office with the door closed. I don’t know if he’s happy, or if he’s ready to bail on me. I’m trying not to go with the online cheating thing, and I don’t want to search his private computer, but I’m scared. I’m really, really afraid that I’ve done something and he’s over me.”
He knew she wasn’t talking about Ethan.
Glancing over, Callen knew how he had to play this one out. Elizabeth didn't trust many, and once that trust was broken, it was over. She didn't forgive that infraction.
He couldn’t blame her. Without trust, there was nothing.
“Well, let’s see. Has he mentioned to you that he was unhappy?” Callen asked.
“No, but he’s keeping secrets. I can tell. He knows that doesn’t fly in our family.”
Yeah, she was right. It didn’t.
“Has he come home smelling like other women?” Callen knew he’d rather cut off his good arm than ever go there.
“Absolutely not, but I know something is going on. Maybe it’s the investigator in me. I smell mystery, and I’m compelled to dig. What should I do?” she asked. “Should I come right out and ask, or should I let it make me sick like it is?”
He felt terrible.
Callen had been sneaking out of bed to stay up late in the office, but he had a very good reason.
“You could just ask him.”
“Okay. Callen, are you cheating on me? Is there someone else?”
He pulled into the closest parking lot and threw his truck in park. “Angel.”
“Just tell me. It started the minute you found out about us having a boy. I’m scared, Callen. I want to believe you’re not doing anything, but I’m a Fed. We pick up the subtle changes.”
He faced her. “I’m not cheating on you. I’m very happy, but you’re right. I do have a secret.”
She stared at him as her heart skipped in her chest.
“Why are you keeping a secret?”
“I’m doing something I never thought I’d do.”
“Is it porn? I like watching dirty movies, as much as I like making them,” she teased, but the humor didn't make it to her eyes.
“I don’t watch porn. I’m married to a nympho,” he offered, bringing his hand to her cheek. “Angel, I’d never betray you, but I can see why you’re worried.”
She was right. He was sneaking around behind both of their backs, so it was time to come clean.
“I’m worried about recertification, so I took matters into my own hands. I’m covering my bases.”
She didn't speak.
“I’ve been working on a backup plan in case I lose my badge. That’s all.”
Elizabeth watched his eyes. They were the window to the soul, and if he lied, she’d know. So far, he was being honest.
“If you need more proof, you don’t have to snoop through my laptop, which, may I add, is property of the FBI. I’m crazy, but even I wouldn’t watch porn on that.”
She didn't move.
“Here,” he said, digging his phone out of his pocket. “Go into my email, and read the one addressed to Jackson James.”
She didn't recognize the name.
“Who’s that?”
“Me.”
She didn't understand. It certainly sounded like something a man who was having an online dalliance would do. One of the men she loved had an alias.
This couldn’t be good.
“Callen.”
“Just read it. Then I’ll answer your questions.”
Elizabeth took her time and did just that.
‘Mr. Jackson James,
We’ve received your submission, and we are pleased to notify you that we are interested in reading your entire manuscript. We found it to be creepy, twisted, and the perfect type of book for our readers. We look forward to finishing it, and then we’ll discuss our options. Thank you for trusting your baby with us. You won’t be disappointed. We’ll be notifying you within a week.’
She glanced up. “Wait! You wrote a book?”
He nodded. “I’ve been working on it the last year, and since I don’t know if I can be a Fed anymore, I have to have something to fall back on.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
She was embarrassed that