Chapter 146: Carla

Monday. Secondary Safe House, Beirut, Lebanon.

CARLA SAT BACK on her heels and stared at the bathroom. She could easily imagine this being the height of fashion when it was built with the hand-painted tiles and desert colors. Over the years it hadn't aged well, but with a little scrubbing it at least seemed more inviting.

Vaughn's deep voice resonated off the stone and tile. "You going to spend all day in here?"

She yelped and twisted around, sitting down hard in a still damp puddle.

He stood in the doorway, hands up and a chuckle curving his handsome lips into an inviting smile.

"It's not cool to sneak up on someone like that." She threw her rag at his boot.

"Sorry." He offered her a hand. "Any chance you're finished in here?"

She took his offered hand and let him pull her to her feet. She turned to once more examine her handiwork.

"It's good enough, I suppose."

"Does it only have those squatty potty things?" He stepped past her and groaned.

It was Carla's turn