"James," she breathes, a cold flush skittering through her. The words, his tone, the way he's holding himself together, it all pulls a picture of crystal clarity into her mind.

Memories of her friend flash into her mind, unbidden: sparring together, undercover together, sitting here on the couch talking easily together.

She hasn't seen Sharon since the day she and James left for Budapest. "I'll take it from here," she promises him, her own voice under ruthless control. "Do whatever you have to do, James."