“Not about getting married. Not at all. Are you nervous?”

“No,” I lied. “What about India?”

“I’m not thinking about that yet. I don’t get nervous or anxious when I’m on a mission. I sort of get this heightened awareness, this focus. It’s actually exciting.”

“Just please be careful.”

“Always.” He drew me closer. “How do you want to get married?”

“You mean like a ceremony?”

“Yeah, like a ceremony. Gabe’s coming in at the end of next week. We can have something small with just Juleen and him, if you’d like.”

I thought a moment. “I really don’t want Juleen to see us getting married. I’ve only been separated from Devek for months.”

“She knows what’s going on, but she’s your kid. Do what makes you feel comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

“If you don’t want to go intimate, then how about this? You’ve been here almost three months. You’re a resident, but even if you weren’t it wouldn’t matter. How about if Gabe comes here and watches Juleen while you and I have a blowout in Vegas?”

“What do you mean by blowout?”

“Shows, dinners, shopping, massages, gambling, and lots of sex, which will happen regardless of where we are.”

“I don’t gamble.” I paused. “Do you?”

“No. It’s a waste of money and I have an addictive personality. But I’ll give you like five grand to play the slots. Fuck-it money. Pack some nice clothes and let’s cut loose.”

I hesitated. “Will you be doing business there?”

“I’ve got some housekeeping, sure. I have a list of possibilities that I’ve let slide since I’ve been with you. I’ll just be interviewing, Terry. And even if you don’t believe in my sterling character—which is very dubious—I wouldn’t do anything that would get me in trouble with the law. Prostitution is illegal there. If I’m interested in anyone, I’ll buy a plane ticket and finish up the interview in my territory.”

“When I’m gone?”

“Yes, when you’re gone. Nothing while you’re here.” I was quiet. Finally, he said, “Terry, if you want me to sell the place, I’ll do it. Badger would buy it in a heartbeat.”

“Why would you do that?” I was stunned. “You love what you do, right?”

“Absolutely. I’ve got the best job in the world. The question is do you love what I do?”

I thought about that for a long time. “No, I don’t love what you do. And yes, I do get jealous when I think about it. But I think we’re both beyond a reset of who we are. Let’s keep the status quo for now.”

I felt tears in my eyes. I was so emotional lately. “Thanks for the offer, handsome. I appreciate it. Vegas sounds fun. Let’s do it.”