To Russia With Love (Countermeasure Series) by Cecilia Aubrey, Chris Almeida Page B

handling.”
    “Do whatever you feel necessary, Stephan. I trust your judgment, just as Dad did.” Trevor exhaled a deep breath. “I don’t think I can be here just yet.”
    “Understandable. Keep me apprised of any developments, though. You know your father was like a big brother to me. I need to—” Stephan ran his hand through his hair. “Hell. I need to know as much as you do. If I can help in any way, just say so.”
    “I understand Stephan. I will. Don’t worry.” Trevor stood and Stephan joined him. “I need to get going. Cassie will kill me if I don’t get back soon. I left her holding the fort.”
    Stephan grinned. “I can hear her now.”
    “Gotta love her. I know I do. Woman has me all twisted inside.
    The grin slowly washed from Stephan’s lips. “That’s a good thing, lad.”
    “I know, eh? Anyway, I should be heading out.” Trevor reached out his hand and Stephan once again pulled him in a tight hug, thumping him on the back.
    “Give Cassandra my love. We need to get together for another pint soon.”
    Trevor flashed a mischievous parting grin, “Think you can handle it ol’ man?” His grin grew wider when Stephan laughed out loud and turned back to his work.
    *****
    Trevor waved to Jacobson and left the building. Outside he took deep hard pulls of the crisp morning air into his lungs. A weight lifted slightly from his shoulders, and he knew from their conversation that Stephan was not disappointed with him. He felt all the better for it. As he waited to cross the street, a passing tourist reminded him of a little errand he wanted to take care of—one easily handled on the way back home.
    The thirty-minute walk to the shop was invigorating, and there was a spring to Trevor’s step in anticipation of getting his hands on new toys. Aidan Gallagher, the store’s owner, was behind the counter and greeted him with a smile.
    “Trevor! Nice timing. I was about to give you a call.”
    “I know that smile. You’re about to relieve me of my entire paycheck today, am I right?”
    Aidan laughed and went to the back room returning with a box. “If that amount is your entire paycheck, you have more problems than your addiction to gadgets, my friend.”
    He placed the package on the counter, opened it with a cutter, and removed a small bubble-wrapped item from it.
    Trevor unwrapped one of the small cameras and whistled. “Can you imagine the quality of the images transmitted by this little baby?” He inspected the other cameras in the box under Aidan’s watchful eye.
    “Is everything as you expected?”
    “Yep. Now, just need to find a use for them. When I do, I’ll fill you in on how they perform.” While Aidan repackaged the small cameras, Trevor reached for his wallet and credit card.
    Aidan chatted away as he rang up the purchase. “So where’s that beautiful wife of yours?”
    “Home and no doubt wondering where the hell I’m at. I need to get my ass back before I find myself grounded.”
    Aidan snorted and handed a bag with the box back to him.
    “I’m off, but I’ll be back soon. I want to check out that wide-angle zoom you showed me the other day.”
    “You’re in luck, my man. I still have it. Make sure you tell Cassandra hi for me.”
    Trevor retraced his steps home. On the way, he stopped at a little bakery and café on Grafton Street. Having been gone a little longer than planned, a peace offering for Cassandra was in order. He had enjoyed the fresh outdoors while she had remained behind, bunkered down in a stuffy house. A twinge of guilt niggled at him. He knew her Cali heart would have enjoyed the walk and beautiful morning. By the time he reached the house, he was juggling a camera-shop bag, a paper tray holding two large cups—one coffee, one tea—and a bag of her favorite pastries and scones.

Chapter Nine
    Surprise!

    J ESSICA HAD LEFT THE HOUSE with map in hand, but her heart really hadn’t been into shopping or handling her financial matters. Sure, she had