Love is Always Write Anthology Bonus Volume

Rachael commented. "Sure you don't want a weapon?"
    "Thank you, no. Hospital Corps, remember?"
    Daren stood and looked him over. "This wouldn't get you into most of the clubs I used to go to."
    "It'll get me into the Blue Dragon." He slipped the letter and the USB stick into the deep inner pocket of his coat. "Wish me luck?" Daren leaned in and kissed him softly, lingering against his lips. He was pretty sure he could hear Rachael rolling her eyes.
    "Good luck, and thank you."
    Sebastian gave his hand a squeeze and headed for the door before he completely lost his nerve.
    The direct drive to the Blue Dragon didn't take anywhere near an hour, but Sebastian twisted and turned and doubled back just in case anyone was following. He didn't really believe there was. Not yet. Anyone who might have had eyes on him surely knew by now that Daren was in the house, and surely by now, things would have already come to a head.
    He parked at the far edge of the lot, where he knew the security camera had a blind spot. He'd had a car window broken out there once. He checked his watch; it wasn't yet eight. He slid from his car, doing his best to keep in the blind spot, and took a walk around the block so it would look like he'd parked somewhere else.
    The Blue Dragon was quiet when he let himself in, but then it always was, even on a weekend. It was more a place to get a quiet drink after work, or meet a date before heading off to dinner and a movie. It was probably only the little pink triangle by the front door, and maybe the odd name, that told you there weren't likely to be a lot of women inside.
    He recognized the bartender and gave a little wave. "Hey Kevin, how's it going?"
    "Not bad. What can I get you?"
    "Two whiskies on the rocks?"
    "Two?" Kevin poured the drink. "One of those nights?"
    "I'm supposed to be meeting someone." Sebastian leaned in close. "I don't suppose there's anyone here tonight who's not a regular, or maybe looks a bit out of place?"
    "Blind date?"
    "I'm that desperate."
    Kevin shook his head. "Only one in tonight I don't recognize is the guy in the corner booth. I know everyone else's name." Sebastian looked over his shoulder. In the corner booth sat Agent Kim, looking every inch a Fed, and seated where he could watch everyone come in and go out of the front door. "He's been here about ten minutes. Ordered water. If you ask me, he looks like a narc."
    Sebastian took a deep breath, his heart absolutely racing in his chest. He could still pull the plug, drink his drinks and walk away. He took out his phone and sent a prewritten text.
    About to engage.
    He put a twenty on the bar and picked up the drinks.
    Agent Kim watched him as he approached. Sebastian smiled and tried to slather on the charm. "Hey there. You don't seem to have a drink."
    Agent Kim swallowed. "Um, I'm waiting for someone."
    "Well, what do you know? I'm waiting for someone too." Sebastian slid into the booth, trapping Agent Kim in and sliding the drink over. "In fact, I've been set up on a blind date with an Asian, forty-something FBI agent, by a mutual friend. Now take a sip of your drink and pretend that you find me hot."
    Agent Kim sipped his drink. "And you would be the voice on the phone."
    "I would. And you would be alone here?"
    "Yes. How is Gerald?"
    The fear in Sebastian was suddenly replaced by a slow rolling anger, but he kept a smile plastered on his face like he was flirting. "Alive, little thanks to you. Also still trusting you for some reason I'm not entirely sure of."
    "I didn't know."
    "That's what you said."
    "You know what? How do I even know Gerald's still alive? You could have conned him into making that video, then gotten rid of him."
    "What would be the motivation for my doing something like that?"
    "I don't know, maybe to get to me?"
    Sebastian reached into his jacket. Agent Kim stiffened and tried to back away. "I'm just getting a letter from my pocket." He slowly pulled out letter written on a notepad sheet and placed it on the table. Agent Kim reached for it, but Sebastian dropped his hand over it. "Actually, why don't you tell me why you want to go after the Delawares? It seems dangerous and stupid. Also tell me why I should believe you're on the up-and-up."
    Agent Kim squinted at him as his face went hard. "Why should I? I'm still not sure that you have Gerald's best interests in mind."
    Sebastian leaned close. "Do you know why I picked this bar?"
    "Home turf advantage?"
    Sebastian felt the rage boil behind his