Icy Control (5 page)

After a moment, he heard the water running.

“I’ve unleashed a demon,” he muttered happily to himself as he went back downstairs. “A succubus, or maybe a fiery temptress from hell. I’m doomed.”

Rob crossed the large room. He went to the coffee table where he’d left his leather folder earlier when he and Sal had become…distracted. His work case had a custom-made pocket in the leather, which was where he usually stashed his phone.

As he passed one of the easels, he noticed it was the lightly sketched one he hadn’t been able to make out properly earlier. Curious, Rob paused and glanced at it now the opportunity had risen. Gray pencil had been used sparingly, so it was still hard to guess exactly what the picture was and how it would turn out. He thought he saw the outlines of a man and woman, hands linked, walking with their backs to the viewer.

Clearly Sally was still trying to block in the pieces, possibly even unsure herself what the outcome would be. The man seemed to have a circle near him, even fainter outlines that could be buildings or trees…or, hell, almost anything in the distant horizon toward where they led.

Rob was intrigued, his imagination already provoked at just the faintest outline. He shook his head, clearing it of the whimsy and forcing himself back to reality. Knowing Sally, the picture might take a dozen turns before she worked out what she wanted the piece to be. Even then, she’d go over the sketch again in charcoal to firm up the main strokes and details and only then would she start to paint. The final product could be completely different to this hazy outline.

He continued toward the table. Pulling his mobile free, he then flipped it to check the screen. He winced.

Three missed calls and two voicemails.

Damn. He hoped he hadn’t left the Agency—or El in particular—in the lurch. His heart beating fast, he pressed a couple of buttons and checked his messages.

“Rob, it’s El. Just a heads up for you—Louise Calloway is likely headed into HQ to check on her brother. Neither James nor I think she’s involved in this, though I do think she knows more than she’s told us about the work he does in general. I gave her my card and the main reception number we give out to civilians. I’ll call you back when I know more. Be safe.”

Rob stared thoughtfully out of the window for a moment, analyzing the information and assimilating it. If El didn’t think Luke Calloway’s sister was involved, chances were his partner’s instincts were sound. A part of his mind cheered to learn El and James were working together, he’d need to check on that and assure himself El was comfortable and happy, but mostly Rob tried to juggle the puzzle pieces he had.

Partially distracted, he played the second message.

“Rob, it’s El. We’ve found it! The…erm, painting.”

He chuckled at this. Obviously excited, El had forgotten general Agency protocol, which was to leave as little incriminating data as possible over unsecured lines. Rob grinned, bursting with pride for her.

“Look, I know you need a break, some sleep, but seriously. We’ve got it. James and I are heading back to HQ. There was a safe in the target’s flat. It’s complicated, but we’ve recovered what we need. Get back to me soon.”

Rob didn’t like the sound of ‘it’s complicated’, but he knew that could turn out to mean practically anything.

“Is everything okay?” Sally leaned her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Rob hugged her close with one hand, amazed she’d managed to freshen up and dress so quickly.

“El and James found the painting,” he replied excitedly. “The message is only half an hour old, so they’re likely almost back at the office. I need to go in.”

“I can come with you,” she offered. “Not just because after all these years I’d enjoy seeing more than the reception foyer, but because I might be able to offer some insight. If I can get a close look at the piece there could be something I’d notice, or understand, that you and El could possibly miss.”

Rob had to squash the instinct to simply say no. He didn’t want Sally in danger, or anywhere near the men responsible for so much damage to the city. He needed to acknowledge to himself, though, that it wasn’t purely for him to decide these things. Part of him longed to wrap her up in cotton wool, protect her and keep her safe. But at heart she was a free spirit, and if he smothered her it would end badly for them both.

The Agency headquarters was in the middle of central London. It was well guarded and a little known secret outside of select circles. Taking up numerous floors of a stately old building, it seemed from the outside like all the other corporate offices filled with normal people going about their normal business.

There were few safer places he could take her. Keeping her out of this was needless and selfish—even if his motives were pure and noble.

Reluctantly, he nodded.

Sally beamed happily at him and tightened her arms around him again in a big hug. Neither of them spoke for a moment. Rob forced himself not to say anything to spoil her moment. This went against his instincts, but he couldn’t deny that beautiful beam of pleasure. Rob was grateful, not only for Sally’s understanding, but also for her kindness in giving him a moment to mentally come to grips with the change in their relationship.

He took a deep breath and reminded himself it would work out fine.

“Bet you ten quid the laboratory analysts will be drooling all over the painting,” he teased, trying hard to lighten the mood. “I’m sure they’ll be begging to run tests and take samples. You think that we become conspiracy nuts after a bottle or two of wine, well I gotta warn you, Sal, these guys live and breathe the stuff. Hidden encryptions, secret messages and underground movements to radically alter the world. This is their bread and butter, what they live for.”

“Joke all you like, Bobby, but I can see your unease. I trust you. If you say it’s genuinely too dangerous, I’ll step back. But you came here for my help and I want to give it. Besides, this is exciting. It’s thrilling to see even a small slice of what you do every day.”

It was clear how eager she was to start on what he suspected she saw was a grand adventure. It was written all over her. She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, and her eyes shined. Rob had to stop himself from swearing when he noticed the anticipation in her beautiful green gaze. He so rarely saw her this excited—normally it was only when she painted that her passions were so freely unleashed.

Her sensual, vivid reaction to this situation had his body reacting to her beauty. He kissed the top of her head, loving the faintly floral shampoo she used.

“You charm everyone you meet,” he said. “I’m sure the lab guys will love having you around. Their conversation might go a little over your head, but I bet you can have a lot of really important input into their tests. Besides, El will be thrilled to see me bring you along. She’s been nudging me to let my guard down with you forever.”

“I always knew El was a brilliant woman,” Sally replied with a happy smile. “Let me grab my bag and we can go in. You’re practically vibrating with the need to get moving. On the drive into your office, you can fill me in on El and James.”

Sally turned and walked to a large chest of drawers. In the past, Rob knew she used the furniture as storage for all manner of tools and artist things that came in handy sporadically. Now and then he’d see her rummage through it for various items. This time, she pulled out a magnifying glass and placed it into a small bag. Sal was murmuring to herself, so he simply watched her. She continued to open and shut various drawers and stacked up a few items to take with her.

Finally, she collected her keys, purse and phone, slung the bag over her shoulder and seemed ready. Rob sent a quick text to El telling her he and Sally were on their way in. Collecting his leather folder, Rob then crossed the room and met Sally at the door. Unable to help himself, he cupped her jaw and bent down. She stood up on her toes to meet him and they shared an eager kiss.

Rob stroked the back of his fingers over her dark locks of hair. He brushed them from her eyes, even though he knew in a moment they’d fall back across her brow. He gazed into her face and admired her for the millionth time.

“Now that’s the way every day should start,” he commented.

She laughed, grabbed his arse and gave a little squeeze.

“Absolutely,” she agreed as she opened the door. Dancing a little on her toes, she jiggled her way down onto the footpath.

Rob chuckled at her—couldn’t help himself. He checked the door locked behind them, pulling on the handle to make sure no one could just waltz in. It didn’t surprise him Sally hadn’t made certain herself—her faith was astounding.

Rob followed his love out onto the street, deeply amused.

Chapter Three

“Rob!” El called from across the room.

Sally could hear the surprise in the redhead’s tone and it made her grin. When Rob paused, Sally did too. She loved how he pressed his hand on her shoulder. He was watching El, clearly curious about what she had to tell him, but his light touch indicated for her to wait while he dealt with something.

Even though his focus was clearly on his co-worker, some part of him still remained on her, almost as if it were instinctive. It made her feel as if they were a couple.

They’d been friends for so many years and some things, she knew, would only deepen between them. Sally could guess that there might be a few passionate ‘discussions’ on boundaries, and other things as they both adjusted to this new, wonderful intimacy between them. But she loved the solid, warm weight of Rob’s touch, even the casual, unthinking guidance that he gave now.

Her chest warmed. She felt precious, protected.

Sally grinned brightly at El. They were genuinely friends and liked each other immensely. Rob also grinned at his partner, but Sally jumped in first. Happiness bubbled up inside her, despite the circumstances, and she needed to share that with another person.

“El, look at how gorgeous you are,” Sally gushed, rushing over to embrace the agent.

They hugged, and El chuckled.

“You’re full of it,” El replied saucily. “I’m sleep deprived, starving and exhausted. What happened to that artist’s eye of yours?”

Sally smiled, feeling a bit smug. It
was
her artist’s eye that had caught the details. Details like the faint flush of happiness only a sexually sated woman could hold. The angle of El’s body which leaned very slightly toward the sandy-haired man El had stood next to when Sally and Rob had entered the room. The way El clearly sparkled with love for that same man.

Both women glanced up as Rob crossed over and shook hands with the blond man.

“Who is he and how long have you been with him? I didn’t know you were seeing anyone,” Sally said in a lower tone.

Surprise then resignation crossed El’s face.

“An old friend,” El replied. “James. He’s… It’s… We’re… It’s complicated, okay?”

“My favorite kind of story.” Sally nodded. “Later?”

“Promise,” El said with clear relief.

Sally was prepared to let her off the hook for now, but she wondered what story was behind the flush and inner glow El all but shined with.

“Congratulations on finding the painting, that’s amazing work,” Rob was saying as El and Sally came closer.

“El was responsible for most of it,” James insisted.

“I think you’ve both done an amazing job. I can’t wait to see it,” Sally interjected.

“I’m pleased Rob finally broke down and came to you for help. He can be stubborn as a rock sometimes,” El said with a smile.

“Nothing could keep me away once I got the story from him,” Sally said. “This sounds like amazing fun. I brought some tools. Bobby mentioned you have a lab here, but I can’t imagine they’re used to dealing with centuries old, priceless pieces of art. Is there someone in particular I need to be sweet to? I don’t want to step on toes.”

“I’ve left the painting with Ben in the lab,” El said.

Sally looked from El to Rob, then smiled at James. “Hi, I’m Sally. I’m with Rob.”

“James. I’m with El, though I’m sort of a part-time consultant here, too.”

“The Agency takes on consultants?” Sally asked. She gave Rob a part outraged, part excited glance. The rascal had never even hinted she could become safely involved on a casual basis with his work. She made a mental note to seriously research it very soon.

She knew she’d have a twinkle in her eyes as she held Rob’s gaze for a moment.

“Really?” Sally drew out the word so it was clearly full of promise and undeniable interest. “Well, maybe I should have a quiet word with you later, James, and see if you can give me a few pointers on how to wrangle such a position with these guys. Obviously Bobby’s been a little too closed-mouthed recently.”

“Hey, I didn’t drag my feet over bringing you in here today,” he said defensively.

Sally laughed, linked her arm through his and held his hand. She twined her fingers amongst his and squeezed a little. Their gazes met and although she made sure to smile at him, show him she was mostly teasing, she knew he’d see the stubborn tilt to her jaw. She loved Bobby with all her heart. Her whole body still sang from their love-making earlier and not for anything in this world would she take back the deepening on their relationship.

But neither would she be swaddled and set aside, pushed out of any situation she could genuinely help out in. She was different, thought along non-linear lines and she wouldn’t pretend for a second that she was cut out for the life and work Bobby and El were made for. But neither would she run and hide, or bow out of something she could assist with.

“You might not have dragged your feet
today
, Bobby. But it only took the recovery of a stolen painting and…what? Eleven years? Twelve? That you’ve been working here. Still, I suppose the old adage of better late than never certainly fits here.”

Sal chuckled. She gave his hand a final, tender squeeze then let go. She didn’t want to push him or embarrass him in front of his colleagues. She had no idea if he’d feel uncomfortable with her touching him for more than a few seconds here at work and didn’t want to make him ill at ease. When she moved her hand, she noticed Bobby turned his shoulders and tilted them slightly.