Page 61 of Code Name: Harbor

She waves me off, turning back to Margaret to ask, “And where do you get most of your inspiration from?”

I cross the room to Marcus.

“Boss man,” he says with a wide grin, his eyes moving past me to Josie. “I see you brought a date.”

I glance back at her. “Yeah.”

“And you can’t keep your eyes off her,” he teases.

“I’m aware,” I reply dryly, not bothering to take my eyes off her.

“It’s bordering on embarrassing.”

“I’m aware of that too.” I turn back to him. “Is Connie here?”

Connie and Marcus often come to the gallery events. They’re my crew as well as my friends, and the invitation is always open. A way for them to step into the legitimate world of art and partake of good food and wine.

Marcus takes a sip from his glass and sets it on the bar. “She’s around here somewhere.”

“We all set for the run next Tuesday?” I ask casually, my voice kept low so only he can hear.

“We’re all good,” he assures me, and that’s all we need to discuss. He has my full trust.

Movement catches my eye and I see her. Connie in a plunging black dress with a black leather jacket. Her hair is styled, makeup dramatic. She’s a woman the room notices and many heads turn her way. Her eyes land on me and she walks toward us.

She and I haven’t spoken since Mikhail’s visit to the boat and her casual suggestion we hand over Josie.

“Be careful with her tonight,” Marcus suggests. “She’s still salty.”

“That’s her problem, not mine,” I growl. The last thing I want to do is deal with shit from her.

To my surprise, Connie greets me with a bright smile. Her hand goes to my shoulder and she leans in to give me a kiss on my cheek. It lingers too long and I’m the one to step back.

Connie doesn’t seem to notice and touches the lapel of my coat. “Look at you… all cleaned up and looking the legitimate businessman.”

“You look very nice too,” I say, because she seems to have left her hurt feelings outside and I’ll accept that.

Connie nabs a glass of red wine from a passing waiter, her eyes slowly sweeping the room over the rim of the glass as she takes a sip. “Big crowd.”

“Bigger than last month.”

“Look at you, Finn. Definitely a real businessman, but you’ll always be a high seas pirate to us.”

Marcus snorts and I shoot him a look.

“Be nice, Cons,” he says.

“I am being nice,” Connie insists.

“You’re being something,” I mutter.

Connie pouts, looking hurt. “I’m being nice, Finn. Let me be nice.”

“You being nice is weird,” I say, and we all laugh, the tension finally broken. I hate being on eggshells around her, but I can’t forget her threats aboard The Quartermaster three days ago.

Deep in my gut, I’m having trust issues with her and it’s making me twitchy.

Connie drinks and turns the glass in her hand. The dramatic makeup around her eyes catches the warm track light and makes her look like she’s been lit for film.