GREG POV
There were so many questions begging for answers in my head. Pat was no ordinary politician. There was more to his relationship with Lia because it was incomprehensible to see a wealthy congressman and business woman's daughter going through so much suffering without help. There was more to the case I was working on.
*******
I had ran a couple of searches on Pat Richardson but I couldn't get much. He had a perfect image in the media. Lia had shown in the searches six to seven years ago. Her adoption was the magic wand that aided Pat's election into the Lawmaker's council.
From all indications, her adoption was part of his image-making campaign. While I searched for clues regarding their relationship, my mind wandered to Lia. “I just hope she's safe,” I mumbled. Then I grabbed my bike keys and drove off to Pat Richardson's office. I figured Pat might already have pictures of me since he got a man to tail Lia so I avoided having any contact with him. I browsed through the data on my phone which Sarah had uploaded on the flash drive.
“Got ya!” I said, discovering a clue about my target.
*******
I arrived home to meet Cara, one of my subordinates by the garage.
“How did you get in here?” I asked, surprised to see her.
“Guess you've forgotten that the agency owns the building,” she said.
“Whatever, come in,” I said, gesturing to her. She walked in and stood akimbo in front of me.
“What?!” I asked.
“We’ve got a bit of information on Mrs. Richardson’s escapades” she blurted out, pulling out a tab. Boss really has eyes on the Richardson and he's told me to inform you that he's expecting feedbacks in a week. He'd be expecting you at HQ in a few days as well. He also told you to focus and to not be distracted” she said.
“Did he say that or Sarah put you up to this?” I asked and she avoided my gaze.
“I'll keep in mind. Done with the mission here in New York?” I asked.
“Trust Sarah to always come through,” she said, picking an apple on the dining table.
“You should leave already. I have loads to do,” I said, collapsing on the couch. She giggled then made for the door. As she almost turned the door knob, Lia walked in.
“Wooow!!!” I heard Cara say then I turned my head to find Lia, staring with wide eyes at Cara.
“Lia!!” I exclaimed, standing up from the chair. “What are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you,” I said, my voice betraying me. It was obvious that I was extremely startled, astounded as if I had done something wrong.
“I'm sorry if I interrupted something,” she said and still walked in. To be honest, I felt she would leave the very minute she saw Cara.
Cara glared at her then at me. “Can we have a word?” she asked. The only reason she could muster such audacity despite my position as a high-ranking spy agent while she was my subordinate was because she was my mentee.
“I hope you won't mind having a seat here,” I said, motioning her to the couch while I followed Cara. “I’ll be back,” I whispered softly and dashed out of the house.
“For goodness sake, Greg?!!! She's our target! How could you bring a target to your home? That's totally against our policy. Boss would freak out if he hears about this,” Cara exclaimed.
“Keep your voice down, I didn't ask for such domestic cases. And I have it all under control. She's harmless,” I replied even though I knew what I said made no sense. If I had a subordinate in my shoes, I'd suspend him or her for weeks. Our policy marked everyone dangerous. You had to be prepared for betrayal from anywhere. I was known for my strict attitude and discipline in hiding my identity and wearing various personalities for my international cases. Never would I have imagined that I would go against all I had always known, my principles for a girl.
“Did you just say harmless?! She's harmless?! She could disclose your location at anytime,” she whispered then as if she recalled something, she said, “How did she — wait a sec — you brought her here! I can't believe this!”
I giggled then scoffed, “ Calm down, Cara. It's my fault. I brought her here and I'll take responsibility for that but she's harmless, trust me. Besides, she doesn't even know who I am,” I said.
“You think or — You've fallen for her. You're in love with the target. I'm so not into this. I'll just take my leave,” she said and climbed onto her bike.
“Be careful on your way out,” I said and she rode off.
I bet Lia would be swimming in curiosity by now. I had to get my story right. Cara was just a friend. Her all-black outfit was her style of dress. I breathed in deeply then walked In.
“Hey! What's up? I wasn't expecting you. Felt you'd be at the academy,” I said, standing by the arm of the couch.
She stood up from chair, “I made you a little something to appreciate you, She explained.
“Really?” I asked, taking the bag from her and checking what's inside.
“I hope your girlfriend wouldn't mind?” she said all of a sudden. I watched as she said those words then rolled her eyes. That was the definition of jealousy.
“I don't have one,” I replied.
“So who is that other lady. You both look good together,” she said. I was right. She was jealous and I got the urge to fuel her jealousy but things might not work as I had planned. I chuckled then let out a hearty laugh.
“She’s just a friend nothing more. We've got nothing going on. She only called in to check up on me,” I explained.
“It didn't appear that way to me. I felt like she was jealous when she saw me. She was obviously surprised,” she said, playing with her fingers.
“Don't tell me you're jealous,” I said, taking her hands in mine.
“Of course, not. Why would I be? I'm simply looking out for you,” she blurted out. I giggled once more, “thanks for looking out for me and I appreciate the meal,” I said, standing up from the couch. Without a warning, she pulled me back on the chair and her eyes lingered on me. I want sure about what I felt for Lia. It wasn't right. I was not supposed to fall in love but I already did. I wanted my love reciprocated. As I watched her gaze at me, I wanted to confess how I felt but I was scared she'd object.
“Are you mad at me?” she asked. It wasn't what I expected to hear.