I step out of the elevator and practically run down the hall to the green shielding, thundering through it, boots thudding on the stairs so loudly everyone in the situation room looks up, startled. I ignore them all, pushing my way through the glass doors, shoving their automatic hissing selves aside so I can enter the office faster. M. and D. are nowhere to be seen.
Damn it, where are they? I spin and find my new partner standing behind me, blue eyes wide as I face her down.
***
“What do you want?”
I swallow hard, knuckles a little sore from banging on the door. Ringing the bell got me nothing, so I had to try knocking. I have no idea how long I’ve been standing here, rapping on the white wood, but Tate is finally standing on the other side, looking at me through the tiny opening she’s allowed herself.
I can’t muster a smile. She knows something, I’m sure of it. If I can just find out what the boys want with her, I can help her and life can go back to normal. I have no idea why I can’t just let this go, but it’s eating at me, like a tiny animal chewing away from the inside. Any second now it’s going to burst out of my chest and I’ll be crying all over her.
“I just want to help.” My hands rise and fall to my sides, one thudding against the side of my messenger bag. “They took my boots.” Why did I bother saying that? It’s clear from the way she looks down she already knows. Was she in on it? I can’t believe that. She’s the victim here.
“I don’t want any help,” she says, voice so quiet it screams she’s lying. “I don’t need any help. Okay? Just leave me alone.”
My throat clenches, something I don’t want to look at stirring. Like Kitalia’s abandoned little girl, is there a hidden truth I’m not willing to face? No, nothing like that. Just…
I don’t like bullies.
“Whatever you need, whatever they have against you,” desperation claws and twists inside me, “I’m here for you, Tate.” Here for you. Whispered in my heart.
She slams the door on me and I’m left there, in my sneakers and the silence, to turn away from her door alone. Every step I take toward home feels like defeat.
***
Tatiana stares at me while M. and D. enter the office at last, both grim.
“Kitalia,” M.’s tone of voice burns, and I’m instantly wary. “Where have you been?”
I spin on her. “You know where. You sent a car for me, remember?”
Tatiana looks uncomfortable as she sits down in front of a pile of files. M. and D. are both grim faced as they join her. And point for me to take a seat at the far end of the table, away from them.
What is this?
“We need to talk.” M. pulls the first file off the top of the pile. D. won’t meet my eyes. “About some of your cases.”
“You’ve never had a problem with my work before.” The fear returns, the abandoned little girl. But no, this is my family, these are my bosses. And my work has always been above reproach.
Always.
“We’ve asked Tatiana to review your history, in preparation for taking over as your new partner.” D. sits back, arms crossed over his chest, handsome face dark. “She’s brought some disturbing details to our attention.”
Tatiana’s discomfort is physical as she shifts in her seat, cheeks pink. M. just looks angry.
“Take a seat, Kitalia,” M. growls.
“With all due respect,” I snarl back, “go to hell, ma’am.” I won’t sit here and be pinned to a board like a bug. T.B.’s plan to ruin me is already in motion, it seems, and he’s using Tatiana as a pawn to get to me. I turn for the door while M. leaps to her feet.
“Get back here,” she shouts. “We’re not done.”
“Yes,” I shout back, “we are. Until I get the respect I deserve.”
I storm out of there, but knowing I’ll have to go back eventually. I want to get my temper under control first, so I don’t say anything that I’ll regret later.
T.B. thinks he has me cornered. As I enter the elevator and head up to the surface, I sag a moment against the wall. And admit he does. If they are questioning my cases… who knows what kind of evidence he’s had time to plant? And using Tatiana to get to me, a new girl who doesn’t know better, I have to admit that’s very clever of him.
When the door opens and the two agents waiting at the exit to escort me back downstairs enter the small space, I grimace. Fine, I’ll play the good agent and go along with this. I’ll even back down from T.B. for now.
But, can I walk away? Knowing he’s a traitor?
I might not have a choice.
***