The Whole Truth (A. Shaw 1)

“It’s different now. I just told you I’d marry you.”

“And if I’d still said nothing about what I did?”

“I’d have asked. Like I am now.”

“But you already said yes.”

“And I can also say no.”

“I’m no criminal.”

“I know that too. I can tell. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Now tell me the truth.”

He leaned back against the sink basin and marshaled his thoughts. “I work with an international law enforcement agency funded by several of the G8 countries. We handle stuff that’s either too dicey or too global for one country. Sort of like Interpol on steroids. I’m not in the field anymore. I’m in a desk position now,” he lied, carrying it off reasonably well, he thought.

“And what laws do you enforce?” she asked firmly.

“We try to stop bad people from doing bad things. Any way we can,” he added.

“And what you do now isn’t dangerous, though you get calls in the night?”

“Living is dangerous, Anna. You can turn the corner and get nailed by a bus.”

“Shaw, don’t condescend.”

“It’s not dangerous, no.” He could feel his skin growing hot. He could lie to a Persian madman with ease. But not to Anna.

“Will you continue to come and go as you have been?”

“Actually, I’m planning on retiring. Start doing something else.”

Her face brightened. “This… this is a surprise.”

I hope I live to carry it out. “Marriage is supposed to mean two people together, not apart.”

“You would do this for me?”

“I’d do anything for you.”

She stroked his cheek.

“Why?” he asked suddenly.

“Why what?”

“You could have any man you wanted. Why me?”

“Because you are a good man. A humble man. And a brave one. But as capable as you are, you need looking after, Shaw. You need me. And I need you.”

He kissed her, ran his fingers along her cheek.

“Do you have to leave now?”

He shook his head. “Two days.”

“Where to now?”

“Scotland.”