Page 195 of Power
She ran a comforting hand over his. “It’s gonna be okay.”
When he lifted his face, tears glistened in his eyes. “You’ve been so gracious. I’m very grateful you’ve come back into my life.”
She pasted on a smile. “I feel the same way.”
She wanted to ask him about Newburg. She wanted to ask him if he knew anything about a covert crime ring in the government. Did he know about these passports for terrorists who were entering the country?
She wouldneverplay her hand, but shewouldencourage him to continue confiding in her.
“I’m a phone call or text away. I’m here for you, like you were for me.”
“Thank you, Red.”
She shot him a smile. “Of course.”
“I was such a jerk about Luciano Santini. I have no idea why, but Jerod bit my head off. You’d think he and Santini were friends.”
“Are they?” Simone asked.
Peter chuckled. “They don’t even know each other.”
“Hirzog knows nothing,” Luciano murmured. “I met Jerod at Carole Jean’s.”
“I’m sure if you talk to him about your relationship, you’ll know how to move forward,” Simone suggested.
His eyes grew large. “You mean, consider leaving Lucy?”
“If you see a future with Jerod, then, yes. Does she have any idea you’ve been having an affair?”
“God, I hope not.”
“Let me know how your talk with Jerod goes,” she said.
“Thanks for listening,” he said.
She had found the white rabbit. ItwasHirzog. Luciano and Z had been right all along. Disappointment tinged her thoughts. Peter used to be one of her heroes.
As they left the bar, the blast of chilly air felt great against her heated skin. She glanced over to where Luciano had backed into the space. Across the lot, their eyes met. In that split second, she could see a life with him. A future with children. She could see it all, maybe even have it all.
He had her heart for as long as he wanted it. But if he couldn’t share a small portion of his with her, she’d have to let him go.
“Thank you, Red,” Peter said. “Can I walk you to your car?”
“I was going to walk you to yours.”
“I want to make sure you get to your car safely.”
Simone stalled. “Hmm, where did I park?”
After Luciano slunk out and vanished into the shadows, she walked over to Luciano’s Range Rover.
There, she hugged Peter. “I’m just a phone call away if you need a friend. You’ve got a great job you’ve worked hard for. Don’t do something you’ll regret.”
He scrunched up his face. “What do you mean?”
“Sometimes affairs make people do crazy things. You’ve earned your position at the Bureau and you’re well respected.”
He nodded. “Great advice.”
