Chapter 4
Michael couldn't sleep. He went to the office seeing the light, coming from underneath the door. Michael entered the room, tapping on it. "You can't sleep either Bonnie," Michael said, turning toward the computer station.
In the chair was a twenty-something young woman, working on the computer. Her black high heel shoes and her purse sat on the floor next to the chair. The woman's black slacks highlighted her long legs, and a light blue blouse wrinkled from traveling.
The woman turned her head. He noticed her baby-faced features, and her fiery jungle green eyes, examining him.
She stood, and extended her hand out to greet him. "You must be Michael. I'm Alexis Jamie White, Wilton's niece." She shook his hand. "For having such a strong grip you have a gentle touch." She winked at him.
"You also have a very firm grip too."
She stepped back, making a face. "I hope I didn't hurt you, just don't know my own strength when I'm jet lag." She picked up her shoes and her purse, placing them near the sofa. "I hope you don't mind, I finished up your last soda from the cart."
He grabbed another chair to sit by the computer. "Not at all, one of life's privileges to share things with a lovely lady," Michael said, and grinned.
She sat down, taking another sip. "Well, I'm not a Coke drinker; I'm a Mountain Dew gal, myself," she said with a hint of a southern accent.
"Does that make us mortal enemies?" He chuckled, realizing the first time in hours that he had laugh, since this crisis struck.
"Not in my book. I don't know about you, but I have enough enemies who want a piece of my hide." She studied the footage.
"I can use all the friends to help in this situation."
"That's why I am here. By the way, my friends call me, Jamie. It is a tradition that all first-born girls in my mother's family go by their middle name." She turned her head. "Everyone always ask me why."
"It is a unique tradition. What about your grip?"
Jamie giggled, revealing her perfect teeth when she smiled. "I was wondering when you were going to ask about it. I grew up with riding horses, and taking care of them." She eyed him.
"Explains that question," he said, stretching his arms in the chair.
She let out a breath. "How tall are you?"
"6'4 according to the doctor's report," he said.
Michael sat there, observing her while she was working. Jamie was very different than he had expected. With dealing with Wilton Knight's children, Garth had tried to murder him and destroy the Foundation; Jennifer just didn't like him, for some reason and wasn't afraid to show it.
Here was someone from the Knight family welcomed him with open arms. Like her uncle, she had a strong work ethic. Her thick brunette hair shined in the light, giving her face a ambience of an angelic glow. Alexis Jamie White was unique like her name.
"Jamie, why are you here besides Devon hunting you down?"
Turning the chair away from the computer, giving her eyes a rest, she sipped on her soda. "I like that phrase hunting you down. I will use that in my writing." Holding the can, in her lap, she said, "I understand now, why Uncle Wilton chose you for KITT." She held up her hand. "I'm not avoiding the question, for I know that look in your eyes. It was Wilton's vision for FLAG to be operated by individuals instead of Washington. I am here to make sure that Washington doesn't seize the Foundation."
"You are one of those Washington investigators," he mumbled.
"I see; Devon's gift for keeping secrets is still working quite well." Jamie placed the can back on the desk, sitting a bit straighter. "Michael, I'm here to discover the truth and where it leads me. I have never back away from a huge pile of horse manure in my life; I'm not going to start now. This situation you are in is very nasty, and you will have some difficult choices to decide. I can tell you this I won't be such a nice mannered lady at times. It is part of my job. I will try to treat you with respect and compassion. My promise, I will find the truth and bring it out into the open for everyone to see.
"You're saying I'm going to have to trust you."
"Trusting people, isn't easy for us because of our occupation."
Michael lean forward staring at her. "What is your take on this huge mess?"
"Everything is telling me this is an excellent framed job by a powerful individual," Jamie said.
"There are a lot of people, who would like a piece of my hide." He walked to the fireplace searching for something to break, wanting to get rid of the growing frustration inside of him. "I don't like this!" He shouted.
Jamie extended her hand, wanting to offer support, but just stood there. "Michael, what do you tell people, who are in these nasty situations?"
He eyed her. "I tell them let me worry about it, and stay out of trouble."
"Okay. Then let me do that. Give me an opportunity to demonstrate that I am capable of doing my job," she said.
He nodded. "What do you want me to do?"
"Try to relax and get some sleep. You will need it in the morning," Jamie said.
Michael walked to her was about to hug her, but stopped himself. "Thank you," he said and left the office.
