Page 159 of Smoke Screen
She could only hope. His cooperating might mean clearing her and ending this nightmare.
Don’t.
She couldn’t go there. Couldn’t let herself believe it.
Yet.
“Well.” She stopped at the elevator, watched Special Agent Blackwell poke the button. “That would be great, but after the last few days, I’m not counting on anything.”
“Smart,” Zeke said. “If not a tad pessimistic.”
“Welcome to the club,” Cruz cracked.
A phone rang and Special Agent Blackwell patted his front pockets, dragging his device out. “I need to take this. Give me a sec.”
He walked a few feet away as the elevator doors opened and several people, carrying an assortment of briefcases and backpacks, stepped out, obviously leaving for the day. The guys all backed up a few steps, clearing the area in front of the elevator while Maddy stood off to the side. The elevator doors closed and she shot a look at Special Agent Blackwell, still talking on his phone. Once again, she waited on someone else while her career—her livelihood—hung in the balance.
Waiting, waiting, waiting.
With Phin and his brothers still a few feet away, she took a second to enjoy some brief solitude. She leaned against the wall, rested her head back, and closed her eyes. Soon. All of it would be done. She simply had to stay patient and let the system work.
Having a former president involved should move things along. She hoped.
“You okay?”
Phin’s voice.
She peeled her eyes open, found him standing in front of her.
“I’m good.”
Liar.
Good Girl Maddy butting in again. Wanting everything to be a-okay.
“Actually,” she said, “I’m tired. And sick of waiting for all the pieces to come together. I want this over. Now.”
“You should be tired. We’re almost done. I promise you that. Okay?”
Phin. Such a good guy. She reached for him, clasping his forearm. “You know I’m crazy about you, right?”
He flashed that magic Phin smile. “Ditto. After this, we’re going on a date. A lot of dates, if I have anything to say about it.”
Special Agent Blackwell chose that moment to return, his call apparently finished.
“Development,” he said.
“Oh. Goody,” Phin cracked.
“Hold it!” someone yelled.
They all turned to where Cilla stood at the X-ray machine, gathering her briefcase and purse from the belt. Maddy had called her on the way over, giving her a rushed version of the events.
At which point, Cilla had instructed her to keep her mouth shut until she arrived.Okey-dokey.
Crossing the lobby, she jogged toward them. An enviable feat considering her sky-high heels and navy dress that fit too well not to be tailored to her lean body.
“Oh. Goody,” Special Agent Blackwell said, mimicking Phin.
