He must be really good, she figured.
The thought pleased her a lot. Riley knew that April was brighter than she realized, and it was good that she had a boyfriend who challenged her.
As she and Liam talked, Riley found herself wondering just where this thing between him and April was going. There were just two months left of the school year. Would they part ways and lose interest in each other? Riley hoped not.
What are you doing this summer, Liam? Riley asked.
Going to chess camp, Liam said. Actually, Im going to be a junior coach. Ive been trying to talk April into coming too.
Riley glanced over at April.
Why dont you go, April? she asked.
April blushed again.
I dont know, she said. I was thinking about soccer camp. That might be more my speed. Id probably be in way over my head at chess camp.
Oh, no, you wont be! Liam said. There will be players from all levels including some who are just starting to learn the game, like you. And its right here in Fredericksburg, so you wouldnt have to leave home.
Ill think about it, April said. Right now I just want to focus on my grades.
Riley was glad Liam didnt seem to be distracting April from school. Still, Riley wished shed consider going to the chess camp. But she knew shed better not push it. That might turn it into another uncool mom thing. It was best to leave it up to Liam to persuade her if he could.
Anyway, Riley was pleased to see April look so happy. Dark-haired with hazel eyes like Rileys own, sometimes April looked astonishingly grown up. Riley remembered that shed chosen Aprils name because it was her own favorite month. And it was her favorite month because of days just like this.
Blaine looked up from his meal at Riley.
He said, So tell us about this award youre going to get tomorrow, Riley.
It was Rileys turn to blush a little.
Its no big deal, she said.
Jilly let out a squeal of protest.
It is so a big deal! Jilly said. Its called the Award of Perseverance, and shes getting it because of that cold case she just solved. The boss of the whole FBI is going to give it to her.
Blaines eyes widened.
You mean Director Milner himself? he said.
Riley was feeling truly awkward and self-conscious now.
She laughed nervously.
Thats not as impressive as it sounds, she said. Its not a big trip for him to come to Quantico. He works right over in DC, you know.
Blaines mouth dropped open with amazement.
Jilly said, Blaine, April and I are getting out of school to see her get it. You and Crystal ought to come too.
Blaine and Crystal both said theyd love to come.
OK, then, Riley said, still feeling embarrassed. I hope it doesnt bore you. Anyway, thats not the biggest event tomorrow. Jillys the star of the school play tomorrow night. Thats a much bigger deal.
Now Jilly was blushing.
Im not the star, Mom, she said.
Riley laughed at Jillys sudden coyness.
Well, youre playing one of the title roles. Youre Persephone in a play called Demeter and Persephone. Why dont you tell us the story?
Jilly started telling the story of the Greek myth shyly at first, but getting more enthusiastic about it as she continued. Riley felt more and more pleased. One of her girls was learning to play chess; the other was excited about Greek mythology.
Maybe things are looking up, she thought.
Her efforts at marriage and family had been troubled at best. Recently shed made a bad mistake, trying to let her ex-husband, Ryan, back into the girls lives and her own. Ryan had proved to be as incapable of commitment as ever.
But now?
Riley looked over at Blaine, and realized that he was already looking at her. He was smiling, and she smiled back. There was definitely a spark between them. Theyd even danced and kissed during a date last month their only one-on-one date so far. But Riley cringed a little inside as she remembered how awkwardly it had ended with her running off to work on a case.
Blaine seemed to have forgiven her.
But where were things going between them?
Again, that lurking darkness welled up inside Riley.
Sooner or later, this happy illusion of family and friendship could give way to the reality of evil to murder and cruelty and human monsters.
And she had a feeling, deep inside, that it was going to happen very soon.
CHAPTER TWO
Sitting in the front row of the auditorium at Quantico, Riley felt terribly ill at ease. Shed faced down countless vicious killers without losing her composure. But right now, she felt on the verge of outright panic.
FBI Director Gavin Milner stood at the podium at the front of the big room. He was speaking of Rileys long career especially the case that she was being honored for, the cold case of the so-called Matchbook Killer.
Riley was struck by the distinguished baritone purr of his voice. Shed rarely spoken with Director Milner, but she liked him. He was a slight, dapper little man with a flawlessly neat mustache. Riley thought he looked and sounded more like a dean of some fine arts school than the head of the nations most elite law enforcement organization.
Riley hadnt been listening to his actual words very well. She was much too nervous and self-conscious as it was. But now that he seemed to be nearing the end of his speech, Riley paid more attention.
Milner said, We all know of Special Agent Riley Paiges courage, intelligence, and grace under pressure. Shes been honored for all these qualities in the past. But we are here today to honor her for something different her long-term tenacity, her determination not to leave justice undone. Because of her efforts, a killer who claimed three victims twenty-five years ago faces justice at last. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her service and for her example.
He smiled, looking straight at her. He picked up the box with the award in it.
Thats my cue, Riley thought.
Her legs felt wobbly as she got up from her chair and made her way up onto the stage.
She stepped to the side of the podium and Milner hung the Medal of Perseverance by a ribbon around her neck.
It felt surprisingly heavy.
Strange, Riley thought. The others didnt feel like this.
Shed received three other such awards over the years the Shield of Bravery, and Medals of Valor and Meritorious Achievement.
But this one felt heavier and different.
It felt almost wrong somehow.
Riley wasnt sure just why.
FBI Director Gavin Milner patted Riley on the shoulder and chuckled a little.
He said to Riley in a near-whisper
Something to add to your collection, eh?
Riley laughed nervously and shook the directors hand.
The people in the auditorium burst into a round of applause.
Again with a chuckle and in a near-whisper, Director Milner said, Its time to face your public.
Riley turned around and was rather overcome by what she saw.
There were more people in the auditorium than shed realized. And every face was familiar a friend, a family member, a colleague, or someone shed helped or saved in the line of duty.
They were all on their feet, smiling and clapping.
Rileys throat caught, and tears formed in her eyes.