Pulling up to the iron clad gates made my stomach turn in knots. I could feel my hands clam up.
Breathe. It's just another interview.
"State your business," the officer said. The shades over his eyes made my breath hitch.
"I have an interview with Director Sheppard." I handed him the letter confirming the time and date. "It's all here."
He took off his shades. His eyes narrowed and pierced a part of my soul. "Aren't you a little young to be interviewing here?"
"Depends on if I get the job."
He frowned. Not the best way to start out here. He grumbled to himself as he made a quick call. I took a deep breath and tried not to let this guy get to me. He was just protecting his territory.
He turned back to me. "Everything checks." He handed me back the papers. "Turn right to park in the visitors section. Here's a badge to get into the building. The fellas at the check point will tell you where to go from there."
"Thank you."
I drove up as the gate opened. Doing as instructed, I parked and went into the building. After getting through security, I got in the elevator. A man with silver hair and a coffee joined me.
"Straight black. No sugar or cream. You must enjoy the caffiene rush," I muttered.
He sipped it. "Yup."
"I suppose it's a nice change from all the fancy crap."
"Oh yeah." He chuckled. "So you can smell all that?"
"Hypersensitive nose. Both a blessing and a curse." I smiled at him. His eyes were playful but his face serious.
"Who are you visiting?"
The elevator dinged open. "Director Sheppard. Do you know where her office is?"
He stepped out and walked away. Great. I'm already hated here.
He turned. "You coming?"
I jumped out as it started to close. Stepping in his stride, my heart started to race. People flowed in and out of the area. There was a woman typing vigerously at her computer. She hardly seemed to notice anything going on around her.
"Up the stairs and straight ahead," he pointed.
"Thank you, sir."
He smiled at me. "It's Gibbs." He turn to the woman. "David, take this young lady-"
"Ms. Miller."
"Take Ms. Miller to see Madam Director."
"Yes sir." The woman motioned to me as she walked ahead. "So you are here for the Director?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Why? Are you a reporter? Or perhaps FBI? CIA?" she smirked.
"Oh no." I blushed. "I'm here for an interview. I'm hoping to take over for Cynthia. The baby's due in about a month."
"You know her?"
"We were roommates in college."
She turned around and looked me over. "You do not seem that old to know her."
I blushed. "I graduated high school early at 17. Graduated college in '04 in the top 15% of my class. Even a semester early. I may only be 29 but I'm more than capable to belong here."
"Impressive." She motioned to the Directors office. "Good luck."
I nodded as she walked away. I took a deep breath and headed over to Cynthia.
"Terra! Good to see you again." Cynthia hugged me quickly.
"It's been too long."
"Almost 2 years."
"The FBI Director had me all over for awhile."
"I understand. Director Sheppard has kept me plenty busy." She looked at her watch. "Come on. Jen can't wait to meet you."
