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Whatever Casey had been expecting, it hadn’t been that

“That’s an interesting request,” she replied Marc was an obvious choice for whatever Aidan was doing As FI’s techno genius, Ryan est and newest team member—a former pickpocket, now reformed Invaluable, but still…

“Did I promise not to ask any questions?” Casey tried

“Yeah, you did”

A sigh “Okay, consider it done When do you need the?”

“I and away full-time Ryan will be on call twenty-four seven from New York”

“Does this mean we’ll finally learn about the secret life of Aidan Devereaux?” Casey asked lightly but with genuine curiosity

“It iven information on a need-to-know basis”

“Understood” Casey didn’t press “The rest of us are available to you, as well However we can help, ill”

“I know And thanks I hope you’re not in the ”

“I’ll handle things”

“I’m sure you will” Aidan didn’t miss a beat “Do I have your permission to call your team members directly or do you need to speak with them first?”

“Clearly what you’re working on is urgent There’s no need to stand on cereave you the okay They’ll know to check in before they take off”

“Good enough” Aidan paused “I appreciate this, Casey I know it’s tough as a leader to give an unconditional yes without knohat you’re saying yes to”

“I trust you,” she replied “And I respect you—two things I don’t offer easily or often Good luck hatever this is”