Dangerous Mating (A.L.F.A., #3)(4)

Her coworker’s eyes turned sad, sympathetic. But she didn’t come any closer. “Hey, now,” Annie said, “Just because you haven’t found somebody yet doesn’t mean you won’t.”

“Yeah, I know.” Though she didn’t believe it. “But I’m in my thirties now and ready to do something with my life.” She’d been here since college, day in, day out. The worst part was Kari had never even been in love.

Annie whispered back, “It will happen. You just have to find him, then kick his ass for not finding you sooner.” She glanced at the clock. “I need to get back to my desk. Lots to do today.” She hurried out of the kitchen. That was the longest conversation Kari had ever had with someone from her office.

Kari hefted her bag over her shoulder. Talking to no one in the room, she said. “Yeah, might as well get started. Maybe I’ll leave early and check out the new spa that opened across the block. The pictures online made the place look incredible.”

At the main aisle, she trudged to her desk in the back by the wall. She laid her bag on the desk and noted the message button flashing on her phone. Wow, no one used the phone anymore. All her correspondence was via email or some other electronic means. She couldn’t remember the last time she actually used her office phone. They were too easy to tap into.

She listened to the message and about died. The director wanted to see her again when “she had a moment.” Like she’d ever tell the director sorry, no moments available right now. He probably wanted to ask questions about the message from this morning.

Kari loved her job. She loved solving puzzles and riddles and figuring out mathematical problems. But she felt tired now . . . tired of her mundane life. Maybe she needed some time off. Visit her family in Florida. Go to the beach, get eaten by a shark. She shivered. She had a hard time getting in the ocean knowing how many critters existed that could kill or hurt her.

She might even try one of those online dating services. She was leery of those. There were stories about women being robbed and also not knowing if the picture you saw online was who you’d see in person. But it seemed like a good way to “meet” a bunch of guys at the same time.

The elevator to the director’s floor opened. She needed to pull herself together. It was time for work and not personal catastrophes like her love life. And she had to remember not to touch anything on the director’s desk.





Chapter Three




For the third time today, Kari knocked on the FBI Director’s door. Hearing the obligatory “enter,” she stepped inside the office. The director grabbed his coffee cup and sat back in his chair.

“Please, have a seat. Thank you for coming up so quickly, Miss Tomlin.” Again, not like she was going to tell him to bugger off.

“Absolutely, sir,” she said. “What can I do for you?”

“Miss Tomlin,” he began, “you’ve been with us for some time, now. Is that correct?”

Oh shit. Was he firing her? Was the message decoded incorrectly? No, it had to be right. Had she done something wrong? “Yes, sir. Since college, sir.”

“And in all that time, you’ve never taken a full week of vacation,” he continued. “Do you not enjoy taking time off, Miss Tomlin?” She heard the humor in his voice and relaxed a bit. She smiled.

“No, sir. I mean, yes, sir. I just don’t have anywhere really to go.”

“I see.” He cleared his throat and set his cup on the desk. Funny how he always grabbed his cup and scooted away from his desk whenever she came in. “I just got off the phone with Director Tumbel.” She had no idea who that was, but wouldn’t ask, either. “His group needs a female to help on a project. I thought you would be a good choice for that.”

Oh, come on. Couldn’t they find a male who could type and file? Why did it always have to be a woman to do that work? Mainly because men couldn’t get that shit right. She met the director’s eyes and realized he was waiting for her to say something. Shit. What was the question?

“Yes, sir.” Damn, she hoped she didn’t make an idiot of herself.

“Is that a yes, I’d like to go, or yes, I wasn’t listening and don’t know what to say.”

Kari busted out in a laugh. The way he said it was hilarious. He damn well knew which yes it was, but chose not to embarrass her. He was a good guy. Not many of those around. If she ever came across one who was single, she’d grab hold and never let go. Good luck finding one available, though.

“Yes, sir. I’ll help them do whatever they need. Is it a lot of typing or more organizational?”

His brows drew down. What did she say now?

“The job is a field assignment in a foreign country,” he said.

Kari heard the words because she was paying attention, but must’ve heard him wrong. “I’m sorry, sir. What did you say?” She scooted forward in her seat.

“Miss Tomlin,” he leaned over his desk, “we need a female to go undercover for a short assignment.”

She slid to her feet, jumping up. The director snatched his coffee cup. “Yes! I’d so love to go into the field.” Her fist hit that damn copper flag statue again. She reached to put it back in place, and the director threw his hand up, stopping her.

“Let me get that. Please have a seat.” He set the figurine upright, and she sat, almost buzzing with excitement. “Director Tumbel will brief you when you arrive, but I need to ask you a question.”