At least Stefanie and her sister were both more prepared than average for the unexpected. Their parents were just on this side of paranoid. Her dad was former Army and now ran a security company. They both had learned self-sacrifice and self-defense as part of their upbringing, and they’d kept their skills sharp as adults. Ree channeled her desire to help others into a career that involved research and teaching. Stefanie focused her own altruism by teaching karate classes a couple of evenings a week, killing the proverbial two birds with one stone. It kept her in shape and reminded her of why she learned it all in the first place. You could take the girl out of the overprotective household, but you couldn’t quite take the vigilance out of the girl. Or something like that.
Stefanie locked up her place and, for the first time she could remember since moving in, she scanned the street for any dangers before walking to her car. For whatever good it would do. A neighbor was out watering his garden and she gave him a wave. Considering the hassle of transporting it, the weapon she kept in her gun safe would stay there. For now. She shook her head and started the car. Whatever her sister had gotten herself into, it was going to be an interesting few days. She ignored the inner voice nagging her that she’d lied to her boss so that she could leave town on a weekday. Maybe later, Ree would help her navigate the emotional burden of lying for the greater good.
After an uneventful plane ride, Stefanie touched down in Chicago. When she crossed the threshold into the terminal, Ree and Parker were waiting, along with Alexis, one of the bridesmaids from Ree’s wedding. Apparently, Alexis also worked for the FBI. Noted. Then, the large, reddish-brown dog next to Alexis gave Stefanie a whole new list of questions. The giant dog wore a vest that read: WORKING DOG – DO NOT PET. Before she could decide what Alexis’s dog’s role in this whole mess was, Ree ran to Stefanie and gave her a hug, almost knocking her off her feet. Stefanie smiled. “Hey, Sis.”
“I hope you aren’t mad at me.” Ree pulled back to make eye contact.
Stefanie raised an eyebrow. “I’ll have to hear the full story before I make a decision on that.” She gave Parker a one-armed hug. “That goes for you too, new brother. Sounds like we need to have a family meeting.”
Just behind him, Alexis reached out a hand to shake hers. “Hey, Stef. Thanks for making it out.”
“Of course.” Stefanie eyed Alexis. “And while I’m thrilled to see you again, I assume you’ll be telling me why you’re on the welcoming committee?” Alexis nodded and the dog at her side began sniffing her and her bag. “Am I getting a dog scan?” Stefanie asked the dog in a friendly voice. She almost reached down to scratch his ears but hesitated at the words on his vest.
Alexis exchanged a look with Ree and Stefanie put a hand on her hip. Apparently, her question had been a little too on the nose. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope, but let’s wait until we get you out of a crowd to tell you all of it.” Alexis winked. “Waffle says you’re good. It’s okay, boy.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “You can pet him now.”
Waffle transformed into a ball of wiggles and Stefanie gave the friendly dog a good scratch. He looked up at her with the kind of look she gave someone when they gave her fancy chocolate. Parker reached for Stefanie’s roller bag. “C’mon. We’ll talk in the car.”
She placed her luggage in the car and found herself in the backseat with Alexis and Waffle. Waffle somehow managed to wedge himself in between the two women and he lay his head on her knee. Ree turned around from the passenger’s seat to face Stefanie. “I’m assuming you have about a million questions.”
“A million and one. At least. And Alex, no offense, but what are you doing here?” She kept a hand on Waffle’s head.
Alexis grinned and Waffle thumped his tail. “None taken. Parker and I work together. Waffle is also an employee. There is no one more talented than him when it comes to detecting explosives.”
Without warning, Ree began fumbling in the glove compartment and pulled out a plastic bag. Stefanie winced when she realized why. After Ree was finished, she took a large swig of water. “I’m fine. Sorry about the noise.”
“No need to apologize. You okay?” Stefanie looked around the seat to check on Ree. She’d seen some pretty gross things in her undergrad biology courses, so her stomach was stronger than most.
Ree shrugged. “Okay enough for now. In case you’re wondering, the doctor assures me my occasional nausea is part of the miracle of life. Parker said I can’t tell her I moonlight for the FBI when she says how incredible it is that I can grow a tiny life in my body whenever I complain about my morning sickness.” She took another drink. “Also, fun fact, did you know I can take very little medication that they feel outweighs the risk as long as I’m ‘comfortable enough?’” Ree huffed out a breath. “Sorry, now I’m venting. Ask your questions – it’ll distract me.”
“I am so sorry, Sis. You have nothing to apologize for – it’s hard work growing a human. And nothing about pregnancy sounds easy.” She moved her hands to her knees. “But, if you promise it will help, I
