”
“And your house?”
“I can use it on the days I go into work until the lease is up, and then get an apartment closer to work. Or sublet it.”
“So…” Ace rubs his thumb across my palm. “You’re going to stay?”
“Are you sure you want me to? Really sure?”
“Yes.” He pulls me close and kisses me. “Yes, Tink. I’m really sure.”
Fizzy lightness fills my chest. All at once, I feel more hopeful than I have in years. “Okay, then. I’m staying.”
A wide smile stretches across his face. “Awesome. We can drive there tomorrow, pick up more of your stuff.” Ace glances around the brightening room. “And we can redecorate anything you want. Paint. Wallpaper. New furniture.”
I can’t help being caught up in his enthusiasm. “Tomorrow sounds great.”
“And today,” he says, “We can just enjoy the day. Relax. Watch TV. And maybe I’ll grill for everyone tonight. Kind of a celebration.”
“You don’t think they’ll mind that I’m staying?”
Ace looks at me like I’m crazy. “Are you serious? They’ll be thrilled.”
The last of my anxiety eases, and I smile back at him. “Good.”
“It is good,” he agrees. “And?—”
From the nightstand, his phone chimes. It’s the Blade and Arrow ringtone; the one they use so they all know immediately when one of them is calling.
“I’d better grab that,” Ace says. “This time of morning, if I’m getting a call…”
I wave at him to go ahead. “It’s fine. I’ll just freshen up a little, maybe get the coffee started.”
But I haven’t even reached the bathroom before Ace’s sharp intake of breath stops me.
I spin around, heart racing. That’s not the sound someone makes when it’s good news. It’s the sound someone makes when they’re surprised.
Ace’s eyes meet mine. His expression is unreadable. Then he says to whoever called, “I’ll tell her. And we’ll be at the meeting in thirty.”
My stomach drops.
Whatever this is, it can’t be good.
Ace sets the phone on the mattress, gets up, and crosses the room to me. He takes my hand in his. “Yara.”
“What is it?” I take a steadying breath. “Was Davis released? Winthrop? Or—” My chest constricts. “Did Tyler find proof that Malik is dead?”
“None of those things.” He squeezes my hand. “ItwasTyler calling. He just received some pretty solid intel.”