White Jade

Chapter Twenty

Harker sent a Gulfstream GIVSP to pick them up at Beale. It was a government executive model, all leather and luxury and wood inside the cabin. Five hours later, the lights of Washington stretched away off the port wing.

They stepped off the plane at Andrews. The air was hot and humid and smelled of jet fuel and diesel, with a hint of ripe garbage and stagnant water.

Ronnie was waiting. He wore another shirt from his Hawaiian collection, this one a hallucinogenic riot of purple, red and orange featuring waving palm trees in green and dancing Hula girls.

His black Hummer was parked inside the security zone barriers. On the way in Nick looked over at Selena, leaning back with her eyes closed. Maybe they'd ended up in bed because they'd been under fire together. Maybe it was the mine. Maybe it was karma. Whatever it was, he knew he'd better be careful about her.

At the Project building Ronnie went with them to the apartment.

"The Director said tell you when you got in there isn't anything can't wait for morning, so the two of you should make yourselves at home. There are two bedrooms for privacy."

Ronnie's expression gave no indication of what he might be thinking, which told Carter everything he was thinking.

"We meet with Harker at 0700. I'll see you then."

"Thanks, Ronnie."

"Hey, no problem. See you tomorrow."

He closed the door.

The living area where they stood was furnished with a hide-a-bed couch, lamp, coffee table and two chairs. A self contained kitchen unit featured a sink, burners and small fridge. The overhead lighting was uninspired, the carpeting a faded blue government industrial. The bedrooms had twin beds.

Selena turned to him.

"I think he knows we slept together."

"You picked up on that. There's no law says we ought to hide it."

He looked at her and wanted her. He stiffened. She saw it.

"Nick." She was tense. "I can't do this right now. Have sex, I mean. Part of me wants to, but it's too much, everything is moving too fast."

He wanted to crush her against him but her words brought an odd sense of relief. Maybe he wanted more than casual sex with Selena. The thought unsettled him.

"It's okay. It's like you said. Sometimes people end up in bed after something happens."

The tension went out of her face.

"You mind if I use the bathroom first?"

"No, go for it."

She went into the bath closed the door. He thought about tomorrow. Harker would have a plan. She always did.