Page 40 of Night Watch
Great.Kennedy was going to ruin her sister’s evening with tough questions. Maybe damage their relationship even more. Then where would Kennedy be? Totally alone. But she had put off her questions long enough. She opened her mouth to speak, but Finley got up with her water glass and headed to the kitchen.
“So you and Erik. I caught the tension between you. Did you tell him about WITSEC?”
“I did.”
“And?” Finley gave Kennedy a pointed look.
“If you’re thinking we’re going to suddenly get back together because he knows why I broke up with him, don’t.” Kennedy made sure her tone left no room for questions. “He appreciated the information but made it clear that will never happen. Not after the way I dumped him. Plus, another woman cheated on him. He’s leery of all women.”
Finley returned with ice clinking in the glass. “But if he was game? Would you be?”
“Too much time has passed. We’re different people.”
Finley dropped onto the sofa and drew her legs up to face Kennedy. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I don’t know.”
Finley’s eyes lit up. “I thought so.”
“Don’t get excited. Even if I did want to pursue something with him—and that’s a very big if—he’s not interested.” Kennedy took a long pull on her water. “I had a reason for asking you to come by, and it wasn’t to talk about Erik.”
“What’s up?”
“I talked to a lawyer today about WITSEC, and she asked what you want to do. Have you thought about it at all?”
“A lawyer?” Finley’s volume rose.
“Erik’s friend. Just a casual talk to see if I’m in trouble for telling his family about Dad.”
Finley let out a relieved breath. “I haven’t thought about it. Other than I want to talk to Tyrone, to see if he thinks that we’re still in danger.”
Kennedy agreed that they should speak to their WITSEC inspector too. “That would be a good thing to ask. Problem is, telling Erik and his brothers is a violation of our agreement.”
“They won’t tell anyone.” Finley’s eyebrows narrowed, creating a furrow that was already starting to become permanent, unusual for a twenty-five-year-old.
“Yeah, but I feel too guilty not to tell Tyrone.”
That furrow deepened. “You have to do what you have to do.”
“Go ahead and call him soon so you can make a decision,” Kennedy said. “Who knows? He might kick me out, and it could be a moot point.”
“If you tell him, and he lets you stay in the program, he’ll relocate us.” Finley locked gazes. “If so, you’ll have to walk away from Erik again.”
Kennedy’s heart dropped. “If you stay in the program, so will I. I could never spend the rest of my life without seeing you and knowing you were okay.”
“Me either.” Finley grabbed Kennedy in a hug and quickly released her to stare into her eyes. Kennedy found only sincere concern looking back at her. “I don’t want to argue with you. I’m glad Erik and his brothers are going to answer your question about Mom once and for all.”
“And about that.” Kennedy took a breath and planned her next words carefully. No way she wanted to sound like some freaked-out novice instead of a practiced professional. “There was an incident at Mom’s lab this afternoon. A letter that held a suspicious powder was delivered there. I think it could be anthrax or ricin.”
Finley’s mouth dropped open. “Are you okay?”
“I was wearing PPE, so I’m fine. But Erik might’ve been exposed.” Kennedy didn’t tell her there was a tiny chance that she’d been exposed. Finley didn’t need another thing to worry about.
“You must be so worried about Erik.”
“I’m trying not to be until we confirm the substance. The doctor’s started him on antibiotics so if it’s anthrax, he should be fine. We’ll know in a day or two if the powder contained anything dangerous.” She’d done her very best to keep her tone level and emotionless, but tears were fighting to break free. She looked away until she had them under control. “I gave Erik permission to go through the house to look for any leads.”
“And?” Finley planted her hands on her knees.
