Barefoot with a Stranger (Barefoot Bay Undercover #2)(94)

He wore authority like some men breathed, despite the fact that he had to be past ninety. Mal took the sofa, and Chessie’s hand, guiding her right next to him.

“I’m here on a simple mission,” Bill said. “And that is to offer you a job with the Central Intelligence Agency.”

Mal blinked at the curve ball that almost hit him in the head. “Excuse me? I thought you wanted to talk about your son.”

The other man closed his eyes and seemed to pale slightly. “Roger is dead,” he said. “And he has no one but himself to blame.”

Talk about stating the obvious.

Chessie leaned forward. “Mr. Drummand, I—”

He quieted her with a raised hand. “Nothing he did surprised me. And you have no apologies to make. My son was not a source of pride for me, nor for the intelligence agency I represent. In fact, you’ve saved us a lot of trouble, harm, and embarrassment.” He shook his head slowly. “All to say that Roger’s transgressions go even beyond the financial discrepancies that you uncovered in Cuba.”

Mal almost snorted. Financial discrepancies?

“And his decisions cost you four years of your life,” Bill added, taking the wind out of Mal’s indignation. “We are prepared to compensate you for your lost income and offer you any position for which you’d qualify at the agency.” He braced his elbows on his knees, peering hard at Mal. “Just a simple yes or no, son. We want you back.”

And Mal’s brain ticked with many, many responses, none of which was simple.

He glanced at Chessie, who couldn’t begin to hide the glow in her eyes. She knew what he wanted—and he wanted this. But that wasn’t all he wanted. He wanted a plan. And he wanted her.


He gave her hand a squeeze, and, like always, a thousand words were communicated with just a look. They were such a good team.

“I have a few stipulations,” he said.

Bill inhaled and exhaled slowly. “Name them.”

“For one thing, I want my criminal record completely erased from every file known to man.”

“Done.”

Mal nodded. “I want Alana Cevallos fully cleared of any wrongdoing and her children given security and supervision in case the Cuban government goes after her.”

“The entire family is one hundred percent protected.”

“I want the same protection for Nestor Ramos, along with a generous stipend from the United States government in full support of his education and adoption operation down there, which will now work secretly under the auspices of the CIA until his program is legal.”

Chessie’s hand tightened ever so slightly.

“We can certainly do that.”

Mal swallowed as the next requirement formed in his head. It was so obvious, and suddenly he wanted this so much. “And I would like the government to arrange and expedite the adoption of a young girl in his home named Gabriella.”

Chessie’s nails dug into his palm now.

“And I want to claim her and adopt her…as ours,” he finished with a warm look at a very happy Chessie.

“Mal,” she whispered, tears springing. “Thank you.”

“We can easily arrange that,” Bill said. “I hope that’s all.”

“It’s not.” Mal leaned forward. “I would like Francesca Rossi to be given an interview and the opportunity to apply for employment at the CIA and to have that employment be contingent on basing her wherever I am as my partner.”

She tried to stay perfectly still, probably to match his command of the conversation, but he could feel Chessie’s whole body shiver at that last one. And it gave Mal so much satisfaction, he could have hooted.

Bill Drummand looked at her. “You certainly proved yourself in Cuba, Ms. Rossi. I would welcome you into the agency, assuming you pass all the entrance tests. And you may stay with your…partner. And your adopted daughter.”

She beamed. “I’d like that,” she said, smiling at Mal. “Any other tricks up your sleeve?”

Bill chuckled and slapped his knees. “I hope not.”

“Nope, we’re good,” Mal said, standing to end the meeting. “I appreciate the fact that you came here yourself.”

Bill pushed himself to a slow stand, the move showing his advanced age. “I wanted to meet you both in person,” he said. “You’ve made quite a name for yourselves at the agency.”

“We’re just getting started,” Mal assured him, sliding an easy arm around Chessie as they walked him to the door to say good-bye. As the door latched behind him, he turned to Chessie, whose eyes were bright and smile was even brighter.

“I don’t know what to say.” She put her hand over her mouth.

“How about I love you?” He pulled her into his chest and held her like he wanted to hold her for the rest of his life. “Because I love you, Francesca Rossi. I love you, and the amazing life we’re going to have together, forever. How’s that for a plan?”

“That’s a great plan.” She pulled back, tears streaming now. “And I love you, Mal. Oh, I love you so much.”

He kissed her mouth, tasting salty tears and sweet joy.

“Can you finish what you were saying outside?” she asked. “You know, the thing that starts with will you and ends with yes?”