Savannah's Curse Read Free Page B

honest approach; well, as honest as he could be in the line of work he was accustomed to.
    â€œMajor was my lead operative. He was who I reported to while out in the field.” Troy held back his emotions. He didn’t want Savannah to see how much seeing her in person affected him. Major’s loss hurt him too. Major understood him and always had his back when he would go about handling cases in nontraditional ways. Major was the one who encouraged him to start his own private-security firm.
    Savannah watched with curiosity. She sensed something besides a boss/colleague affiliation. She could tell Troy had more of a personal relationship with her father, and she wanted to know how personal.
    â€œMy dad never talked about you.” Savannah couldn’t help but wonder how Troy and her dad’s paths crossed. She met Troy while attending college and no one knew about their love affair, or so she thought. How did Troy end up working for SNA, the Securities National Agency known more commonly as “The Agency”?
    â€œIt was standard that we were not to discuss our business affairs with our family. That way, if any assignment went awry, the less our families knew, the safer they would be.”
    Savannah crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. “That’s why I hate secrets now.”
    â€œYour dad loved you all. He always talked about you.”
    â€œThat’s odd, because I can’t recall ever hearing him speak of you, or hardly anyone else for that matter from work. The only person I know of is Uncle Raymond.” The sparkle in Savannah’s eyes disappeared.
    Troy was tempted to reach over and comfort Savannah, but he knew any movement from him could result in him being back down on the floor. This time however he would be prepared. A sly grin formed at the thought.
    â€œYour dad thought it would be best if he didn’t talk about our missions with you and your sisters. The less you knew, the safer you would be. Well, that’s what he thought, anyway,” Troy stated.
    â€œHow do I know you’re telling me the truth?”
    â€œYou’ll have to trust me.”
    Savannah grunted. “Try again.”
    Troy shifted in his seat. “Your uncle Raymond is my ex-boss. You can call him and confirm, if you like.”
    â€œI just might do that.”
    Savannah pressed a button on her cell phone. The phone beeped to indicate it was on speaker. He watched her dial ten digits without once taking her eyes off him. They both listened to the high-pitched rings.
    â€œBaby girl, how are you?” Uncle Raymond asked.
    â€œI’m fine. I was going through Dad’s stuff and had a few questions.”
    There was silence on the other end. Savannah was the first to speak. “Uncle Raymond, you’re there?”
    â€œYes, dear. I was in the middle of something. Can I call you back?” he asked.
    â€œIt’ll only take a few minutes. I promise.”
    â€œOkay. Well, hurry it up now.”
    â€œWhat do you know about Bridges? Troy Bridges?”
    â€œBridges? Why do you ask?”
    â€œI told you I ran across some information of my dad’s.” Savannah became fidgety in her seat. She hated when she wasn’t able to get a direct answer.
    â€œHe’s no longer with The Agency, and that’s all I can say.”
    â€œThanks, Uncle.”
    â€œSavannah?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œStay clear of Troy. He’s trouble with a capital T. I could never keep a rein on him when he was with us. Your dad was the only one who could tame him.”
    â€œDon’t worry. I don’t plan on having anything to do with him.”
    â€œThat’s a relief.”
    Savannah didn’t know how to respond to that statement. She felt embarrassed because Troy Bridges, or whatever name he went by now, was sitting there listening to the entire conversation.
    â€œI’ll let you get back to whatever you were