Cursed by the Fountain of Youth

Chapter 29

Nick approached FBI headquarters with Conall at his side. "Are you sure this is going to work?" Nick asked.

Conall smiled. "Of course I am."

Gaping mouths and wide eyes greeted his arrival. Don paled when he looked up.

ASAC Young poked her head out of her office. A big smile spread across her face. "It's you."

"In the flesh," Nick said.

"You do realize we have a warrant for your arrest, don't you?" Young said, sauntering up to him.

"Not anymore," Conall said, stepping forward. "The charges have been dropped, and Agent Chase has been cleared of all wrongdoing."

"And you are...?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Executive Assistant Director John Jones."

Young swallowed a gasp. "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't recognize you at first."

"Obviously." He turned to Nick. "I'll be waiting out here when you're ready."

"Yes, sir," Nick said, suppressing a smile. He stepped into his office with Don at his back, pulling the door shut.

"Okay, Nick," Don said, "you've got some explaining to do."

Nick sank into his chair and leaned back. "Division X has friends in high places."

"This is all completely insane." Don's brows pressed together as he shook his head. "You have to tell me; how did they fool everyone with the letter from the director? I've gone over it a million times in my mind. I saw the note. I remember clearly what it said. How in the world did they do it?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

Don huffed. "I guess that's all the answer I expected." He stepped over and sat down on Nick's desk. "Listen, I've been blaming you for shutting me out."

"I kind of figured as much," Nick said.

"But I was wrong," Don said. "I'd do the exact same thing in your shoes. I'm sorry for the way I've been acting."

"Hey, I really wish I could include you in this. But I can't."

"I understand," Don said. "I don't like it, but I understand."

"There is something I would like to include you in."

"And what's that?"

"My wedding. I need a best man."

Don's eyes widened. "You're kidding me."

"I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't been the one to propose."

"I'm guessing you're talking about Fae. What about your class? I thought you weren't supposed to date—much less marry—your students."

"The semester is almost over. We're waiting until it ends. That'll give us a couple weeks for our honeymoon."

Don narrowed his eyes as he studied Nick. A slow smile crept across his face. "She's making you wait, isn't she?"

Nick pressed his lips together into a fine line.

"She is! I've heard there were girls like that. So, you're getting married just so you can—"

"I'm getting married because I love her," Nick interrupted. He could see a million questions, comments, and smart remarks in Don's expression, but he simply shook his head in disbelief. "Well, I guess all I can say is congratulations, then."