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take a couple of weeks off from your job?”
    Merrick was hard-pressed not to smile. “Yes. What do you have in mind?” He wanted to tell Alex that he didn’t have a job or a career, and hadn’t had one in two years. He had a government pension, albeit as a disability status, and the proceeds from shrewd investments permitted him a comfortable and uncomplicated lifestyle.
    â€œI need you to come to D.C. Will that present a problem for you?”
    â€œNot in the least. I live in West Virginia.”
    â€œWhere do you live in West Virginia?” Excitement fired the gold in her clear brown eyes.
    â€œBolivar. It’s a few miles south of Harper’s Ferry.”
    â€œWe’re practically neighbors. I live in Arlington, Virginia.”
    They weren’t neighbors, but it was close enough for Merrick to get to the Capitol District in a few hours. “How long have you lived in Virginia?”
    â€œThis coming March will be two years. I’m going to visit with my folks in Boca Raton for a week before I go back to D.C.”
    â€œWhen do you want to get together?”
    â€œI should be back on the eighth. I have tickets for a showing that’s also a fund-raiser on the ninth.”
    â€œThat sounds good. I’m going to need a number where I can reach you so you can give me all the particulars.”
    â€œI’ll give you my cell number. Do you have anything to write it down with?”
    Merrick shook his head. “Tell it to me.”
    Resting a hand on one hip, Alex glared at him. “If you forget it, then don’t blame me if we don’t get together.”
    â€œI won’t forget it. And if I do I’ll call Michael and ask him.”
    Alex had her answer as to whose guest he was. And if he knew Michael, then there was no doubt Merrick Grayslake was either involved in the military or had ties to intelligence.
    She recited her number, watching Merrick as he closed his eyes and mouthed the numbers. “Tickets to this event are as scarce as hen’s teeth, so if I get one for you and you don’t contact me, then there’s going to be hell to pay, Merrick Grayslake.”
    His right hand moved up to caress the nape of her neck. Pressing his mouth to her ear, he repeated her number before reciting it backward. “Are you satisfied, Miss Alexandra Cole?”
    Grinning, her mouth inches from his, she crooned, “I’m impressed.”
    Alex’s soft, moist lips were a temptation, but Merrick knew she would never trust him if he suddenly took advantage of the situation and kissed her. He’d promised friendship, and that was what they would share until she decided otherwise.
    â€œThe score is now two for Grayslake, zero for Cole.”
    Vertical lines appeared between her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
    Merrick’s smile was toothpaste-ad dazzling white. “I earned a point when I rescued you from your annoying stalker boyfriend, and I just proved to you that I won’t forget your number.”
    Pulling back and resting both hands on her hips in a challenging gesture, Alex narrowed her eyes. “Oh-kay,” she drawled. “You want this to be a competition? Bring it on, sport, because you’re in for the fight of your life.”
    He sobered quickly. “Damn. You’re a spunky little thing, aren’t you?”
    â€œDon’t let my size fool you.”
    â€œOne thing I’m not is a fool. I know enough not to mess over a Cole woman.”
    Her frown deepened. “How much do you know about my family?”
    The seconds ticked off as they regarded each other like combatants. “A lot more than the average citizen,” he replied cryptically.
    A wave of apprehension swept through Alex, washing away her former bravado. “Who are you, Merrick? And what do you do?”
    His impassive expression reminded her of a mask of stone. “I’m retired.”
    â€œWho did you work