After an hour of hashing it out, Malin was convinced they knew exactly what they needed to do.
“If McTiernan tells Montgomery I have evidence substantial enough that once the attorney general hears it, he’ll appoint a special prosecutor, it’ll be enough.”
“What about McTiernan?” asked Dutch.
“Going off the grid, at least as far as Monty’s access to him. He’s being pulled for an NSA mission. Copeland is out too,” said Razor.
“Not a lie,” added Gunner, chuckling. “That oughta make Monty crap his britches.”
“If there isn’t anything else for us to discuss…” Malin looked at each of the men in the room, all of whom seemed surprised that she was ready to end the meeting already. “I’d like to make some notes.”
Gunner nodded and motioned for Razor to follow him.
“What do you need, Malin?” Dutch asked when they were alone.
“A break.” She walked into his arms and rested her head on his chest. “I know you guys probably think I’m a wimp, but I need time to think.”
Dutch laughed. “There isn’t a person who’s met you who thinks you’re a wimp.”
Malin took Dutch’s hand and led him out of the winery and to the walkway that led to the cottage.
“What’s goin’ on, baby?” he asked when she walked up the stairs as soon as they were inside.
“If you follow me, you’ll find out.”
She laughed when Dutch took the stairs two at a time to catch up.
Malin walked straight into the bathroom and up to the bath’s control panel.
“I’m sure I could figure this out, but I think it would be quicker if you pushed whatever buttons fill the tub.”
“My pleasure,” he said, putting his hands on her shoulders and shifting her to the left.
Malin shed her clothes and stepped into the warm swirling water. When Dutch did the same and settled behind her, Malin relaxed into him.
“Mmm, I really needed this,” she moaned when he kneaded the muscles in her shoulders.
“You’re pretty tightly wound, baby.”
“How long do you think it will be before we hear something about Montgomery?”
Dutch kissed her neck right below her ear. “Long enough that we don’t need to think about it right now.” He ran the tip of his tongue down the side of her neck to her shoulder and moved his hands down the front of her body.
When Malin tried to move, he held her in place.
“Let me do this,” he said, trapping her arms under his.
“Dutch?”
“Mmm, hmm??
?
“Did you mean it?”
“I never would’ve said it if I didn’t, Malin.”
“Say it again.”