The office door opened to admit a tall, broad-shouldered man who looked to be around Evie’s age. His tailored black suit fit perfectly, and his carefully styled short blond hair, sharp jawline, and baby-blue eyes gave him that polished, all-American hero look. When he smiled, revealing even white teeth, Tommy was reminded of the lead superhero in the comic-book movies Evie loved so much.
“Aaron Denton,” the man said, stepping forward to shake his hand.
“Tommy Sloane.” Tommy stood and returned the handshake before gesturing to the chair across from him. “Have a seat.”
Aaron unbuttoned his jacket and sat. His eyes flicked toward Thorn. “And he is?”
“That’s my bodyguard, Thorn Orlovic,” Tommy replied easily. “When someone’s name shows up in my schedule without explanation, he joins the meeting.” He leaned back in his chair. “Want to explain how you got on my calendar?”
Aaron offered a sheepish half-smile. “I may have called in a favour with a friend who’s dating your assistant. She didn’t tell you?”
“She did not,” Tommy said mildly, though he made a mental note to have a conversation about unauthorized scheduling and lying about it. “But you’re here, and I’m a curious man. What can I do for you?”
Aaron’s confidence returned quickly. “I work for the CIA, junior-grade operations officer. There’ve been some whispers about a hidden branch of Sloane Technologies -”
Tommy held up a hand, cutting him off just as Thorn rose silently from his chair, crossed the room, and locked the door. Typing a quick command into his computer, Tommy secured and soundproofed the office before turning his attention back to their guest.
“There is no hidden branch of Sloane Technologies,” Tommy said evenly. He shared a brief look with Thorn, who returned to his seat and reopened his book. “I have another company, Sloane Consulting and Security Services, which provides security personnel for corporate clients and bodyguards for private individuals and families. Nothing secret about it.”
Aaron’s eyes tracked Thorn as the big man settled again, and a flicker of respect crossed his face. “And that’s why you locked down the office?” he asked, sounding almost impressed.
Tommy’s polite smile didn’t waver. “Sloane Technologies and Sloane Consulting are separate entities. The board at Sloane Tech insists they stay that way, and I’m inclined to agree, for now.”
Aaron hesitated and then leaned forward. “My best friend is a soldier who has a lot of veteran friends. I told him I wasn’t happy with the CIA, and he suggested I reach out about a job here.”
“Yeah.” Tommy nodded. “We recruit from veterans’ groups for security guards and bodyguards.” He leaned forward; the friend story was plausible and made sense so far. “Why would you think there was a hidden side?”
“After my friend told me about possibly getting a job with Sloane, I did some research and came across a CIA file, but my security clearance wouldn’t let me access it. I made some discreet inquiries and was told there were rumours of a hidden branch of Sloane Consulting and Security Services that does more… clandestine things than babysit rich people and their belongings,” Aaron explained. “I want a job, but I couldn’t find a way to apply. I knew my friend was dating your assistant, called in the favour, but we’ve been over that part.”
Tommy picked up his pen and turned it over in his hands as he considered the man’s somewhat clumsy explanation. He had to admit he was impressed that Aaron had managed to find out about the consulting side and find a way to get an interview with him specifically, when he couldn’t find a way to reach out about the grey ops.
“You want a job? What’s wrong with the CIA?”
“It’s not for me.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out two USB drives. “Surprisingly, being a spy is not like being James Bond. It’s mostly reports and red tape.” He slid the USBs across the desk. “From what I found out, you’re looking for operatives, and I have two potential hires for you. These have mine and my wife’s résumés, commendations, awards - everything we thought you would need to get an idea of what we can do.”
Tommy glanced at Thorn, who raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything, just turned another page.
“Alright.” He reached out, picked up the USB drives, and set them aside. “Thorn, why don’t you give Mr. Denton a tour of the Security Services floors and a rundown of what would be expected if we decide to hire him. I’ll take a look at these, and we’ll talk more when you get back.”
He watched as Thorn laid his novel down and stood up.
“Right this way, Mr. Denton.”
Aaron got up and followed Thorn. “So, how tall are you, exactly?”
When they were gone, Tommy inserted the first USB into his computer and began going through the files. When he opened the second, he sat back in his chair and thought for a few minutes. What he saw was very impressive for two people who had only been with the CIA for two years. He sent the files to Nissa for her opinion, then picked up his phone and started making calls.
By the time Thorn brought Aaron Denton back to his office, Tommy had made several phone calls and gotten Nissa’s impressions on the files he’d sent her from the USBs. When Thorn gave him a slight nod as he returned to his chair, Tommy made his decision.
“Well, Aaron, luckily for all of us, I need more contractors. When can you start?”
“Really?” Aaron’s eyes widened. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing between Tommy and Thorn. “Oh, um… two months?”
“There’s a relocation bonus and free room-and-board incentive until you find a house. Make an appointment for you and your wife to see me in six weeks on your way out, and we’ll get everything signed and in place for when you start.”
Tommy stood and offered his hand, which Aaron quickly shook.
“Just like that?”
