Updated Feb 18, 2026 • ~4 min read
ARCHER
Tobias shows up unannounced on day nine.
Looking grim.
I know what’s coming.
“We need to talk.”
“About?”
“About the fact that you’re sleeping with your assignment.”
“She’s not an assignment. She’s—”
“A protected witness. Who you’re supposed to be guarding professionally.”
Willa appears from her apartment.
“I’ll make this easy for you, Agent Mercer. I pursued him. Not the other way around.”
Tobias looks at her.
“That doesn’t change the situation.”
“What situation? That Archer is doing his job while also being a human being with feelings?”
“That he’s compromised. Emotionally invested. Which makes him less effective.”
I step forward.
“I’m more effective. Because I’m more motivated. Nobody will get to her. I promise you that.”
“That’s exactly what I’m worried about. You’ll take stupid risks to protect her. Get yourself killed. Leave her unprotected.”
He’s not wrong.
I would die for Willa.
Without hesitation.
“I won’t let that happen.”
“You can’t guarantee that.”
“Neither can anyone else.”
Silence.
Tobias sighs.
“I should pull you off this detail.”
“Don’t.”
“Give me one good reason.”
“She trusts me. She won’t cooperate with another agent. And you need her cooperation to draw out Malcolm.”
Tobias looks at Willa.
“Is that true?”
“Yes. I only trust Archer. Anyone else, and I’m done. I’ll go into federal protection and you’ll never catch Malcolm.”
Bluffing.
But Tobias doesn’t know that.
“Fine. But if this goes sideways, it’s on both of you.”
He leaves.
Willa exhales.
“That was terrifying.”
“You held your own.”
“I was shaking.”
“Didn’t show.”
She leans against me.
“Do you think he’s right? That you’re compromised?”
“Yes.”
“Does that scare you?”
I think about it.
“Terrifies me.”
“Why?”
“Because last time I let someone get close, she betrayed me. Got my partner shot. Nearly got me killed.”
“I’m not Nadia.”
“I know.”
“Do you? Or are you waiting for me to turn on you?”
Direct hit.
“Maybe a little.”
She pulls back.
Looks at me.
“I won’t. I promise. Whatever happens, whatever Malcolm does, I won’t betray you.”
“You can’t promise that.”
“Yes, I can. Because I love you.”
Second time she’s said it.
This time, I can’t let it pass.
“I love you too.”
Her eyes widen.
“What?”
“I love you. I’ve loved you since the night I saved you. I just didn’t let myself admit it.”
“Because of Nadia.”
“Because of a lot of things. But mostly because loving someone in my situation is dangerous.”
“For you or for them?”
“Both.”
She kisses me.
Soft. Sure.
“I don’t care about danger. I care about you.”
God, she’s brave.
Braver than me.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Okay, let’s do this. Let’s be together. For real. No more hiding. No more hesitation.”
“What about witness protection?”
“I’ll figure it out. After we catch Malcolm, I’ll find a way. But I’m not losing you again.”
She smiles.
Wide and genuine.
“Good.”
That night, we make plans.
Real plans.
For after.
“I want to travel,” she says. “I’ve never left the country.”
“Where would you go?”
“Everywhere. Paris. Tokyo. New Zealand. Anywhere that’s not here.”
“We could do that.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. After this is over. After Malcolm is caught. We could disappear for a while. Just us.”
Her eyes light up.
“I’d like that.”
“Me too.”
She falls asleep smiling.
I watch her.
Memorize her face.
Just in case.
Because Tobias is right.
I am compromised.
I would do anything to protect her.
Including die.
And Malcolm knows it.
My phone buzzes.
Unknown number.
I answer.
“Saint.”
“Agent Saint. How’s your girlfriend?”
Malcolm.
I step into the hallway.
Close the door so Willa can’t hear.
“What do you want?”
“I want you to know I’m watching. I know she’s back in her apartment. I know you’re protecting her. I know you’re waiting for me to make a move.”
“Then make it.”
“I will. When you least expect it. When you’re comfortable. When you think you’re safe.”
“I’m never comfortable. And I’m never safe. You taught me that.”
“Good. You should be scared.”
“I’m not scared for me. I’m scared for you. Because when you come for her, I will end you.”
He laughs.
“Brave words. But we both know you’re bluffing. You can’t kill me. FBI rules. Legal procedures. Due process.”
“Try me.”
Silence.
“I’ll be seeing you, Agent Saint. Very soon.”
He hangs up.
I stand in the hallway.
Shaking with rage.
He’s right.
I can’t kill him.
Not legally.
But if he touches Willa, I will break every rule I’ve ever followed.
I go back inside.
Willa is still asleep.
Trusting me to keep her safe.
I won’t let her down.
No matter what it costs.
Reader Reactions