Chapter 110

“Fine, Mark.”

“Don’t get passive-aggressive on me, Mann.”

“Is that what I’m doing?” He opened his mouth, but I cut him off. “Look. I’ve grown…fond…of you. The last thing I want is for you to have problems at work because you’re involved with me.”

“Yeah? You planning on breaking up with me, then?”

“You can be the thickest man in the universe, Vincent. No, I’m not breaking up with you. But…” But I knew the WBIS wouldn’t react well to the knowledge that its best senior special agent—even though he was no longer in the field—was having an affair with an officer of the CIA. “…if there are any difficulties—”

“I’ll deal with any problems that come along. Not that I’m anticipating any.”

“Of course you’re not.”

“Well, I’m n—”

Cesare came to the table just then, bearing two shallow bowls. “Poached peaches topped with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce.” He kissed his fingers and grinned broadly.

“This looks delicious. Thank you.”