Chapter 20
The meeting flew by, as half of the time, Zoe’s brain was busy, madly processing all the data she had gathered, and the awful things she had done.
Archer wrapped things up and, apart from offering a smile to Anton Vasiliev as they departed and Zoe promising him a dance at the ball the next evening, they were off. Back in his detached persona, Archer stayed quiet as they walked to the elevator followed by Lance and rode it down to the lobby. Kai was waiting by the car.
Just as they were about to head out, Archer grabbed her hand. The face was hard, but the touch was gentle. “Go home. I have meetings to attend, but you’re not needed until tomorrow morning. Try to eat. I’ll try to drop by later if I can.”
His thumb caressed her knuckles and with a deep look, he was off. He and Lance retraced their steps, probably going into the underground parking. Kai was waiting for her just outside the door. As she stepped outside, he escorted her to the car and closed the door before taking his seat.
Silence again. This was so unlike her. She was usually chatty, scandalous, obnoxious, but now Zoe was unable to recognize the person she had become. A look at Kai told her that he was adapting his conduct to hers. How did he do it?? She didn’t know much about his past, or what he was, only that he was former Delta Force from the little Gabrielle had said. Dangerous work, and yet, his sense of humor was still there.
“How did you do it?”
Zoe realized she had spoken out loud and winced.
Kai frowned, his eyes still on the road. “How did I do what?”
Well, it was out, and she was curious. “I just wanted to know how you face dangerous situations and not lose yourself, or your humanity doing it. Gabrielle told me you were in Delta Force. That’s a dangerous job, full of hardship and horror, yet, you still laugh, and you joke. I was just wondering how it was possible.”
Kai blinked several times and finally smiled. “I don’t know, Zoe. It’s true that what I did was dangerous and uncertain. I’ve lost men, been wounded too. I can only speak for myself, but I guess I was stronger than all that. Don’t get me wrong, nothing is perfect, and I have plenty of ghosts of my own, but I made a decision and it kept me going.”
“And what was that?”
This time, his gray eyes focused on her. “I wanted to live. Not only be alive. When you make that decision, the rest comes more easily. It gives you a purpose.”
It didn’t help her, but it settled her swirling emotions somehow. Lucas would live. And that’s all that mattered. Lucas would be her purpose. And Archer her greatest regret.
During the ride, Kai tried to find out what was going on in her head, but Zoe avoided his questions, tightening her grip on her handbag. As her mind settled, ideas started to flow, helping her to plan the next step.
When they arrived, Kai offered to escort her to her door, but she told him it was alright. Smiling at him, a way of reassuring the man, she got out and waved as he drove away. Rapidly, Zoe went to her apartment to get changed; a dark pair of jeans, black sweater and a pair of boots. Putting her hair in a ponytail, she grabbed her cell phone and the Flash drive. She wasn’t sure how long it would take to get to the address, but a quick look at her GPS told her that with a car, she would be on time.But where to find a car at this time of night??
Locking her apartment, she rushed down the stairs and knocked on her neighbor’s door. Marcus opened the door, a big grin on his face, and wearing purple silk pajamas. “Oh, Zoe!” And he turned and shouted inside. “It’s darling Zoe!” Come on in! Mrs. Lupe is still presentable.” Zoe followed as he opened the door wide, with much flourish. The apartment was small, but cozy and colorful, obviously inspired by the two people living there together. Both of them were usually night owls, but as Mrs. Lupe wasn’t getting any younger, sometimes the lights were out much earlier. That said, Zoe found herself lucky they were still up. Mrs. Lupe was in her chair, like a queen granting audiences.
“Mi hija, my sweet girl.”
At her warm welcome, Zoe almost broke right then and there in tears. Instead, she fought them off and went to kiss the woman who embraced her tenderly. When she drew back, Mrs. Lupe caught her cheeks. “Oh, how pale you are. Drawn, with so much worry in your green eyes.”
“Only worry from work, Mrs. Lupe. It’s life, I suppose.”
By the look of her, the Puerto Rican woman wasn’t fooled by her lie, but was wise enough not to ask questions.
“I was wondering if you knew somebody with a car that I can borrow?? Only for tonight. I’ll pay for gas, and I assure you, I’m a good driver.”
The woman patted her hand. “You can take my car, dear.”
Marcus hmphed in the background. “You never lend me your car!”
Mrs. Lupe winked at her. “That’s because you can’t drive worth a damn. That’s why my nephew is the one driving me around and not you.”
The bickering between the two was very warm and amusing. “Instead of whining, give her the keys, Marcus.”
The man made a dramatic exit before coming back, handing her the keys. “Her Majesty’s car is on the side street. The silver sedan.”
“A gift from my nephew,mi gordito.” Mrs. Lupe beamed.
What a generous nephew,she thought. Zoe closed her fingers over the key. “I promise to take great care of it. And return it with a full tank.”
“No worries, my sweet. Off you go. Be careful, okay?”
