Accidental Shield (Marriage Mistake #6)(88)

“No, you didn’t, but I know that’s what you’re planning, Flint.” The notebook I’d drawn in earlier is on the counter. I reach over and slide it in front of me, flip open a new page, and pick up the pencil. In seconds, I have the outline of the office on paper.

“I don’t have a key, so I can’t help with that, but I can draw you a little map of the interior.”

“That’d be great,” he says.

The faster my hand moves across the page, the more excited I get.

“And you know, I think I know the perfect way you get in—chickens!”

“Chickens?” He stiffens in his seat and blinks at me.

I giggle. “Yep. The wild chickens roaming around everywhere on Oahu. There were plenty hanging around there the last time I went by the office.”

“Babe, you’re not making sense,” he says slowly, totally confused.

“They were even down by the docks. My father always hated them, said they’d get in the way. Sometimes they even stowed away on the ships. So he had the office sprayed pretty regularly to cut down on bugs, and the chickens would run off somewhere else for food.” Smiling, thinking how cute he’d look in one of those white jumpsuits, I say, “You can pose as an exterminator.”

He seems skeptical at first, but once Cash arrives and hears the plan, we start diving in. I’m so excited to help, I’m nearly giddy.

Giddy over finding information to use against my family. I must be a sadist, more devious than I give myself credit for. Or just a Gerard.

Cash stays well after supper, and I have a feeling it’s because Flint asked him to.

I know why, and though it hurts, I tell myself it’s for the best and go up to bed.

Alone.





*



I stay there all night, despite the numerous urges I have to go downstairs to Flint’s room.

Bryce arrives home shortly after breakfast the next morning and instantly scoops Savanny into his arms.

“I told him I’d take him to Pearl Harbor, but he insists he wants to bring you two,” Beverly says. “His little friend had to bow out early with a tummy ache. Poor Louie.”

“Valerie can go with us, can’t she, Dad?” Before Flint has a chance to answer, Bryce looks at me. “They’re having this special history day thing just for kids, and I’m sure you’ll like it. Dad said we could go last month, and I almost forgot about it. Did you know Pearl Harbor used to be called Wai Moni? Think it means ‘Water of the Pearls.’”

“I didn’t,” I say. “That’s interesting. I’m sure I’ll love going with you.”

“She can go with us, Dad? Can’t she?”

“Sure,” Flint says. “We’ll all go.”

Bryce frowns slightly. “Even Grandma?”

“Even Grandma? Oh, you.” Beverly puts both hands on her hips. “Are you that sick of me?”

Bryce shakes his head. “Nah, you just usually get tired and don’t go—”

“Because I’m usually not invited to the coolest stuff,” Beverly says with a haughty sniff. “Or maybe I’m just getting tired of playing third wheel to you boys. It’s different this time with another lady.”

She looks at me and smiles. I return it.

Flint shakes his head and shrugs.

“I’m just teasing,” she says. “But I’ll go with you today.”

He nods. “We’ll leave in an hour.”

“Great!” Bryce shouts. “That’ll give me time to show Grandma how Savanny plays fetch.”

For a second, Flint and I share a look, both of us rolling our eyes.

As Bryce drags Beverly to the back door, Flint shouts after him, “Get your fix in now because that cat can’t go to Pearl Harbor!”

“Jeez, I know, Dad!”

I step up next to Flint. “King Heron Fishing isn’t far from Pearl Harbor.”

“I know,” he says, looking at me.

I nod, reading his mind.

“Davis will keep an eye on you the whole time. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“I’m not worried about me. I’ll be fine. You’re the one putting yourself in danger,” I tell him.

He chuckles softly. “Hardly. No one will think twice about a damn bug guy walking through the door.” He winks at me. “Plus I’ll have your map. We’ve got this.”

I so hope he’s right.





*



We leave an hour later.

Bryce and Beverly are in the back seat, blabbing away about everything they want to see at Pearl Harbor. There’s also a huge swap meet happening nearby at the stadium Beverly plans to stop by to satisfy her shopper bug.

I have a queasy sensation I can’t quite pin down.

I’ve lived in Honolulu for years and have been to the historic center several times, but I’ve never felt the rush they’re clearly getting.

Maybe it’s just due to Flint, knowing he’ll be sneaking over to the King Heron headquarters while we’re off enjoying our day. I’m worried about that, hoping it goes well.

But at the same time, I think it’s deeper, too.

Shortly after we arrive and enter the visitor center, Flint slips away.