Chapter 38

It took a few weeks for Kiana to return to normal but ever so slowly she did, and as she did, she quickly started to realize Christine was right. Kiana was meant to be a special agent, and, despite the tragic incident at the Space Needle, she actually started to miss being one. She had never felt as alive as that day in Bellingham, when she had been on her first assignment with Michael, or that day in Chiang Mai when she and Christine had rescued Johnson. Granted, each assignment had had its share of scary moments (especially the one in Chiang Mai), but she had enjoyed them nonetheless, and during the Chiang Mai mission she had done something really important. She had helped rescue a fellow agent. So despite the risks, and despite the fact she might occasionally have to deal with unfortunate events, she wanted to return to her life as an agent. As such, she got in her car and headed to the USIA’s headquarters in Bellevue.

Beckman looked up the minute she entered her office.

“Kiana. What a pleasant surprise. When Alyssa said agent Cruise was here, I assumed she meant your father. It’s nice to see you again.”

“You too, ma’am.”

“How have you been lately?”

“Good. I got an A on my last history exam.”

Beckman smiled. “Well done. Well done indeed. And what about your softball?”

“We haven’t been playing much lately since it’s the offseason. But things will be kicking into high gear soon, once spring comes around.”

Beckman nodded. “I’ll have to come and watch one of your games one day. Your dad says I’m in for a treat.”

Kiana nodded. “It would be nice to have you there. I won’t let you down. I’ll put on a good show for you.”

“I’m sure you will. But enough of the small talk. What brings you here today?”

“I’m ready.”

“Ready?”

“I’m ready to return to the agency. And I apologize for leaving in the first place. I totally overreacted.”

Beckman’s answer was quick and about as blunt as it could be. “Kiana, you did not overreact in any way. Our line of work is a stressful one and you’ve been through a lot lately. First getting shot, then the incident at the Space Needle. That would have discouraged anyone, even a veteran agent with years of experience, let alone a new one like you.”

“Still, this work is what I want to do. So I want to come back. And I promise I won’t quit again.”

“You don’t need to make any promises to me. As far as I’m concerned you’ve already earned your keep. As such, your request is granted and you’re reinstated immediately. I’ll send you word as soon as I have an assignment for you.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

She got up and headed for the door but Beckman’s voice stopped her one final time.

“Kiana. It’s nice to have you back.”

“It’s nice to be back,” Kiana said.