“Now, I can take care of some business and visit Kenneth at work. I can find out what they know and aren’t telling him,” she said, taking the shirt off. “Even if he knew, I wouldn’t know,” she mumbled, looking up to see the dogs trot in. “You two aren’t going,” she informed them, and they just sat down at her feet. “I know you have clothes now, but I don’t think the FBI allows dogs in their building,” she said, walking into the bathroom.

  As she got dressed, Besseta called a cab then looked in the mirror. Smiling, she grabbed her purse then went to her bag and pulled up the bottom lining, pulling out another wallet and grabbing some cash. Putting the ID that was in the wallet back, she replaced the bottom lining.

  Walking into the kitchen, she made sure the dogs had food and water as a horn honked outside. Turning on the house alarm, she locked the door and climbed in the cab. She went to the other side of town and bought a disposable cell with internet. She made a few calls then sent some texts and e-mails. Turning off the phone, she called another cab and had it drop her off several miles away as she turned the phone back on, reading the replies. One had a number.

  Praying the idiots were not using a phone that could be tracked, she dialed it. “Hello,” a male voice said.

  “No names, and this better be a clean line,” Besseta said quickly.

  “Is it that bad?” the voice asked.

  “You’ve been discovered, and it won’t be long before they have you under observation if they don’t already,” she told the voice.

  A laugh echoed out of the phone. “Impossible,” the voice said.

  “Two have been captured already and forced to work for those coming after us,” she said.

  “How?” the voice asked.

  Giving a sigh, she said, “I don’t know yet, but I’m about to find out.”

  “Notify the League immediately,” the voice snapped.

  “Hey, I pay my tribute, so don’t think I work for you,” Besseta snapped back. “I’m doing this for our kind and my own self-protection.”

  “If what you say is true, your tribute this year will be waived,” the voice said with a hint of gratitude. “Do you know who was taken?”

  “No, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to find out.”

  “Will we need to send someone to take care of the one you’re using to get information?” the voice asked. “We know how you are about ‘innocents,’” the voice said in a mocking tone.

  Besseta fought to remain calm. “No, but he isn’t who I’m getting the information from. It’s the ones above him.”

  “The secret must remain,” the voice growled.

  “I’m taking this one, calling him my own,” Besseta snapped.

  The voice laughed. “Finally going to try again?” Besseta didn’t respond. “If that is your decision, then the laws will be followed.”

  “Thank you,” she growled back.

  “When will you have the information?”

  She scoffed. “Hell, I don’t know, but I’m working on it.”

  “Understood. We will use alternate means to communicate from here on out.”

  Besseta sighed, “Can you get the warning out?”

  “We will start as soon as I hang up, but as you know, it takes time to reach our kind. Most will have to be tracked down,” the voice replied.

  “The longer it takes, the more of our kind they will be able to take,” Besseta grumbled.

  “This isn’t the first time we’ve been through this.”

  “Don’t you think I know that? But this is the first time they will be using our kind to come after us. There are some of our kind with powers that could make survival difficult.”

  “We are aware,” the voice told her. “Check your alternate site every forty-eight hours.”

  “I will, but note it may be forty-eight hours before I reply.”

  A long pause before the voice answered. “That’s acceptable,” the voice said with a click.

  Sighing, Besseta hung up then pulled out the phone’s card and battery. Walking by a trashcan, she dropped them in. Walking to anther cellphone booth, she bought another phone and called two more numbers she had memorized. After the call, she threw that one away as well. Pulling out her phone, she called a cab, planning to surprise Kenneth.

  The sun was just starting to rise as Kenneth pulled into the federal building parking garage. He pushed the button, waiting for the guard to raise the gate. The guard stepped out, and Kenneth showed his badge. The guard gave him a security swipe card and told him where to park.

  Just as Besseta was getting dressed, Kenneth was pulling into his spot. He was surprised it was on the ground next to the elevators and covered walkway going into the main building. Grabbing his stuff, he climbed out and hit the lock button as the SUV chirped at him.

  Walking into the main building, Kenneth walked to the security checkpoint. “Agent Kenneth Terrell,” he told the guards. They looked at their list.

  “Yes sir,” the one wearing sergeant stripes said. “Here is your building ID.” He handed over a clip-on badge with his ID on it. “The swipe card you received can fit on that and will open all areas you are cleared for in the building.”

  “Ah, thank you,” Kenneth said, taking it.

  “SAC has been notified you are here and is en route,” the sergeant told him, holding a clipboard out. “Please sign here that you received the ID.” Taking the clipboard, Kenneth signed and handed it back. “Thank you, Senior Special Agent Terrell,” he said, taking the clipboard.

  Kenneth looked around. “Hey, if it’s just me, call me Kenneth,” he said in a low voice.

  “Yes sir, Kenneth,” the sergeant replied.

  Kenneth was about to clarify when he heard, “Damn if you aren’t the early riser.” He looked up to see Harry walking toward him with a smile.

  “Me? When did you get here?” Kenneth asked, walking through the checkpoint.

  Harry waved his hand, brushing the question off. “Come on; I’ll show you your office,” Harry said, leading him to the elevator. “Nice suit. Never took you for Armani.” Kenneth stood a little taller, following Harry, and suddenly, Kenneth caught the smell of brandy.

  When the door closed, Kenneth turned to look at Harry, but Harry raised his eyes without moving his head. Turning back, Kenneth looked up at the security camera. “How permanent is this?” Kenneth sighed.

  “Your secretary has your health insurance card and information on your retirement plan,” Harry told him as the doors opened. Kenneth dropped his head, following Harry out. “My office is just down the hall, so if you have questions, come over and ask in my office,” Harry stressed.

  “I’m on the big boy floor?” Kenneth asked, shocked.

  “Yep,” Harry said, turning around and walking down the hall. He opened a door and walked in. “This is Trish, your secretary,” he said, walking into a small office. An older lady stood up behind the desk at one end of the room. Kenneth saw two couches by the wall.

  “I have a waiting area?” he asked.

  “Yes, you do, and use it if you are looking at sensitive material. Trish will buzz in your visitor. Your badge will get you in,” Harry said, walking to the door on the back wall. Kenneth heard a buzz as Harry opened the door.

  Kenneth sucked down a breath as he walked into a large corner office. A massive, wrap-around desk stood in the middle of the floor with a nice computer and multiple large screens. This sure as hell beat the closet he worked out of at the sheriff’s department.

  “I know you like carrying stuff home to work on it, but not here,” Harry said, walking around the desk to stand at the window. “I swept this office before you got here, but watch what you say, and if you find one,” he said, turning around, “leave it.”

  “Just what the hell am I supposed to do here?” he asked, putting his stuff on one of the couches.

  “We have found out those…” Harry paused, “those drug users are working in a larger group.”

  “So you caught them?” Kenneth asked, walking around the office.

  “It’s classified. Just know they have been labeled enemy combatants by an executive order. Your job will be going over reports from across the nation, pinpointing where we send a special team,” Harry said, turning to look back out the window.

  Kenneth walked over and stood beside him, looking out. “What’s the real reason I’m here?”

  “You found the first group. The brass thinks you can pinpoint others, so a special team that’s been assembled can go after them,” Harry said. “Can you?”

  “I’m not going to be out in the field?” Kenneth asked, groaning.

  “Not much,” Harry said. “So can you identify them without being in the field?” Harry asked. “I want you to answer truthfully, please, for both our sakes,” he added in a hushed voice.

  Not liking that, Kenneth shook his head and gazed out the window. “Yes, but I won’t be exact sometimes,” he said in a low voice.

  “Then they will be happy,” Harry mumbled.

  “’They?’” Kenneth asked.

  Harry looked at him. “It’s classified, and you really don’t want to know any details. The cost is not worth the risk.”

  A small amount of fear gripped him. “Harry,” was all Kenneth said.

  “Trust me,” Harry told him. “Just do this, and continue to live your life. You can have one with Besseta.”

  “Is that what you tell yourself?” Kenneth asked.

  Looking back out the window, Harry sighed. “I left Glenda. I’m giving her everything.”

  With his legs getting weak, Kenneth stumbled back, leaning on his desk. “What?” he gasped.

  “It’s for their own good,” Harry replied. Having real doubts now, Kenneth thought about just running. “You have no choice, Kenneth,” Harry said. “I thought about the same thing.”

  “I have to think about Besseta,” Kenneth whispered harshly. “If this happened before her, I wouldn’t give a shit.”

  “Just do the job, and she’ll be fine,” Harry said. “They aren’t bringing you into the circle, so you have nothing to worry about. You are classified as a loose cannon. You believe in due process. I was hauled in kicking and screaming.”

  Sighing with relief, Kenneth asked, “So I just have to sift through cases, tell you which ones I think fit the pattern, and you send the team?”

  “Yes,” Harry replied. “Don’t worry; if I ever find out different, I’ll let you know.”

  Kenneth turned to look at his desk stacked with folders. “Well, let me get to work.”

  “I’m sorry,” Harry said, turning around and walking to the door, “but I found out they were going to force you here even without me.”

  “Harry,” Kenneth called, stopping him. “It’s okay. We’ll get through this, and you can get back with Glenda.”

  Harry grabbed the door knob. “Let me know if you find anything,” he said, walking out.

  Feeling better knowing Besseta wasn’t in danger, Kenneth started going through the files. In no time, Kenneth was rolling through them and getting on the computer to check information. It was ten when Kenneth jumped up, holding a file. “Now this is one,” he said, grabbing four other files and walking to the door.

  As he walked out, Trish stood. “Can I help you, sir?” she asked.

  Kenneth paused. “Ah, no, I’m going to see Har—the SAC.”

  “Very well, sir,” she said, sitting down. Not in the mood now, Kenneth walked out and headed to Harry’s office. Several people moved to the other side of the hall as Kenneth passed.

  When he opened the door, a young lady stood. “Tell him I’m here,” Kenneth told the secretary before she opened her mouth. She picked up the phone and talked for a second.

  “Go in, Agent Terrell,” she said, pressing the buzzer.

  Opening the door, Kenneth noticed Harry draining a glass of brandy. “What do you need?” Harry asked, smacking his lips and putting the glass down.

  “Here’s one,” Kenneth said, handing over the folders.

  “Are you kidding?” Harry asked, jumping up with a genuine smile.

  “No. Lack of evidence, location of the bodies, trauma inflicted,” he said. “I can go on, but they were there as of two days ago.”

  Blowing a lungful of air out, Harry said with relief, “You will be fine then. They will never do anything to you.”

  Hearing that, Kenneth smiled. “How about you?” Kenneth asked.

  “I’ll be fine. I just have to live with what I know.”

  “You need to quit drinking so much.” Kenneth pointed at the glass.

  “I’ll try,” Harry said with a tone that Kenneth didn’t believe.

  “I’m going to get back at it,” Kenneth said, walking out.

  Trish stood when Kenneth got back. “Agent Terrell,” she said, holding out a folder. “This is your insurance, retirement information, and the title to the SUV Director Cane authorized for transfer to you.”

  “Thank you,” Kenneth said, taking the folder. “When will more case files be delivered?”

  “Delivery for the next files will be this afternoon,” she said.

  “That’s good. When they get here, I want you to break them down into states by stacks.”

  “Yes sir,” she said, hitting the buzzer as he walked in.

  Taking off his jacket, Kenneth hung it on the back of his chair and was about to sit down when he noticed the cooler on the couch. “Let’s see what the hot girl fixed for lunch,” he said, grinning. Opening the top, he found a note. His grin broke into a smile as he picked it up and read it.

  Hey Baby,

  If you read this before hearing from me give me a call.

  Love you

  Besseta.

  Pulling out his cellphone, he hit her number. “Hello, is this the hot man I’m living with?” Besseta said.

  “Only if this is the hot woman I’m living with,” Kenneth answered, laughing. “What did you want to talk about before I ate this great food you made?”

  “I’m a few minutes away. Can I have lunch with you?” she asked.

  Kenneth walked over to the window. “I’d love that,” he said. “I’ll call the guard and tell them to let you in the parking garage then meet you downstairs.”

  “Oh, I’m in a taxi,” she told him.

  That caught him off-guard. “Ah, okay, then I’ll meet you downstairs and sign you in.”

  “See you soon,” she said, hanging up.

  Hanging up his phone, Kenneth stared at it. “Taxis cost more than buying a car,” he told his phone then placed it back on his belt. Grabbing his coat, Kenneth headed back out the door, and Trish stood up. “Hey Trish,” Kenneth said, closing his door. “Please don’t jump up when I come in here. It makes me nervous.”

  She gave him a motherly smile. “Yes sir,” she said, sitting down.

  “And Trish, it’s Kenneth. Just plain Kenneth,” he said as he reached the door.

  “Then Kenneth it is.” She smiled.

  “I’m going to grab the other half so we can eat. If you want, go ahead and grab some food,” he said, walking out. Feeling ten feet tall, Kenneth strolled to the elevator and hit the button.

  Getting off on the ground floor, he walked past the guards, giving them a wave, and walked outside. He looked across the plaza and caught his breath. Besseta was gracefully walking toward him dressed to kill. “Humina, humina, humina,” Kenneth stuttered.

  Besseta noticed Kenneth getting out of the elevator as she got out of the taxi. She caught his scent as he walked out the door, and she smiled, heading over. The look on his face was priceless.

  Stopping in front of him, she reached up, wiping the corner of his mouth. “You’re drooling, baby.” Kenneth just smiled, taking in the sight with her hair framing her perfect face and the dress showing she was a woman.

  “You’re lucky I’m at work,” he finally mumbled and gave her a hug then held the door open. She walked in, and he guided her over to the guards. Besseta handed over her purse and walked through the metal detector. Seeing the sergeant staring hard at Besseta with a grin, Kenneth narrowed his eyes. “Sergeant,” Kenneth snapped, and the man jumped. “She’s with me,” he growled, and the sergeant nodded and turned away.

  Besseta giggled and pulled Kenneth away from the guard. “Where is your office before you get in trouble?”

  “Seventh floor,” Kenneth said, still looking over his shoulder at the sergeant. Besseta laughed, pushing the button, and was glad Kenneth couldn’t read thoughts because the sergeant’s thoughts were very inappropriate.

  Pulling Kenneth inside, she hit the seven and stood beside him. They stood there, and the door remained open. Kenneth reached over and pushed it again. “Please scan badge,” an electronic voice told them.

  “Didn’t see him do that,” Kenneth mumbled, pulling off his badge and waving it over the scan pad, and the door closed.

  “Must be an important floor,” Besseta mumbled as thoughts started rushing her mind. “Will you show me around?” she asked as the doors opened.

  Kenneth walked her around, telling her where things were—at least what he knew. As Besseta walked with him, she never heard a word as the thoughts rushed her mind. A cold sweat broke out on her face as Kenneth led her down a long hall.

  “This is my office,” he said, looking down at her. “You okay?” he asked, seeing her face was pale and sweaty.

  “Just hot,” she mumbled.

  Kenneth opened the door, and Trish looked up. “She doesn’t feel good,” Kenneth said, guiding Besseta to his door as Trish hit the buzzer. He guided her over to the couch and made her lay down. Hearing the door open, he turned to see Trish carrying over a bottle of water.

  “It’s cold,” she said, handing it over.

  “Thank you, Trish,” Kenneth said. He took it and rubbed it across Besseta’s forehead.

  Trish clipped her ID back on. “Do you want me to call the medics up here?” she asked.

  “No, I just got hot,” Besseta said, looking up with a weak smile.

  Trish reached over, patting her cheek. “If you need anything, you let me know,” she said and left.

  “I like her,” Besseta said, hearing Trish’s thoughts. “She is a good person.”

 

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