“In the chaos, we lost them. Dexter was too worried about me to bother with them. The man I had watching them disappeared. I’m hoping he’s still tracking them, although I can’t be sure because he hasn’t sent any reports since that night.”

“He could be dead.” Which would explain why they hadn’t heard from him.

“Yes, that is a possibility.” He leaned on the desk. “I’ve told you how I got hurt—which, by the way, you cannot mention to my mother—so now it’s time for you to tell me what you can about Ackley.”

“There’s nothing to tell that you don’t already know.” Did Colbert think she hadn’t been truthful with him and Dexter?

“He likes you.”

“As a friend. That’s all.”

“No.” Colbert shook his head. “He wouldn’t tease you like he does if he didn’t care for you.”

If he cared for her, it was along the lines of a little sister. There had never been and would never be anything between her and Ackley. She felt no attraction to him in that way, and he’d made it perfectly clear he was married to his job. “It’s a moot point,” she said. “I am marrying your brother.”

“I thought maybe there was something I didn’t know.”

She extended her arm across the desk, palm up. He took hold of her hand. “There is nothing between Ackley and me. We are friends, that’s all.”

“Can I offer you a word of advice?”

“Of course.”

“Talk with my brother. Assure him there’s nothing between you and Ackley.”

“I’ve already told him.” Dexter’s reaction to Ackley had seemed normal to her. After all, she’d felt threatened by Gytha even though Dexter had already ended things with the woman. And he hadn’t talked to Reid about it, so she didn’t know why she had to talk to him about this.

“And that, my dear Reid, is why I’m giving you advice. Please take it. I know my brother well. And, not to be rude, but you lack common sense when it comes to things of this nature.”

Her face flushed, and she fidgeted. “Fine. I will have an awkward conversation with your brother. But I’m sure he won’t care. He’ll probably think me daft for even bringing it up.”

“We’ll see.”

Reid entered the royal family’s private sitting room. Gathered around the low table, Dexter, Colbert, and Ackley all spoke in hushed whispers. When she closed the door, all three turned her way.

“Don’t stop on my account.” She came in and sat down, glancing at the map on the table.

Dexter rolled it up. “The timing will be key. I’ll go ahead and get my men into position.” He stood, then headed to the door.

“Where are you going?” Reid asked.