Kira nodded. There was a chime on an elevator bank, and Blayne watched as Kira’s head swiveled toward the elevators.
“That’s him,” Blayne said quietly as Agent Anderson exited the elevator.
Kira stood and met Agent Anderson halfway between the reception area and the elevators. Blayne turned his head to watch the fireworks, just in case they happened.
“Agent Raymond Anderson,” the man said, extending his hand. “And you are?”
Blayne watched as Kira gripped the man’s hand and said, “Kira Strickland. I’m Ethan Bond’s attorney. My understanding is you brought him here earlier today.”
“That’s correct,” Anderson said.
“Great, take me to him,” Kira demanded.
“I’m sorry, but he’s currently being interviewed—”
“Without his attorney present?”
Blayne watched as Agent Anderson tried to come up with something to say, but Anderson finally shook his head and said, “Follow me.”
Blayne stood up and followed Kira and Agent Anderson into the elevator bank. The agent hit the fifth-floor button, and the elevator climbed.
“How’s the shoulder, Mr. Dickenson?” Anderson asked.
“Feels like I’ve been shot,” Blayne said dryly.
“Been there,” Anderson said. “I’ve taken three rounds throughout my career. Well, two of them were back when I was in the military. Only one of them since I’ve been in the FBI. What’s the prognosis?”
“I’ll live,” Blayne said blandly, not in the mood for chitchat. “My surgeon said the bullet went through the outside of my right arm, so I was pretty lucky nothing major was nicked.”
“People underestimate how bad getting shot in the arm can actually be. So many TV shows have someone taking a bullet to the shoulder. Trust me, that’s not a simple wound, it can be deadly. All in all, count yourself lucky, Mr. Dickenson.”
The elevator stopped, and the doors slid open. Agent Anderson started walking down a corridor. He paused outside a glass door. The blinds were closed, preventing anyone from looking into the room. Anderson rapped on the door twice then entered.
“Excuse me,” a female agent said as Anderson opened the door.
Blayne saw Ethan sitting at the table and didn’t hesitate as he barged into the room, dashing in his direction.
“Dear God,” Blayne said, entering the room. “I’ve been worried sick.”
“What the hell?” a male agent inside the room barked. “Who are you?”
Blayne ignored the FBI agents and made a beeline for Ethan, who was already getting out of his chair. As soon as Blayne was within arm’s reach, Ethan enveloped him in a hug before grabbing the sides of Blayne’s face and kissing him deeply.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Agent Murphy
Murphy watched in stunned silence as two strangers barged into the room. Her jaw dropped as Ethan enveloped the young man in a sling and kissed him.That must be Blayne Dickenson. She noticed Blayne wince as he was hugged by Ethan. She waited for Blayne and Ethan to finish their kiss before trying to take the room back over.
“Okay,” Murphy said loudly. “I think it’s time for some formal introductions. I’m Agent Sarah Murphy, and this is my partner, Agent Benjamin Harper. You apparently already met Agent Raymond Anderson. I’m guessing,” she started turning to Blayne, “you’re Blayne. So, who are you?” she asked, turning to Kira.
“I’m Kira Strickland, attorney at law. I’m here representing my client, Ethan Bond.”
“Ethan,” Murphy started, “is she your lawyer?”
Ethan hesitated for a second before saying, “Yes. Yes, she is.”
“Okay, so now that introductions are over, let’s all sit down and have a pleasant conversation.”
