Kapitel 68: Chapter 68

He again gestured toward the armchair, while he took the desk chair. I hitched up my trouser legs slightly, being careful not to spill any of the very fine brandy, sat down, and crossed my legs.

“Mind telling me what’s going on? It’s not your MO to come see me after I’ve completed an assignment, and I know you didn’t come here to compliment me on my taste in brandy.”

No, I had never done that. For a moment I studied the rich depths of the brandy. When I looked up, it was to find those green eyes intent upon me. The corner of his mouth quirked in a rueful grin, and if I hadn’t known better, I might have sworn he was regretting something.

But of course. His “cock-up,” as he called it.

“James?”

My heart gave a tiny leap to hear my name on his lips and not have him stumble over it. “We’ve spoken quite a bit over the years, but not face to face since the start of this. I felt it was about time. I felt, after what happened on this mission…I felt you needed an objective ear.”