Page 221 of Broken
Rebel moseyed upstairs.
After hugging Addison hello, Rebel extended his hand to Britain. “Joaquin Dillinger, my friends call me Rebel. How’s it goin’?”
“Hey, Joaquin.” She shook his hand. “Britain Skye. My friends call me Brit, but you can call me Britain.”
“Brit,” Addison scolded, but Rebel chuckled.
“That’s cool,” Rebel replied.
“Your home is beautiful,” Britain said. “I’d love a tour.”
“I’ll take her on one, if you’re down with that,” Rebel offered.
“Go for it,” Jacqueline said.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Addison said, “I want to talk to you about something.”
After filling two coffee cups, she sat beside Addison at the kitchen island. “What’s going on?”
“I’m leading a mission in two weeks, and I want you to come with us,” Addison said.
Excitement pulsed through her. “You think I’m ready?”
“You’ve been ready,” Addison replied, “but I’ve been waiting for the right job.”
Jacqueline loved her job at ALPHA, and she had agreatmentor in Addison.
Ethan and Loki came bounding into the room. “Uncle Nicky got a hole in one!”
“That’s great,” Addison exclaimed.
“Are you done golfing?” Jacqueline asked.
“Nuh-uh,” Ethan replied. “Aunt Naomi would like you to pleeease put her pie in the oven.”
Jacqueline mussed Ethan’s hair, then pulled him close, and kissed his cheek. “Are you having fun?” She turned on the oven.
“So much fun!” Ethan exclaimed. “Uncle Prescott said we can play golf on the big grass tomorrow. He got us a tee time and everything!”
Ethan walked toward the basement, then stopped. “Loki, come.”
With a rope toy in his mouth, Loki bounded over. “Good boy. Loki, sit.”
After the dog sat, Ethan patted his head. “Good job. Let’s go to the basement.”
Ethan headed downstairs, but Loki didn’t move.
“Don’t forget Loki,” Jacqueline called out.
He came rushing back upstairs. “Loki, free.”
Loki took off toward the basement and Ethan went running after him.
“They’re adorable,” Addison said.
Jacqueline smiled. “I love them both so much.”
“Are you golfing with them tomorrow?” Addison asked.
