Copperheads - 12 Read Free Page B

auntie.”
    Terri began packing the diaper bag while the Alliance’s top official entertained and snuggled with the cackling babe. “He’s such a happy boy,” Diana noted.
    “Bishop spoils him rotten when he’s home,” Terri confessed with a sigh. “Then all of a sudden my hero-of-a-husband is off on some grand adventure, and I’m left with a kiddo who thinks I should spend every waking moment playing and attending to him.”
    “Why don’t you leave him here with me and go along with Bishop on this trip? I could use the distraction, and other than this brewing international incident, there’s not a lot going on right now.”
    Terri momentarily brightened at the idea of a mom’s day out, but then flashed a coy smile at her friend. “You’re just wanting me to go along because the Colonel is pissed about his food convoy getting torched.”
    Feigning innocence, Diana countered, “What? Nooo. Not me. I was just thinking my friend could use a break from her routine. Besides, this mission isn’t dangerous. Nick wouldn’t be sending Bishop’s team down south if it weren’t for your husband’s relationship with the President of those United States. Leave Hunter here with me for a few days and go with Bishop…. Get out of the house … change up your day a little.”
    Terri was still skeptical, “Uh-huh. The fact that my husband doesn’t have a diplomatic bone in his body wouldn’t have anything to do with your offer – would it?”
    A tinge of guilt colored the Alliance leader’s expression. “Well … err … maybe a little. I would feel a whole lot better about the situation if you were going along.”
    Before Terri could respond, the door to Diana’s office opened in a rush, Nick and Bishop barging in, serious business on their minds. Both of the men pulled up short when they spotted Terri and Hunter.
    “Hiya, big guy!” Bishop greeted his son, moving to take the little one from Diana. “How’s my best buddy doing this morning?”
    Hunter, obviously thrilled to see his primary playmate, reached for his father’s embrace while screaming, “Daddy!”
    “Diana wants me to tag along with your SAINT team, Bishop. She’s worried that Washington is going to try and put the blame for the massacre on the Alliance,” Terri casually announced.
    “That’s one hell of an idea,” Nick interjected before Bishop could respond. “Sheriff Watts has at least 20 deputies down there right now, so it’s probably one of the safest places in the entire territory.”
    Bishop stopped flying his Hunter-airplane, much to the dismay of the tot. The Texan became serious in an instant, “Terri, how many times do we have to go over this? New Mexico and the Toymaker were an exception. I thought we agreed not to endanger our son anymore?”
    “Oh, I’m going to babysit Hunter,” Diana chimed in. “You and Terri can go check out the convoy and make nice with the U.S. representative for a few days. After that, why don’t you take a little time together and enjoy Lake Amistad? I’m sure there’s at least one functioning boat left. I’ll even requisition some gasoline.”
    “It would be a chance for some alone time,” Terri added, seductively moving to hook arms with her husband and flashing a sultry look.
    Bishop’s eyes moved from each of his friends and then landed on his wife. “I can see that I’m a victim of a conspiracy here,” he mumbled. “Not only am I hopelessly outnumbered, but you’re using intimacy as a weapon of mass destruction. What possible choice do I really have? I guess Terri’s going along on this trip.”
    Diana and Nick exchanged knowing looks, and then the Alliance’s top elected official reached for Hunter. “I’m going to spoil you rotten, little man. I know where the best ice cream is in all of Alpha, and we’re going to put a serious dent in their inventory.”
    “Be careful there, lady,” Bishop teased. “That’s my son you’re now in charge of.”
    Nick grunted,