Chapter Notes:
Gragon Islands - are a fictitious made up group of islands, located somewhere in the pacific region.
All situations involving the secret service events are totally made up for this story - just wanted to re-iterate.
Grico Graphics and Xteco Industries - exist within the confines of this story, only.
Blind Trust - I sort of bent the rules for this one. Made up my own, if you will.
My beta Z, is a pro. Thank you again for your patience.
They had been sitting at the conference table, note pads at the ready, for fifteen minutes. All three agents were in the 10th floor conference room. It was secure and confidentially sound-proof.
Not surprising, Eric was always late to his own meetings. He had called it for 9 a.m. sharp. Coffee had been poured and reports ready as they awaited his arrival.
"Alright I'm glad everyone's here." Agent Nelson came into the room hurriedly, "Let's start with the new stuff." He took a seat at the head of the table, opening his note pad and scribbling down a few notes. He addressed the agent to his left first. "Summers?"
Agent Angela Summers had barely slept two hours the night before. She'd stayed up to receive information coming in from intelligence and analytics. They'd dug into Barry Winstead's private files, extracting valuable information for the case, and her lead.
She took a sip of coffee then opened her file. "Alright." She started reading her notes:
"Bartholomew Harrison Winstead. Born November 23, 1960. The son of Miles and the late Delores Winstead. Graduated Magna cum Laude from Princeton University in 1982, Business Administration, Marketing, M.B.A from Brown University in 1984. He's worked for two companies prior to coming on board at Warner, twenty years ago. He's presently Chief Marketing Officer."
Eric arched his back to get comfortable. "Preliminary stuff we know about him already. What new stuff do we have on him?"
Agent Summers flipped a few papers. "Well, I had to do a little back tracking to find out when he started duplicating the Warner financial sheets."
"And?"
Summers found the page then pointed to the date column, scanning it. "It's been over several months. Definitely during the time Russell Warner was president."
Eric nodded. "So Russell Warner gave consent?"
Summers nodded back. "Apparently."
"Why?" Eric looked around the room at each agent.
"That's the million dollar question," Jo chimed in.
The table was quiet for a few moments. Eric took in a breath then pointed to Agent Mendoza. "You're up."
Mendoza cleared his throat. "I just got this report back a few minutes ago from analytics. From Ms. Palmero's hard drive, I was able to extract all of the Villa Manzi Gallery's financial statements. Those of their numerous philanthropic donations include the Warner Textiles Corporation. It seems they have been giving money to the gallery foundation for many years, so nothing out of the ordinary there…" He stopped then eyed all three agents.
"What?" Jo saw the look agent Mendoza often sported when he knew something significant. "Let's hear it." She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her chair.
Agent Mendoza gave her a crooked grin. "As of the last seven months, the Villa Manzi Gallery has been accepting large donations from the Warner Textiles Corporation." He read from the file.
"How often?" Jo asked before Eric could form the question.
"Every month, until Russell Warner died," Mendoza finished.
Well, now isn't that interesting. Since when does a major corporation give a donation to an art gallery every month? Jo pursed her lips. "How much a month?"
"Millions," he brought his file up close to his face to rattle off the dates and numbers. Jo mentally added them up and then asked the most obvious question: "What's the total of the transactions during that period?"
Mendoza looked up. "One hundred eighty million dollars."
Silence.
So… it was officially confirmed. Jo shook her head. "Son of a –"
"Yep," Mendoza said, placing the file on the table.
"Does Palmero know about these transactions?" Eric looked around the table, only to find glaring green eyes on him.
"Of course she does!" Jo said angrily, "She's probably working with him to hide it. Isn't it obvious?"
Eric thought for a moment, "Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions, Agent Polniaczek."
"Jump to!?" Jo caught herself, "I'm merely pointing out the obvious," Jo gestured toward the file on the table.
"You think it's obvious?" Eric was curious to know her explanation.
"Yeah, she's working in cahoots' with Winstead." Jo was quite adamant about that.
Eric shook his head doubtfully, "We don't know that for sure."
"What do you mean!? It's right here in black and white!" Jo grabbed Mendoza's file, then flipped through it. She threw it down on the table.
Eric rubbed his chin, shaking his head. "It looks that way, but tell me…"
"What?" Jo felt a bit exasperated at Eric's calm demeanor about the whole thing. This is what they'd been waiting for, proof!
"Do you think Blair is working with Winstead as well? She's signed off on all of his allocated funds for the marketing budget since she took the chair."
"That's different," Jo bit back.
"How?" Eric asked doubtful.
"He's been sneaking it in since before she took the chair, Eric, c'mon," she gave him a frank stare, "that money's been in there since before she took over. He was working along with Russell Warner." Jo couldn't help but let the anger creep into her voice.
"We don't have any guarantee's either way," Eric said. "We need something solid that says Palmero knows about the money, otherwise we have another scenario where Winstead is using his sources without their knowledge."
"Seriously, you don't think she knows about that much money being in the gallery coffers?" Jo let out a snide laugh.
Mendoza picked up the file then read the last page of the report. He sighed. "It's a blind trust."
All three agents turned their attention to Mendoza, who was scanning the page. "She had no way of knowing," he looked up seeing Jo rigorously shaking her head. "Winstead used her the same as Ms. Warner," he concluded, giving her a 'sorry about that' expression.
"How could she not know!" Jo was still determined. They'd come this far, what could possibly be a spoiler?
"Codes." Mendoza held up a spreadsheet, seeing Jo's eyes riveted to it.
"Okay now this is getting confusing, Agent Mendoza. Care to clarify for us?" Eric asked.
Mendoza took in a long breath. "This guy knows his stuff." He pointed to the small numbers beside each date. "If you look here, you'll see these codes are from a source outside of the gallery's system." He paused to see each agent nod. "I had analytics trace any found codes. Looks like these go back to a fund set up through Winstead's trust deed."
"So? That just means Palmero is the beneficiary, right?" Jo's voice was harsh.
Mendoza nodded. "Technically, correct, however…"
"Ah, geeze here we go…" Jo threw her hands up.
"I'm looking at this and I just don't see how she could know about the amount of money he's been funneling in," Mendoza pointedly said to Jo, "not with the system Winstead has in place. It's one sided. His."
"But it's a perfect set up if you want to hide millions of dollars," Agent Summers said.
"Looks like it," Eric concurred. "She's not completely off the hook though."
"What are you thinking on this?" Jo was looking to her superior for his insight. She still had a feeling Amanda was possibly going along with whatever Barry Winstead had going on.
There was a connection somewhere. Something they were missing…
"I want to find out more before I conclude anything." Eric said, "I want all of you to find out what we don't know, what we should know," he reiterated. "Go over everything, retrace. We're missing something… big."
Everyone moved for the door. "I want new reports by tomorrow, we have to close this case," Eric stated, firmly.
"I can trail Winstead," Jo had caught up with Agent Mendoza out in the hall, "I'm heading over to Warner in a couple of hours anyway."
Mendoza paused for a moment, "Okay, yeah, do that, I'm going to wrap up his capstone then review my notes from our little trip to the gallery yesterday." He folded the stack of files then tapped them on the palm of his hand. "I feel like I'm overlooking something."
"Thank you Mark, I'm looking forward to seeing where this takes us." Blair firmly shook the hand of the white haired CEO as they both exited her office.
"Thank you Blair, I look forward to working with you as well." He gave her a frank smile.
The meeting had gone well. Blair anxiously wanted to work with the small firm. Xteco Industries had and made several products that would be very beneficial to Warner's fabric development; their collaboration would help sustain one of the domestic markets they were targeting.
"I think this will be a great partnership," she said as she walked the executive to the elevator.
Her hand hovered close to the down button, only to pull back as the doors suddenly slid open, reveling Jo standing in the center of the car. Her briefcase was gripped tightly in her hand and the dark suit she was wearing was crisply pressed; her hair styled without a strand out of place. She nodded her head once and held a no-nonsense expression as she noticed Blair was a bit startled to see her.
"Thank you, we won't let you down." Mark had said as he maneuvered himself around Jo's form to stand in the elevator. "Excuse me." He gave her a polite grin, then reached over and pressed the lobby button before shifting his eyes between the two women. They were staring at each other.
Blair cleared her throat as she watched Jo exit the steel box and the doors shut behind her.
"Hi," she gave a small, guarded smile.
"Hi." Jo took in a breath, keeping her eyes steady. Get through this then back to the office.
Blair made a motion toward her office door. "Um... I was just getting ready to go to lunch." She padded her way into the office aware of Jo following behind her. "I thought you were coming in earlier."
Jo stood between the guest chairs, while Blair turned and sat on the edge of her desk directly facing her. Her skirt had hiked up considerably, and she noticed a slight shift of green eyes as she got comfortable.
Jo kept her composure. "I had a few things I needed to work on first."
"I understand," Blair crossed one leg over the other. "Can I ask you something?"
That was answered with a nonchalant shrug, as Jo chose to look around the office, not meeting the questioning brown eyes in front of her.
"Why haven't you returned my calls?" Blair pressed.
"Busy."
Blair slightly rolled her eyes. God, vague one word answers…so we're back to this. "Busy. Hmm… that's a pretty flimsy excuse," she countered, lifting a brow.
Green eyes snapped to brown. "Things happened and I had to take care of them," Jo replied heatedly.
Blair had always been aware of Jo's mood changes; the sudden shift of her temperament was something she was used too. Perhaps the capstone was stressing her out…
"I see." Blair flicked the bangs from her eyes then slowly uncrossed her legs only to cross them the other way, the smooth lines of her thighs sliding together. "So you've lost all control of your fingers?"
Jo switched her briefcase to her other hand. "What are you talking about, Blair?"
"A text, Jo," Blair lightly kicked her top leg back and forth. "...Jo?"
It would be a few moments before Jo would look up, quizzically, into brown eyes. One's that held a glint and crinkled around the edges as the smile that followed grew broad and toothy.
Jo licked her lips. Apparently she had been… distracted, and now embarrassed as it proved her name had been called more than once.
"I already told you I was busy," she said in an irritated attempt to recover their conversation. "Look, Blair, I'm at the part of this project that requires a lot of concentration. I had to have complete peace and quiet to get through it," she explained.
Another flick of hair as Blair's expression became sympathetic. "I could've provided that here…" Her tone softened, "I mean… anything you want… I can get that for you. After all, I am the president. If you need to go anywhere, I can have a car brought around for you."
Jo swallowed. Normally she would've been offended by the generosity of Blair's offerings. She breathed out a breath, noticing the sincerity of the woman. "I'm fine now."
"Are you?" Blair flicked her eyes up and down Jo's form.
"Yeah." Jo backed up a few steps. "Look, I'm just going to set up out here then I'll be back in to ask you a few questions," she finished, then edged her way to the door.
Blair watched her with a little more than confused curiosity. "Okay." She stayed seated on the desk, watching as Jo slipped out of the room.
Jo sighed as she rounded her desk. Business first. She set up her laptop, then phone; connecting it. She gingerly sat down, then tapped the back of her ear. "Test."
"Here. How's it going?"
Jo logged on then signed into the capstone project. "It's going. I checked in with security, they said Winstead hasn't come in yet " She typed in a few characters, then halted. "Do me a favor."
There was a pause then, "What?"
"I need Mendoza to get a test for paint on Winstead's front bumper," Jo clicked into a file. "I know he uses a company car when at Warner, so it might still be here."
"I'm following you. Forensics just sent back a paint type on your fender, by the way." Jo heard the papers of the report crinkle on the other end.
She shook her head, not surprised. "Want to bet he has the other match on his bumper?"
"You'd probably win that one I'm afraid… how are you holding up over there?"
"I told you good." Jo checked her watch, then eyed Blair's office door.
"…Sure?"
Eric couldn't see the glare Jo lobbed at him, but he heard the frustration in her voice. "I'm fine. I'm getting ready to ask a few questions in a minute, then head back over there."
"Careful, keep it professional."
"I got this, Eric," Jo smirked as her fingers flew over the keyboard.
"Okay. Good luck."
"Right." Jo tapped him off then started to gather her questions together.
The door was knocked on before it slowly opened. "Agent Nelson?"
Eric looked up, "Ms. Green," A smile, "Just finished with your phone." Eric opened his top drawer.
"I hope it was of help," she tucked her skirt under to sit down, "I mean… after everything…" she sighed. "I hate the tactics we use to get stories but—"
"Ms. Green, you are aware that by recording a private conversation without consent, you have violated federal law legally?" Eric spared no introductions.
Natalie let her smile fade. "Wait, what?" She wasn't expecting that. She'd just had coffee and a donut… maybe a quick 'how are you?' Or, 'how's your morning been so far?'
Eric continued. "Technically, you have immunity because of the fact that Ms. Palmero is a suspect in a federal investigation – but had she not been, well… I'm sure you're aware…"
"Yeah, I know I have to have permission of at least one party… something like that," Natalie said.
Federal law, state law. Something like that. Natalie was well aware of the rules of gathering information on a suspect, a witness, or a bystander for that matter.
Eric handed her the phone. "Correct. My point is, you cannot use this tactic anymore. We won't be able to use the evidence."
The reporter understood. "But I'm still an informant, right?"
Eric gave her a curt smile. "Correct again, but as for this case we will no longer be needing your services." He drummed his fingers on the desktop, watching her.
Natalie lifted a questioning brow. "Does this mean it's solved?" That was quick, she mused.
"I'm not at liberty to divulge that information, Ms. Green," the agent gave her a firm look.
Natalie nodded then paused, realizing her position. "Oh. I guess that means I'm off the hook. For now," she said cautiously.
"Pretty much," Eric pinned her with an austere look while pivoting back and forth in his chair.
"So, just like that, I'm being taken off the case?" Natalie leaned back in her chair with a feeling of relief.
"Yes." Eric spared no words.
"What about Jo?" It had to be asked.
"You're still on the hook for protecting her identity as an agent of the government. Make no mistake. You do not want to be a leak, Ms. Green," Eric replied stoically.
Natalie's eyes went wide with the realization of her commitment. The circumstances around it became just that much more clear. She was in this for a long time to come. "I understand," she said soberly.
Eric nodded, then waited a beat; aware of the reporters internal dilemma. He took in a breath. "Thank you for your help, Ms. Green."
"Hey."
Blair looked up from her report. She was aware Jo had been standing in the doorway for a few moments before announcing herself. "Hi. Come on in," she gave her a curt nod.
Jo closed the door behind her then quietly stepped into the room. She watched as Blair started to go over to the drink cart. "Don't get up. I'm just going to ask a few questions then I'm gone for the day," she pointed to her note pad.
Blair ignored the request and grabbed a glass from the bar. "Would you like something to drink?"
Jo shook her head, "No, thank you."
"Okay." Blair slowly put the glass down then moved over to the couch. "Here," she sat down gently. "I thought it would be more comfortable to sit on the couch."
Jo looked at the blonde from where she was standing. She shook her head again, "That's not necessary, Blair, I—"
"Insist," a demanding brow rose along with an unyielding expression. "Jo, you've been sitting at a desk all day."
"I'm fine," came the stiff reply, as Jo lifted her chin.
"What about your side?" Blair asked, unabashed.
Jo could feel brown eyes drifting to glance at her side then back up in question. She scoffed; then popped her tongue in her cheek. Unbelievable. "Pop told you." It wasn't a question.
"Why didn't you say something? I could've provided more comfortable accommodations," Blair offered.
"It's okay… really," Jo hesitated before making up her mind, then moved to sit down on the couch. "I'm fine, Blair. Let's just start, alright?"
Blair watched her headstrong friend carefully sit down, then ready her pad and pen – noting the large gap on the couch between them. She crossed her legs tightly. "Ask away."
Jo poised her pen over her pad. "You're working on a new Asian division for growth?"
"That's right." Blair swiped a stray hair from her face.
Jo scribbled a bit before asking, "Is this to replace the warehouses that were destroyed?"
"No. It's to increase revenue from the manufacturing facilities we already have. All of our capital will be put into creating revenue streams," Blair replied confidently.
Jo looked up from her pad. "So no rebuilding?"
"No. We decided that would be best," Blair said assuredly.
Jo nodded in understanding. "Who's signing on with you on this project?"
"Emily Gasturson and Barry Winstead; marketing and advertising heads. We haven't formally outlined a report for the board, but they are aware of our intentions." Blair plucked at a small string on her skirt. She dusted it then looked up into questioning green eyes.
"Do you think they'll approve it?" Jo asked.
"That's our hope. We've gone over all of the key, crucial parameters and it looks like a good prospectus," Blair remarked.
Jo sat back. "Whose idea was it?"
"Mine," Blair sported a little smile.
Jo paused, then tapped her pen on her pad. "Why?"
Blair shrugged. "I wanted to make a… do something to…" Brown eyes rolled a bit at her own indecisiveness. "Uh…"
"Prove yourself as worthy to be president?" Jo finished for her, giving her an amused smirk.
"I was going to say, start off with something that would make our stockholders happy," Blair amended rather forwardly.
"But I was close," Jo pointed her pen at the president, which earned her a brief smile.
"Probably," Blair moved a strand of hair behind her ear, then quietly looked down.
"Probably?" Jo raised a surprised brow at that. "C'mon Blair, we both know you're being scrutinized everyday by your peers," she said, feeling suddenly protective.
Blair slowly agreed with that. "I'll admit it hasn't been easy to have to prove everything I do as benefitting the company."
"But you're a Warner, you shouldn't have to prove anything. It's your company," Jo was steadfast.
"You mean my Grandfather's company," Blair said with a matter-of-fact expression. "There are people who work here who deem themselves more a part of this company than I am. Strictly because of longevity, and loyalty," she said.
"You mean the board members?" Jo asked hastily.
"Many of them, yes," Blair blinked.
Jo lightly bit the inside of her lip. "Are they putting pressure on you?"
Blair shifted, straightening her skirt. "More like using me. My name, my connections," Her tone was bitter.
"To your father?" Jo queried.
"Okay, now you're getting a bit personal," Blair said nervously. She uncrossed her legs and sat forward. "I really can't get into that side of the business."
It was stated rather tersely, and Jo had to reassess her own talking points. "I understand. I'm sorry."
"I'm just still rattled about the threat to our family," Blair said, giving Jo a quiet expression.
Of course. "Understandable."
Blair watched as Jo wrote down a few notes. "Need I remind you to let me know about your safety?" She punctuated her words.
"I know," Jo smirked without looking up.
"Do you? Do you know how nervous I was for you last night?" Blair said, an edge creeping into her voice.
Jo looked up catching the concerned look aimed at her. "Blair, nothing happened. I made it home."
Blair squinted at the brunette. "You promised me you would let me know." She pinned Jo with a look.
"I..." Jo let out a breath, not meeting the glare. She twisted her lips in a sardonic expression, then stood. "Something came up."
"What? What could've possibly come up that would keep you from letting me know you were alright?" Blair was still sitting and watched as Jo slowly moved toward the door.
"What Jo?!" She stood then moved across the room.
Jo watched Blair maneuver her way over to her. She wanted to hold her breath as her scent wafted around her. "I told you I was safe. Why are you getting so upset?!"
It was said a little more forceful than she'd meant; Jo noted Blair had stopped her approach, a bit alarmed at the sudden anger she sensed rolling off of her.
"Because!" Blair paused, thinking of a good explanation.
"What?" Jo could feel her patience wearing thin.
"You're my friend, I care about you!" It was barked out in an almost challenge.
Jo breathed out a reply, only to catch her breath. She wasn't expecting that. "Well… I didn't ask you to."
There was a brief silence as the two women tried to gauge where this whole thing was going. Blair's phone rang, and she openly ignored it - letting it go straight to voicemail.
She waved a hand at Jo, "You could've at least been honest with me and let me know that, that—"
Oh, that does it. Jo lifted her chin defiantly. "And just what the hell would you know about being honest? Huh, Blair?" Her words were meant to sting and she felt no shame in throwing off the blonde's tirade.
"What are you talking about?" Blair huffed; her brows knitted together.
"I think you know," Jo growled then turned to grab the door knob.
"I have no idea, but you could've been more thoughtful and kept me from worrying and, and —"
"Oh, that's great," Jo let out a laugh, then turned back around, "be more thoughtful of your feelings."
Blair twisted her lips sarcastically. "It would be a first wouldn't it!"
Jo gave her a harsh glare, then turned again, "I don't need this." She opened the door slightly.
"You're overreacting." It was said so dismissively, and Jo watched as Blair gave her a defiant look, which made her all the more angry.
"I'm?!" Jo slammed the door. "You know what? Since this is all we're going to get done, I'll just leave for the day." Her voice held a menacing tone.
Blair moved to stand in front of her office door, forcing Jo to stand directly in front of her. "Oh, no you don't. You're not leaving until we get this ironed out!"
Jo saw the sparkle, the glint of anger. She ignored it. "Blair, get out of my way!"
"No." Blair heaved, her blouse was opened by two buttons, her cleavage was evident and Jo tore her eyes away.
"Move, Blair!"
"No!" Blair came within mere inches of the frustrating woman… the warmth of her body and the anger rolling off of her was almost magnetizing. She breathed in, her voice almost sultry to her ears – not at all sounding the way she meant.
"What are you going to do, huh?" She moved closer, noting the green in Jo's eyes had become darker, her eyelids were lowering. "You're so damn stubborn, egotistical, infuriating! What are y—"
It was within a moment that couldn't be taken back… the lips that harshly landed on the ones in front of hers that Jo realized what had happened. She quickly moved back, staring at what she'd done, her back hitting the door, rattling it. She twisted around, fumbling to open it. Not daring to look behind her, she heard a gasp, and closed her eyes at the sound.
"I, uh… I didn't mean to do that," her voice sounded increasingly strained to her ears, "I-I-I have to go. I'm so sorry."
She tore the door wide and quickly ambled her way down the hall and around the corner without a look back or explanation…
Blair gently touched her lips then closed her eyes. A shaky hand went through her tresses as she tried - to no avail - to make sense of the last few seconds. "Jo… wait, please…" Her voice was soft, weak as were her knees as she managed to lean against Jo's desk.
"Jo…"
Oh God….Oh my God…
Jo had by-passed the elevator, choosing the stairwell instead. She practically hopped down the first two floors, only to slow down and stop at the top of the next floor's riser. Her back met the cold, sobering wall there as she slid to the floor.
"Sh—" she caught herself. Grinding her teeth together, as her side throbbed a bit. She threaded both hands through her hair, closing her eyes tightly.
She took in a long shaky breath, carefully keeping her mind from replaying what she'd just done… the guilt, the shame, the… longing, all hitting her at once.
Composure… your job, your job, your job…c'mon, your job.
Jo sat still for several moments; her legs propped up, her back firmly against the wall, she tapped the back of her ear. "Test."
"Here." There was a long pause, "Jo?"
"… Yeah…"
It was said so softly, Eric had barely heard her. "You don't sound good, Agent."
"I… I have to uh, run the report, um…" Jo shook her head to clear it. "Did you get the forensics back?"
"Not yet." Eric heard labored breathing and sat back in his chair with a concerned look on his face. "Are you done for the day?"
Jo rubbed her face, then took in calming breaths - attempting to temper her heartbeat. She nodded her head slowly. "Yeah... Yeah, I'm done for the day."
She looked up into the bright lights of the stairwell.
I'm done.
He trusted her.
Eric had almost contacted Jo again, but decided whatever she and Blair were doing would have to be handled by his best agent. It was between them, after all.
"Agent Nelson?"
The dark head of agent Mendoza peeked into the office.
"Agent Mendoza," Eric waved him in.
"I've got something," Mendoza held up papers.
"Bring it," Eric replied.
"Just got back the forensics on Winstead's bumper," Mendoza took a seat.
"And?"
"Jo's bike paint is a match," he handed the report to Eric.
Eric scanned the page. "Why would he want to take her out?"
Mendoza rubbed his chin in thought. "I think the better question is what does he know about Jo?"
"I don't see how he or Palmero could know anything, we're iron clad," he laid the papers down on his desk.
Still, Eric didn't like the sound of that. He reached across his desk, tapping a button to dial. "Hey, are you out of the building yet?"
"Yep."
He heard a few, faint voices in the background. "Where are you?"
"Atrium," Jo replied. "Thought I'd be best to stick around for a bit. I'm waiting on Winstead. Security said he still hasn't come in yet."
Eric glanced at Mendoza who frowned at the news. "Forensics got a positive on the paint,"
"Figures."
Agent Mandoza stood then waved at Eric before leaving the office, shutting the door.
Eric leaned back. "We're trying to quickly get to the bottom of this, but all points are leading to him knowing something about you, Agent. Be careful."
"I will."
A sudden flicker of nervousness went through Jo. She looked around the atrium. The sun was high in the sky illuminating the space. Various people were milling about. No one looked particularly suspicious.
She got comfortable on the bench she was sitting on, pulling her suit jacket sleeves straight, then fidgeting with her phone, glancing at it a few times…
She tried to calm her nerves. Focus dammit. She closed her eyes, and couldn't help it as the brown eyes of the president…
Yes that's what she is. Just the president of Warner Textiles. My client, my…
Jo took a breath. Stop. Concentrate. She squeezed her eyes together. Oh man.
Another breath. "I think I screwed up really bad."
"What is it, Jo?"
The voice crackling into her ear startled her. She was so deep in thought she'd forgotten Eric was there.
"I—you were right. You were right all along." Jo's voice sounded stressed.
Eric waited, gathering his response. A sense of dread started to wash over him. "What's going on Jo, talk to me."
"… About Blair."
Eric rubbed his forehead. He was afraid of this. "How'd that go?"
He heard breathing, then movements and static on the line. "Bad... Really bad..."
Eric waited, then chewed his lip a bit. "What happened?"
Jo got to her feet and started pacing. "I got caught up in… I just didn't realize… it was a mistake." She stopped then looked around the atrium before pacing again.
Eric took out a document and a pen from his top drawer. He sighed. "What was a mistake, Agent?"
Jo walked fast as she pivoted, then walked the other way, gesturing with her hands animatedly. "We were arguing, she was being defensive and I got angry, it was—"
"Stop." Eric began scribbling a few notes; then halted before making an effort to speak clearly. "We don't have time for this, Agent!"
Jo abruptly stopped in her tracks. "I know what you're going to say."
"Finish this."
Two words.
Jo knew what they meant. They meant: Go stealth, which meant turn off your emotions and close the case at all costs. She understood that... It was just so much harder to exercise.
"Jo you have to focus on the facts and do your job! This case depends on it!" Eric barked into the phone. He'd be dammed if they'd come this far to lose focus. His lead agent had to get her game face on and see this through, no matter the consequences or collateral.
"I know," came the quiet reply. Jo tightly closed her eyes; then opened them in an effort to refocus.
"Not good enough, Agent," Eric shook his head, "You have to keep Ms. Warner calm and safe."
"I am!" Jo practically shouted into the phone. She crossed her arms over her chest while holding up the phone to her ear.
"Not if you're arguing with her," Eric bluntly pointed out.
And kissing her… dammit.
Jo blew out a breath then shoved a hand in her pants pocket. "I-I have this under control… trust me…" She started to pace again.
Eric leaned back in his chair. "I have no other choice, Jo."
There was silence... eerie silence, and Jo could feel the weight of those words. She nodded. "I won't let you down."
Eric gave a half hearted smile at that. How many agents had said that phrase right before something happened, whether good or bad. He knew how the rhythm usually flowed under the circumstances. He had no choice but to trust her regardless. "Good."
He ended the call, then wrote down a few more items. He looked over the form, taking the time to go over his words carefully before putting his signature on it… and the final words: TRANSFER APPROVED.
"I've got something you need to see."
Agent Summers entered Agent Mendoza's office carrying a file.
"What?" Norm looked up from his monitor.
"Information that just might lead to some missing pieces." She took a seat on the corner of his desk.
Mendoza hiked an interested brow. "Shoot."
"I was looking up old reports of missing persons, going back about ten years ago." Summers opened the file taking out a paper.
Mendoza leaned back in his chair. "Yeah? What made you do that?"
She smiled. "Funny you should ask," she handed him the paper, "take a look at this."
Mendoza read the headline first: "Executive drowns in fishing accident," he crinkled a brow. "Daniel Winstead, son of Miles and Delores Winstead," he looked up. "He was Barry's brother?"
Summers nodded. "This happened five years ago."
Mendoza kept reading. "There was no body found... says there were no suspects."
Agent Summers sighed. "This was an early report, it says four people were on the boat, but doesn't identify three of them."
Mendoza stared at the picture of Daniel Winstead. "Hold on a minute. I've seen this guy before," he thought hard about that. It was recently.
Summers pursed her lips. "Now that we know Palmero was talking to Barry Winstead, I think a little backtracking on her would be just what the doctor ordered."
Mendoza agreed, "I also think a good digging on Daniel Winstead would be a better start."
Summers nodded. "Good idea. I'll get to work on that," she moved to the door. "Let's get the information to Eric soon, he's wanting to get us off this case."
Norm Mendoza watched her leave then turned to his monitor, clicking a few screens until he found the one he was looking for. He glanced at his watch. It was getting late. Better make this quick.
The sun was beginning to fade a bit behind the tall buildings of the city. Jo had taken the opportunity to take Ace out for a walk. The park trail was sparse and she made strides through it with little stopping along the way.
Her body was drenched in sweat. She'd meant to jog, but running the trail seemed a better fit for her current temperament. She needed a good workout; and took the hills and curves with a vigor that pushed her along the winding steepness.
Ace had run straight to his water bowl upon returning to the apartment. Charlie had met her at the door on his way out to the pool hall – his cabby buddy, Merle, honked the horn for the fiftieth time.
"Hey Merle!" Charlie yelled.
"Huh?!"
"Honk it again and I'm rippin' ya' heart out!" Charlie said as he managed his way down the steps finally reaching the cab.
"Yeah, yeah, get in, the fellas are startin' up early tonight!" The short, gray haired man said.
Jo watched from the stoop as the two argued for a minute more, then the car drove off. She'd wondered just how the heck her father could manage to balance on crutches and hold a pool stick at the same time. He'd told her he managed just fine, then showed her all the money he'd won to boot.
The apartment was quiet; Ace had retired to his doggy bed to take a much needed nap. Jo strode over to the television, flipping through the channels then deciding to turn it off after finding nothing really interesting to watch.
She sighed. Her white tank top was sticking to her torso, the black spandex shorts not faring much better as her legs felt cold from the sweat drying on them.
Jo had moved to the kitchen to grab a bottle of ginger ale from the refrigerator when the doorbell rang. Pop probably forgot something. She made her way over, opening the door with a smirk.
"What did you forget this time?"
The expression she wore was one of honest surprise as her mind slowly registered who was standing at the door. Her face slowly melted into quiet disbelief, and she felt as though the wind had been knocked from her.
Blair.
"Can I come in?"
She was still in her work attire. Jo noticed the small optimistic smile inching and shaping pink lips, the tresses that softly gathered on her shoulders, and her perfume - still aromatic. Jo tried to clamp down on the sudden current of... something... plucking a line so deep. She didn't need this; didn't need the way the executive was looking at her. With hope.
Oh Blair…
"What are you doing here?" It was said softly. Jo had meant to put more power behind the question; more authority.
Blair took in a breath. "I need to talk to you and you obviously don't want to talk to me." She'd gathered from the numerous messages she'd left Jo throughout the day… completely ignored.
Jo held her ground, her hand firmly on the door she was practically leaning on. "We can't do this." There. A little more confident this time. She meant it, even though the woman before her was unyieldingly shaking her head.
"We have to talk about what happened this morning." Bair had said it in such a rush. She caught herself, her dignity still intact.
"No we don't," Jo shook her head back. Her eyes, wide with barely held alarm in them, and Blair knew she needed to give her a reason to trust her, to see that... maybe they could at least acknowledge what was happening.
She looked down, suddenly aware of the other reason she stopped by. "You left this." She held up Jo's briefcase; her laptop was inside of it. She saw the sudden embarrassed look on the brunette's face. "Don't worry I didn't see anything, you'd already logged out," she confided.
Jo reached out to grab the briefcase, the door still firmly in place, but Blair held tight to it, pulling it back slightly. "Jo, please."
She had heard the passionate plea, and Jo nibbled her lip before yielding and opening the door letting Blair into her apartment. She took the case from her and set it on the floor.
Blair watched as Jo moved to stand in front of her; not allowing her further into the room. The evening shadows were overtaking the horizon, painting the room a twilight gray. An intense beam from the streetlight streamed in through the front room window illuminating the room and spotlighting Jo's form halfway down to her hips.
Blair noticed. She couldn't help but see how the muscles played in a taut dance all over Jo's body. Her shoulders were strong and her abdominal muscles were tensing with each breath: the tight fabric of her tank top highlighting firm breasts and her rapid breathing.
Blair licked her lips. "I don't know where to begin." She rubbed her hands together and gave a short laugh; her eyes drifting up to meet steely one's that held no hint of relenting.
"How about it was a mistake. It was my fault, I take full responsibility and I apologize." Jo stated firmly, then turned her head away.
She stared out into the room not focusing on anything. There was complete quiet for a long moment; then Jo could hear the faint steps Blair took toward her. She swallowed, then lowered her head.
"You kissed me."
It was barely a whisper, but the words had set their affect... a tense jaw clenching tight as Jo held in a breath, not daring to trust her voice just yet.
She paused. "It won't happen again."
Blair intensely studied Jo's profile as she continued to look straight ahead, unmoving. She closed her eyes briefly. "Why?"
Jo had to think about that, why indeed? She smirked, self depreciatively, not really knowing what to say. "You wouldn't shut up."
She heard the scoff, could tell Blair was throwing her an incredulous look. "Oh, so that's how you keep people quiet?" She put a hand on her hip. "You kiss them?"
Jo whipped her head around. "Look, there's nothing to discuss here, Blair!"
She'd meant for it to come across as menacing. Jo wanted to shout, scream, anything but deal with Blair's calm demeanor at the moment.
"Except for the fact that I didn't stop you," brown eyes held the ones in front of her until they dropped. "I didn't resist or push you away." She saw Jo look down, sorrowfully and felt a pang of sympathy - but it had to be said. "And that confuses you, doesn't it?"
"It doesn't matter." Jo shook her head, shifting her eyes all over the room, anywhere but to Blair, who patiently waited.
"Doesn't it?" Blair moved closer, so close she could feel the warmth of Jo's body and she responded to it - recognizing something stirring within her, very deep; it pulled at a cord that reverberated throughout her whole body.
Jo's voice was shaky and she whipped a hand through her hair. "We can't… I can't…"
"I'm attracted to you." Blair had barely gotten the words out... they'd escaped before she could think about their impact; her heart beating wildly in her chest as a consequence.
Jo's mouth opened then shut quickly. She felt hopeless, weak, "I—"
"That scares you. It always has." Jo didn't move. "This isn't easy for me either, Jo. I'm scared too," Blair admitted carefully.
"You don't understand. I can't do this!" Jo punctuated her words then moved a few steps away from Blair.
Blair watched her with a wispy, sad smile. "Do what? Tell me how you feel?"
Jo sighed. She had no idea what to do with the bombardment of emotions suddenly mounting in her. "Please just drop it, please..." She watched as the blonde approached her again; more determined. She shook her head in warning.
Blair purposefully ignored it. "No, no, I don't care if it's the fear of losing you to some bad guy that's forcing me to face facts. I just… need to tell you how I feel."
"I can't hear this." Jo angled herself away, noticing Blair keep step with her every move.
"I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you and I never told you." She had said it so tenderly, and Jo looked right into brown eyes, imploring... what... something I can't give her?
"This is all my fault," Jo said in a tiny voice. She looked at Blair who was more sympathetic than she'd deserved.
Blair took a step closer; Jo had pinned herself against the couch, unable to move. She reached out, tentatively, her finger's barely grazing the fabric of Jo's tank top.
"Come here." Blair's fingertips started moving in a light pattern on the material.
Jo swallowed, her breathing became heavy as she fought against the rising urges that were overtaking her senses. "I think you should go." It would be her last defense.
"Before what? You kiss me again?" Blair's voice was light, teasing, yet shaky and full of nerves.
She shifted as Jo slowly turned her head; her eyes were heavy, weary with emotion as she turned to stand fully in front of Blair. It was no use. Blair brought her hands up to contact Jo's body, slowly sliding them up - acutely aware of green eyes watching her intently as she did.
Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt gentle finger tips under her chin, guiding it slowly, and Jo moved closer to dip her head gently, the warmth of her breath causing Blair's own to catch as the barest of touches brushed her lips, then another until, more firmly, the melting contact jolted a tie deeply within her.
Jo drew back, her eyes still closed, reveling in the scent of the woman, whose breath was warming her face. "Are you okay?" She said so very softly.
Blair's attempts at answering turned into breathless huffs, the air she finally regained allowing her to nod then. "I-I, w-we..." Her efforts to speak were met by a soft smile.
"Go slow…" Jo breathed, "neither one of us is used to this… let's… just... go slow..." she finally got out.
Blair nodded, a full smile on her face as her eyes roamed all over Jo's body. She took in the strong neck, the shoulders... the arms. She noticed a vein running from Jo's biceps down to her wrist and she lightly traced it. That earned her a small audible grunt. She smiled again, liking the sound, then looked into hooded eyes.
Jo gently snaked her arms around the waist she found so incredibly alluring. She tightened her arms around Blair as an onslaught of emotions overtook her for a moment, causing tears to well her eyes. Sweet Jesus. Blair felt incredible.
Blair's breath caught again as she buried her cheek and face in the skin under Jo's chin, hugging, holding on - a deep aching feeling exploding within her as she moaned slightly before letting out a shuddered breath.
Jo didn't want to analyze it, didn't want to do anything but stay with the feeling; in the moment. She hadn't meant for this to happen, hadn't planned it, but found herself helpless once Blair had appeared on her doorstep... had bared her heart...
It was the same feeling as two days ago, in the sunlight of Blair's office, when the shattering of barriers had begun. Nothing else mattered. All the time in the world they'd spent apart, fighting, arguing, ignoring... longing: came down to this moment...
She'd been all over the country, the world - never settling, never staying anywhere for long. A warm wave settled over her as arms tightened around her... grounding her.
Jo knew she had been craving this, and didn't deny it.
She held on, the two of them swaying in the middle of the floor in the silver light... she smiled.
I'm home.
They enjoyed the silence, the warmth of holding each other. There were small tentative touches and occasional soft kisses as they got to know each other... used to the feel of each other. They had been sitting in the dark for a while, on the couch. Jo put her arm around Blair, with Blair's head resting on her shoulder.
Blair could only guess what time it was as she yawned, then began to slightly extract herself from Jo. Sitting up she gave her a smile before tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I, um... I should probably go," she said softly.
Jo lifted a brow. "No, it's ..." she let out a huff. "Sorry I don't know what to say," she smiled nervously.
Blair nodded, looking down at their still entwined hands. "I didn't know what was going to happen when I came over here."
Jo watched her for a beat. "It's okay Blair," she moved a thumb, softly over Blair's hand.
"And I didn't think about how it would look," she looked up at Jo, seeing her head tilt in question.
"How it would look?"
"Now. With us..." she shrugged a little. "Working together."
Jo considered that, thinking. "So?"
Blair swallowed. "So? Jo if we get involved, it could be very messy. I mean..." she took in a breath. "If you want to stop...w-we can, um." Blair found a finger lightly placed on her lips as she looked into dancing green eyes.
"No," Jo smiled crookedly. "And I actually don't want to think about any of that right now... let's just..." she coaxed Blair to return to her embrace, wrapping an arm around her, "... enjoy the moment," she kissed her head, taking in the smell of blond tresses as she did.
"I like that," Blair sighed, then let a rakish smile consume her face. "Okay. I guess we've come to a mutual agreement on that... amongst other things."
Jo smiled. "Uh huh... I'm pretty sure we can agree to do that." No questions asked. She turned her head finding alluring lips there, giving them a quick peck, then two, before deepening the kiss.
Blair ended the kiss, smiling. She breathed in deep as Jo hugged her. "God this feels so weird," she'd said it with mirth, hearing the questioning grunt from Jo. "I mean we both know now that w-we -"
"Like each other?" Jo chuckled quietly.
"To put it mildly," Blair said teasingly. She began to draw soft circles on Jo's stomach, reveling in the slight ripples she was causing. "I've always thought you were cute, Jo."
Jo suddenly found herself blushing and laughed. "Cute, huh?"
Blair looked at Jo who was sporting a growing grin. "Uh, huh...well," she smiled giddily. "Irresistibly hot in a tomboy sort of way." She let out a laugh at the sudden, completely stunned look on Jo's face. Have I struck you speechless?
Before she could further embarrass herself by sputtering a defensive response, Jo let the flattering feeling of Blair's admission envelop her. She felt the need to be honest right back. "I uh... wanted to impress you..."
Blair lifted a brow. "Impress me?" she let a surprised smile shape her lips. "How? When?"
"What? You mean you couldn't tell?" Jo gave her a sly look. "It was pretty much every chance I got."
Blair blinked at her. "Give me an example."
Jo laughed then thought for a minute. "Okay... remember when we all got placed in the holding cell after that cop put us in there for dumping beer on him?"
"The Chuggalug," Blair threw her head back. "God, that was so long ago! We were just kids."
"Yeah well, remember the lady in there that wanted your watch?" Jo questioned.
"Mmm..." Blair nodded. "I believe you called her a blimp," she giggled at the thought. "I totally thought you were so brave to stand up to her," her voice became soft. "No one had ever done that for me before." Tender eyes traced the soft surface of Jo's face which had gone a deeper shade of red; humbled by Blair's words.
They shared a moment, remembering. It had been so long ago, but that moment had meant the world to Blair. She had felt complete awe that someone would risk their well being for her - and not ask for anything in return... her body, her money. It had been a strange feeling.
"I adored you for that," she said softly.
Jo shifted on the couch, feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden. It was too much and she decided to change the subject before she blurted out something her mouth and heart hadn't agreed to yet.
"I just knew you were going to marry rich and have two point five kids by now... what happened?"
"Reality," Blair said rolling her eyes. She looked at Jo, seeing an intent look, "When you left for California, I thought - okay, she's going to make something out of her life; and a part of me rooted for you."
"Hmm," Jo nodded. "And the other part?"
"Wanted to go with you," Blair admitted coyly.
Jo smiled at that then absorbed what Blair had confessed. She hadn't pressed her to explain her sexuality... didn't need to. She'd said enough. She smiled internally, letting her head rest on the back of the couch.
"Jo?"
"Hmm?" Jo turned her attention to the blonde.
"When did you start..." Blair paused, "liking me?" she shook her head slightly at that. That sounds so second grade.
Jo grinned. "You mean noticing you?" she said seeing Blair nod. "Well...I mean... right off the bat," she admitted.
Blair furrowed a brow. "Could you be more specific?"
Jo let out a laugh. Should've known she'd want a play-by-play. "Alright. Two weeks before I came to Eastland they sent a brochure in the mail, you know, for the prospective students; to welcome them and all... You were on the cover and I couldn't keep my eyes off of you."
There was a small smile, and Blair flushed at the thought. True, she was never one to not accentuate her own beauty - but still, and even better, she loved it when other people noticed... especially those she wanted to impress.
"I thought you were just a model, you know, someone they hired to make the school look more appealing..." Jo gave Blair an appreciative look. "I have to say, it certainly worked for me," she smiled.
"Really?" Blair was at a loss for words. Wow.
"Yeah. Then when I got to campus, I saw you walk into the cafeteria. When they told me that was where I needed to check in, I lost my cool, and spun out right before I could park my bike," Jo looked down, still a little embarrassed about the whole ordeal.
"I had no idea," Blair said softly.
Jo lifted their entwined hands, putting them on her lap. "Yeah, well I had no idea we'd be forced to live together either."
It had been quite a shock for all of them to be truthful. Four completely different personalities. Not to mention the growing attraction Jo had to deal with... for so many years.
Blair gave her a lazy smile. "I almost lost it when you said you wanted to leave Eastland," green eyes looked into hers. "I was glad you changed your mind."
Jo swallowed as she tried to formulate what she wanted to say. "So you could then torture me by dating every available guy at Bates?"
She saw the slow tongue in cheek expression that was shaping on Blair's face. Perhaps feeling regretful? hmmm? Jo hiked a semi-serious brow at that. "What was that all about?"
Blair faced her head on, her voice taking on a low register. "I loved the look on your face when I brought home a new guy." That was met with an authentic glare. "You were so jealous." That diffused the glare, which turned into a self-conscious look.
"I was that obvious?" Jo said, almost incoherently.
Blair flicked her bangs. "Yes," she said resolutely. "However, I was quite confused when you wanted to marry Eddie Brennen." There. The ball had been successfully batted back into Jo's court; and Blair crossed one leg over the other, giving her a frank stare. Care to explain?
Jo cocked a snide grin, that was me trying to keep up with the Joneses, she thought wistfully. "I was never going to marry him," she said calmly.
Blair bobbed her foot up and down for a second. "Are you sure about that? You made plans and everything."
A brown brow hiked teasingly. "Oh, are we jealous now?" Jo challenged her. She chuckled, seeing the green-eyed monster leer she was getting. She decided to let Blair off the hook. "I wanted you to stop me," she said tenderly.
Blair stared at her. Lord knows she and everyone else had tried everything in their power to stop such a big mistake. She had felt so utterly helpless back then. She let out a surprised laugh. "Really?"
Jo weighed her response then gave a smile. "I'm still single aren't I?"
"That depends," Blair said, easing herself back into a snuggle with the brunette who hugged her.
"On?" Jo closed her eyes, inhaling Blair's scent. Because she smells... so incredible, she breathed.
"What our future holds," Blair said breathlessly.
Jo stilled her movements. She could feel Blair's heartbeat, her breathing was steady, yet rapid. It matched her own.
Truth be told, she couldn't believe this was happening to her. Now. At this point in her life. She wondered, honestly, just what they were doing... where this was going. No. Don't think about that. Not now. Just... live in the present.
"Let's just deal with the present and not think about that right now, okay?" Jo said. That was met with a slow nod.
She picked up the remote turning on the TV, and turned on her favorite screen saver... she'd often just sit and watch them sometimes, when she'd come in from work and just wanted a change of scenery. When the stress of the day would get to her.
She clicked on a starry night; the twinkling stars and moon making it look like they were really there - outside. She flicked through two more, finally settling on a beach scene. It was a sunny day, the waves crashing on the beach and seagulls singing as the flew around. She imagined them walking along the shore, peacefully, just the two of them.
"This is nice," Blair had put her head on Jo's shoulder, feeling an arm tighten around her. She sighed, hugging Jo. Live in the moment. "It's like we're there right now."
Jo hummed a reply as they got more comfortable. They stayed like that for a while; watching the screen – the waves of the ocean, the sand that blew gently around... the sounds of the wind as they relaxed in each other's arms as the night slipped away from them.
Blair yawned, looking at her watch before peeking at Jo who had fallen asleep. She smiled as she gently moved the hair back from Jo's face, causing her to twitch a little. "I should go," she whispered, nudging her.
Jo sat up adjusting her eyes, then turned on a side table lamp. She turned off the television. "Okay."
They'd walked to the door, hand in hand, stopping to hug and nuzzle each other. Jo walked Blair to her car, admiring the convertible.
Blair gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning." she said.
Jo nodded, and watched as Blair got in the car, starting the motor. She put it in gear, then turned, seeing Jo watching her attentively. She blew her a kiss. "See you."
That earned her a smile. Blair drove away and Jo watched until she got out of sight, the smile fading from her face. She blew out a breath, then turned to go back inside. She glanced at the clock on the stove: twelve midnight.
Life goes on, and the world keeps turning... yeah.
Pop will be home soon. Jo moved toward her room, thinking about the last few hours. She bit the inside of her lip as a giddy smile found its way to her face - for just a brief moment the world had indeed stopped turning and she and Blair were the only ones in it...for just a few moments, Jo sighed.
She went to bed just content with that.
"Another early meeting?" Jo skidded into the tenth floor conference room, coffee in hand as she joined Summers and Mendoza already sitting at the table. "Where is he?" she took a seat.
"On his way up," Summers replied not bothering to look up from her file.
"You want to give me a heads up to what this is all about?" Jo asked.
"Blowing the lid off this case," came the cool reply from the blue eyed agent. She scribbled a few notes down, smiling at the shocked look on Jo's face.
Mendoza took in Jo's appearance. There was something different about her. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but… she seemed, calmer than usual. No. Content, maybe?
He furrowed his brow. "Where were you last night? I called you three times."
Jo shrugged. "Phone was off, I guess," She took a sip of coffee, aware of the scrutinizing eyes on her.
She'd done it on purpose earlier yesterday... especially after leaving Blair's office... after kissing her. Jo closed her eyes and took in a breath. Blair...
"Alright. What do we have, something good I hope." Eric had entered the room in his usual manner - rushed and in a hurry. All three agents snapped to attention as he sat down and readied himself.
"You guessed correctly," Agent Summers addressed him.
"Let's see it," Eric got comfortable.
Agent Mendoza had a monitor set up. He tapped on a device and entered a program. "First off, I apologize for not doing this earlier... would've saved a lot of time yesterday."
"What are you talking about?" Jo asked, watching as he clicked through different screens.
"This..." He found the screen he was looking for, bringing up the inside of Amanda Palmero's office. "... a sweep of Palmero's office I recorded while waiting for the files to download."
Jo crossed her arms tightly over her chest. "Yeah, I was just in there remember? What's the scoop here?"
"The scoop is this. Take a look." Mendoza zoomed in and focused, panning to the top of Palmero's desk. He slowed it down.
"Wait, is that?" Jo turned her head sideways as Mendoza stopped, then panned over a small picture on the desk.
The picture had four people in it. Jo recognized David Warner and his brother Russell, along with Barry Winstead.
"Who's the guy to the left?" she asked.
Mendoza moved to pull a close-up of the man. "The name is Daniel Winstead. Twin brother to Barry Winstead."
That was met with silence as each agent made a mental note of the new information.
Agent Summers chimed in, reading from her report. "Agent Mendoza and I did some digging earlier. That picture was taken right before they all went sailing... right before he disappeared after going overboard during a boating accident five years ago." She looked up. "They never found a body."
"Mmm... no body found in the deep sea, not usual. Anyone charged?" Eric asked, frowning.
Summers shook her head negatively. "All of them were cleared. It was deemed an accident by the police. They closed the investigation."
"I have a question," Jo broke in. "What the hell is Palmero doing with a picture like this on her desk?!"
Agent Summers cleared her throat. "I just got back information that would pretty much clarify that, Agent Polniaczeck," she picked up another file, then flipped the papers to the beginning of her report.
"First off, to backtrack, Daniel Winstead used to work for a company by the name of Grico Graphics. It was a graphics company, long since been dissolved in 2003. He was there for about seven years. He met a young woman by the name of Mary Ann Bradford, an artist who also worked there. He had an affair with her a year after he was married to his wife."
"Figures," Jo interrupted, grumpily.
Summers continued. "Ms. Bradford got pregnant sometime during the winter of 1986. They produced a child at the latter part of the following year."
Jo scoffed. "So he was a cheating asshole. Big surprise," she added.
Summers smirked, agreeing. "We also got back a confirmation on the sex and name of the child," she handed a form to Eric.
"Girl, named Danielle Bradford," he read, then looked at agent Summers, slightly perplexed. "I'm not following."
Summers nodded. "Here's the tricky part. Ms. Bradford was suing Daniel Winstead for child support, only they weren't married," she took a peek around the table, no one had anything to say to that. "She was trying to blackmail him. He wanted nothing to do with his daughter," she supplied.
"Shame," Jo said under her breath.
Agent Summers flipped to the back page of her report. "I'll cut to the chase. Ms. Bradford was found dead in her Florida home five months after giving birth. The police report says her home was broken into, vandalized. She was shot once in the head."
"Damn," Mendoza rubbed his chin, shaking his head.
"The baby was taken into child protection and a young couple adopted her a few month's later," Summers finished reading from her file.
She didn't need any prodding. The looks on every agents face asked the same question. "The adoptive parents were Harold and Martha Palmero."
One more piece had just fallen into place. One more connection.
"So Palmero's a Winstead," Jo stated flatly.
"By blood," Eric reminded.
"She knows who her father was," Mendoza supplied.
Eric grunted at all of that. "My question is, does Miles know she's his granddaughter?"
"Well, Barry Winstead certainly does," Jo said.
"Let's bring him in," Eric said. Everyone got up from the table. The information was a brand new starting point for them, with Barry Winstead at the front of the suspect list.
They all moved to the door. "Good job Mendoza, Summers," Eric said as the two agents left the room. He turned his attention to Jo who was standing still, obviously thinking about something significant. "I've seen that look before," he said suspiciously.
She faced Eric. "We need to bring in Palmero," she said then picked up her coffee cup, finishing it.
"On what charges?" Eric asked. He didn't see where she was going with this. All the new information did was link Palmero with Winstead, by blood, not in conspiracy.
"Conspiring with Barry Winstead," Jo said, a resolute look on her face.
Too quick on this one, Jo. "Not enough evidence," he glanced at her.
"What do you mean Eric?! She's working with Winstead and he almost took me out!"
"That doesn't mean anything if she wasn't in the car. We know she's working with him to hide something and that's where we'll close the case when we find out what that is." He saw a hard eye roll at that. "We can't charge her with anything, Agent. And spying on her could even land us in hot water."
"Oh, c'mon!" Jo shouted. "She's obviously out to get me!"
Eric looked at Jo with a bit of awe. "You really have a bug up your ass about her, don't you?"
"Look, she's a bad influence on Blair, I don't want her anywhere near her," Jo pointed at him, hoping to get her point across.
Eric observed her. She was fidgety and nervous. He watched as she started to leave. "Jo..."
"You know what? I'm going to make it a priority to make sure she stays out of Blair's life," Jo said with finality as Eric approached her.
"Jo?" Eric raised his voice again, this time getting her attention. Puzzled green eyes tracked to his. "I need you to come to my office, so we can talk privately," he finished.
"Okay, when?" Jo threw her coffee cup in a nearby trash can.
"Now," Eric reiterated, then moved past her to leave the room.
Jo watched as he left. With the new information, they were so close to ending the case... and she had to admit, nailing Palmero would be a personal pleasure.
She took down a few personal notes about the matter, then made her way to the elevator; luckily it was empty and she had a few minutes to herself. Closing her eyes she leaned back against the back wall, a slight smile edging her face as brown eyes and soft lips came to mind. She let it…let the feeling of last night linger a bit.
The ding of the elevator knocked her back into the present as the doors slid open. She shook her head, still with a smile on her lips as she rounded the corner to Eric's office.
"Everything okay?" Jo asked as she entered the office. Eric was standing at his window, his back to her.
"I'll let you be the judge of that," he faced his top agent. "Have a seat."
Jo nodded then sat down. "Can we make this quick? I need to get over to Warner and..." she halted, noticing Eric's bleak manner. "What?" She turned her eyes sideways, watching as Agent Nelson took a seat on the edge of his desk. He rubbed the side of his face before meeting her eyes.
"This will be your last day on assignment for Warner Textiles Corporation."
He had said it so calmly, and Jo paused, not quite believing she'd heard him correctly. "Wh-what are you talking about?" That was met with silence... he's serious. "Eric this case is far from over, I-"
"You're off the case, Agent."
Jo frowned, taking in a breath. "I don't understand."
Eric gave her a cold stare. "I said I'm terminating your involvement, Agent Polniaczek."
Jo abruptly stood up from her chair, the legs scraping the linoleum floor. "But why? Eric, c'mon, we're this close to nailing Winstead!" she gestured as she moved closer.
Eric shook his head. "My minds made up."
"You mind telling me why now? Huh?!" Jo was within inches from her superior, her face tight with frustration.
Eric waited a few beats, then, "You got too close to your client."
Those were not the words he'd ever thought he would be saying out loud, especially to Jo. He'd thought she would eventually get her act together and finish the case, then move on. Instead he found his top agent in limbo... a small feeling of personal failure touched him as he saw Jo searching for a way to address her dilemma.
"I-" She swallowed then shook her head.
"I've been observing you, Agent," Eric cleared his throat. "It was my call. Believe me I didn't want to do it, but..."
"But what?!" Eric could see the resentment in Jo's eyes. They turned from anger to almost panic in an instant. "You can't do this to me!" she said with a low growl.
"Except I didn't do this, Jo," Eric shot right back.
Jo's breathing became rapid as she tried to understand where Eric was going with this. "What are you talking about?!"
"You!" A harsh finger pointed at her. "You were supposed to do your job, not get involved, not get-"
"I AM doing my job!" Jo yelled.
They were face to face now. "Dammit, Eric! We are this close to closing this thing!" she said angrily.
"Except you won't be here," Eric said. He felt the need to get the point across more stringently.
Jo stared at him in disbelief. "What the hell are you talking about?!"
Eric pursed his lips. "I assessed you, Agent. Once you put in a request for transfer, I assessed your behavior. That's my job."
Jo bit her lip. "T-that's not-" Damn.
She had juggled whether or not it was a good idea in the first place... to put in for a transfer. It was impulsive, reckless... she'd felt hopeless.
... and then last night happened.
"It was enough for me to make a judgment call," Eric continued, sternly.
Judgment call? Jo's brow's knit for a second. "What did you do?!"
It had to be driven home. The severity of the situation they were in. The necessity of an agent to do their sworn duty at all costs. "As of 5 p.m. this afternoon you will be on assignment overseas."
There was a moment of stunned silence as Jo registered the impact of what he was saying. "Eric... I can't...I..."
Yeah. Heard it before. Many times. How many agents had gotten personally involved to their own detriment, Eric surmised. Mendoza being the most recent. He'd been used to threats of leaving; even the one's toward him personally. He knew the signs, and Jo was no different.
"That's exactly why I'm moving you out, Jo."
"You CAN'T do this!" Eye's blazing, Jo was back in Eric's face.
"I did," he stood his ground.
Jo stared at him. "Please, Eric..." It was said through breathless pants, desperation edged her voice.
I am sorry. "It's for the best, Jo... I warned you."
"Please." Jo's eyes were pleading as she saw the slow shake of Eric's head.
She scowled at him, tears forming in her eyes as she moved across the room, bumping into the chair, she kicked it, then intertwined her hands in her hair, leaving them there.
"Agent handbook number 162... what does it say, Agent Polniaczeck?"
Jo squeezed her eyes shut. She knew what he was trying to do. I hate you for this...so much. "Um... personal involvement with an...um... a client will immediately result in approved transfer or..."
"Termination." Eric interrupted. "I can't afford to lose you, Jo. Not for this."
Jo looked up at the ceiling, Oh God...
Eric continued. "You swore to-"
"I know what I swore to!" Jo walked back up to him, coming within inches. "How many times are you gonna' tell me?! I'm sick to death of hearing it, Eric!"
He watched as she moved to pace the floor, hands on her hips. Eric felt the need to drive his point home. "Then I guess you'll have no trouble transitioning to your new assignment."
Jo stopped cold at the words. She looked down seeing Eric's metal trashcan and kicked it several times - denting it.
Eric watched her, let her get it out of her system as her breathing became harsh. "Jo..."
Jo made her way back over to him, sticking a finger in his face, her voice at a low pitch. "Fuck you...Okay?!" she said through clenched teeth.
Their eyes held for a short moment before Jo tore hers away, the anger still rippling off of her. It would be a few minutes before she'd calm down. Eric Nelson was a patient man... had to be in his line of work. He settled into his chair, leaning back and watched as Jo got herself together. "Do you need some water? Or more time to..."
"I'm fine!" Jo shouted from across the room, her eyes glaring.
Eric nodded, drumming his fingers on the desktop. Enough is enough. "I need you to get yourself together, Agent," he said, watching her.
"I am together!" Jo sat down with a huff. She leaned forward, legs spread - resting her elbows on her thighs then looked around the office... anywhere but at Eric, as hot tears made their way down her cheeks. She wiped an angry hand at them, brushing them away.
"Good," Eric crossed his fingers together on the desk. "I have to brief you on your next assignment."
That was met with silence. A scowl was plastered on Jo's face as her eyebrows bent in anger. Eric opened his top drawer retrieving a file. He took one more peek at Jo before reading it.
"Gragon Islands. Population 2.4 million. Located in the mid pacific region. Ruling Empress consort is Torana Milkino. Two high ranking United States Navy officials will be joining our overseas ambassador's already stationed there. The meeting will take place two days from now, should be friendly and should result in an embargo agreement for surrounding competitors."
Eric looked up seeing Jo hadn't moved. "Questions?"
Jo drew her lips up in disgust. "What is my assignment?" she said without looking up.
"Well, first off, you and three other agents will be replacing the crew we have over there now," Eric informed.
Jo sniffed at that. "How long have they been over there?"
"Two years, Agent. They were able to prevent a major crisis from happening," Eric pointed out.
That got her attention. Jo looked up. "To what degree?"
"Mines," Eric said simply. "Four of them planted by pirate traders. These guys were able to get a hold of C4, and obviously knew what they were doing to some extent."
"Christ." Jo said under her breath.
"Yeah," Eric nodded. "Our guys were able find and dismantle three of them."
"What was the reason for planting them in the first place?" Jo asked agitatedly, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Gold and uranium. They are threatening them to give up substantial amounts of each. Because the Gragon Island's are protected through our allied forces, it's up to us to inforce a strict embargo on the territorial waters within the region."
Jo settled back in her chair in thought. "How intricate are these mines?"
Eric leaned forward. "Very sophisticated. However, the last one is particularly elusive. That's why we need you over there, Jo. Once we find it, the only way to dismantle the thing is through a series of numerical sequences."
Jo shook her head, eyeing Eric, who was looking at her seriously. "I don't like the way you're looking at me right now."
"One wrong sequence and millions of lives could be lost," he saw Jo drag a hand through her hair. "Jo you're trained for this."
Jo blew out a breath, then squinted at Eric. "Way to not put a heap of pressure on me."
"This is your specialty, Agent," Eric pointed out, then looked down at the papers. "These mines have a timer on them. After the last one is diffused, it usually activates the next one to start counting down in about four days."
Jo hesitated asking the obvious question, but did anyway, tapping her leg nervously. "So when was the last one diffused?"
Eric scanned the paper finding the information. "Today, Agent," Eric read cautiously.
Holy... Jo's mouth opened in disbelief. She shook her head feeling slightly stunned.
"That's why I'm sending you over," Eric looked up, gaining Jo's attention, "I need you to get your things in order, make your arrangements." He put the papers down. "You know what you have to do at Warner."
"Just how long do you think this is going to take?" Jo asked, standing up. She moved toward Eric.
"Weeks, maybe," Eric shrugged. "Could be anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. We have to make sure the islands are clean." He saw Jo blink several times at that.
He took out another envelope, opening it before empting the contents. "Here's your security clearance badge and new burner phone. There'll be a packet for you on the plane for your food, travel and living accommodations. Your private jet leaves at 5 p.m. sharp. Today."
Jo collected the items in her hand, staring at them. Eric watched her with concern. "Hey, are you alright?"
Jo stayed silent for a long while before looking her superior in the eye. Her face held a somber expression. "No."
She took in a breath after Eric nodded his head carefully.
"But I will be..." she gave him one last glance before turning and heading for her office.
I cannot express how grateful I am for your kind reviews and messages. I am truly humbled. I'm hoping to answer the many questions and speculations in the upcoming chapter's as well. Thanks for hanging in there with me! You guy's rock...