Privilege (Special Tactical Units Division 2)

??t a problem. I mean, the people at East Side are all listed right on the building directory in the lobby.”

Chay pushed the pad and pencil towards her.

“Write down their names, honey. Their addresses and phone numbers, if you know them, or at least a general idea of where I can find them. And I’ll want the same info for the people you work with in the psych department at the university.”

Her face clouded over.

“Chayton. I do not want to involve all these good people in a witch hunt.”

But they weren’t all good. That was the problem. He knew that, and he was certain that Bianca knew it too. It was just hard for her to accept.

That was another difference between their worlds.

She believed people were innately good.

He knew better. The good guys weren’t always good.

“Chayton?” She put her hand over his. “Why do you look so sad?”

He turned his hand over and clasped hers tightly.

Because we have no future.

The realization rang inside his head, as loud and clear as a rifle shot.

They had no future, even if he’d wanted one.

Even if he’d wanted one…

“Chayton?”

He took a breath, stood and drew her up with him.

“I’m not sad, sweetheart. I’m just thinking of all we have to accomplish before we get on that jet for California.”

“What jet?”

As if on signal, the phone in his pocket vibrated. Chay dug it out.

“Olivieri,” he said briskly.

“Dude, you’re flying out at thirteen-oh-thirty from Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. That’s about sixty miles from Manhattan. Got you two first-class seats on a transport. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect,” Chay said. “I owe you one, Dec.”

“Damn right,” Declan Sanchez said, laughing. “See you soon. You and your lady.” Dec paused. “She must be really special to you.”

Chay looked at Bianca. Then he turned away.

“Yeah,” he said softly, “but it isn’t what you think.”

“That’s what we all say,” Sanchez replied, just as softly.

And the call ended.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

He began tossing things into his carry-on.