She closed her eyes, imagining again that this was their life. It felt so good to be with him. How quickly would this come to an end once she wrapped her mission, one way or another?
There was a possibility she’d have to walk away without proving anything, and if that were the case, how long would it be before the agency sent someone to ensure she’d never have the opportunity to pursue it again?
It would mean living her life on the run, always looking over her shoulder, never able to relax for fear that each day she woke up, might be her last.
It wasn’t a life she could share with anyone. As much as she might be tempted to, she cou
ldn’t allow Dutch to live that way.
“Whatever you’re thinking about, stop.” Dutch reached over and turned off the light on the bedside table and then pulled her close to him. “Sleep, baby,” he murmured.
She doubted she’d be able to, but within minutes, her eyes grew heavy and she fell asleep.
—:—
When he opened his eyes and saw it was daylight, Dutch eased his arm out from under Malin and slid out of bed. Making his way downstairs, he called Doc.
“How’s Striker?” he asked when Doc answered and said good morning.
“He demanded to see McTiernan last night.”
“Is he here already?”
“No. He arrives at ten hundred.”
“Any idea who the shooters were?”
“No information yet.”
Nothing Doc had said surprised Dutch. “Has Striker given any indication that he was able to get Ghafor to talk?”
“He’s still insisting that he talk to Malin before he tells anyone else anything.”
“He must have something to tell her, then.”
“He must.”
“But he won’t tell you.”
“He’s always been a damn control freak.”
“Are you still convinced he wasn’t on the inside of whatever this is?”
Doc murmured his affirmation. “Merrigan shares my opinion.”
Dutch remembered hearing that Striker and Doc’s wife had once been linked romantically, not that he’d bring it up now—or ever.
“Malin and I can leave to head down there within the next hour.”
“Hold off. I want to talk with McTiernan first.”
“Roger that.”
Dutch went back upstairs; Malin was still asleep, and he had no intention of waking her. She needed rest more than anything, and since Doc didn’t want them to come south for another three hours at least, he had no reason not to let her sleep.
* * *
Two hours later, Dutch got a message from Doc, asking him to call as soon as he could do so privately.