It’s my mother’s wedding day, and I’m up a little earlier than usual. I want to make sure her whole day runs smoothly. She should have hired a wedding planner, but my mom is very much one of those people who believes if you want it done right, you should do it yourself. At least I managed to convince her to off-load some responsibilities onto me.

With a large mug of coffee in hand, I settle at my desk and pull out my master list. Everything is checked off as being organized, but I still want to stop by the hotel and double check the reception arrangements and inspect the honeymoon suite before I head to my mom’s house. Her fiancé was insistent that he pay for everything, but after a long discussion, he did concede the reception and honeymoon suite to me as my wedding gift to them.

I’m just finishing my coffee and thinking about a hot shower when my phone rings. Alasdair. I know why he’s calling, and I’m tempted to let it go to voicemail, because I don’t know how many times I’m going to have to tell him. For a guy who works for the CIA, he sure needs a lot of reassurance. Well, on this score, he’s entitled. His brother’s suicide hit us all pretty hard, but Dair has always felt responsible.

“Hey Dair.”

“Are you still going to be able to make it tomorrow?” he asks.

“Of course. We’re scheduled to be wheels up at five, so lots of time after brunch to get to the airport.”

“But won’t your mom and her new husband need the jet to go on their honeymoon?”

“Nope. I offered, of course, but George was adamant that he take care of all the travel arrangements.”

“In that case, there are a few of us getting together to talk about a thing, and I’d like it if you and Grant can join us.”

“But not Nick?”

“Not at this point.”

“Why not?”

“Because Grant can’t risk any leaks, so we’re holding off Mr. Hot-shot TV News Anchor until it’s ready to break. So don’t say anything to him on the flight about it. Simon also needs to stay away, for reasons that will become obvious, so he’s arranged an evening at Arrogance, some new club in DC where everyone who’s anyone goes to see and be seen. It’s likely Nick will invite you go along. Be vague when you decline. I don’t want him to think we’re meeting behind his back. Well, we are, but there are reasons, and the less he is aware of at this point, the better for all concerned. I’ll talk to Grant, but you’ll want to connect with him ahead of time to work out whatever it is you’re going to tell Nick.”

My curiosity is truly piqued. If Grant can’t risk leaks, then his undercover investigative journalist alter-ego, Sebastian Quinn is looking to make his first appearance in nearly a year. This trip just got interesting.

“Okay.”

“Excellent. Kevin’s flight is due in from Seattle at six, Simon is scheduled to pick Nick up from the hotel at eight, so we’ll meet up at Duke’s place at nine-thirty. That should give you all plenty of time to get settled in and eat beforehand.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Give your mom my love. I have a gift for you to bring home for her.”

As soon as I hang up, I strip and climb into the shower. The wedding is still hours away, but I want to make sure I’m at the house early so my mom doesn’t worry.

My mind wanders as I soap up. It never occurred to me that my mom would marry before me. I certainly never thought I’d be in my mid-thirties without a steady girlfriend, let alone a wife. Not that I don’t get laid when the need arises, but sometimes I think it would be nice to have someone to come home to. Human contact that extends beyond the bedroom. Maybe even kids. Of course, there are hurdles to domestic bliss. Namely, finding a submissive woman, preferably one who likes the bite of pain, who loves me for who I am, not what I’m worth.

It could happen.

I’m on my way to the wedding an hour later when Grant calls. “Hey man, Dair called you?”

“He did. Any thoughts on what to tell Nick when he asks us to join him?”

“Easy,” Grant says. “I’ve got a story I’m working on, and you’ve got meetings first thing in the morning. It’s true, and guaranteed, Simon and Nick will be out until the wee hours.”

“Works for me. Bets Nick comes back with a companion?”

Grant chuckles. “No bet.”

“See you tomorrow at Teterboro. Wheels up at five.”

“See you then.”