Damien watched the press conference on his computer, even more curious about Harmony than before he met her.The reports that first came out were pretty bland, but over time, the whole thing became a much bigger deal.
A break-in was bad enough.A break-in at a facility that had more secrets than Jimmy Hoffa?That made news.
And in a city with no shortage of shit happening, it was a surprise when it became the leading story.Damien thought it would die down, but Harmony accepting a reward, it was news again.
“It was the right thing to do,” the hero of the day told the reporter.“The way they were moving, the way they looked around, I could tell they weren’t supposed to be there.Then when one of them turned, and I saw the gun…” She shrugged as if it was no big deal.
It was a big deal.A huge deal.She stopped countless secrets from being sold into the hands of criminals and terrorists all over the world.The kind of people Damien had spent his entire career trying to stop.
“It was a big deal to the man you saved,” the reporter said, a big smile on her face as she focused on the man in question.
Grant Pickens was a good foot taller than both women.His skin had a golden tint to it, like he’d spent time in the sun recently.His hair was dark and molded to his head, not moving.It wouldn’t dare to move.
Nothing disobeyed Grant Pickens.
“What was the first thought that went through your mind when you heard the man arrive in your office, Mr.Pickens?”the reporter asked.
The smile he gave her was forced and made Damien sit up.The man was polished and in front of cameras all the time.Why was he uncomfortable?
“I was curious about who was there.I wasn’t supposed to be in the office, and neither was anyone else, so there was a moment of uncertainty.”
“Can you tell us what happened next?”
Grant Pickens slid a glance at the woman who saved him.
She took a step back.As if he’d reached out and threatened her.
What the hell was that all about?
“The man walked in and said he needed my help.”
“Your help with what?”the reporter asked, her voice hushed as though they were hiding from the assailant.
Mr.Pickens shook his head.“I don’t know.We heard sirens, and he ran before he could say anything else.”
“It’s lucky Ms.Gibbs saw him entering your building.Now, Ms.Gibbs, you saidthey, but there was only one man.”
“No, there were three.I saw all three of them.”
“But there was no evidence of more than one man.Only one showed up in Mr.Pickens’ office.Are you sure?”
Grant Pickens cleared his throat.
Harmony looked up at him.
He was staring at her, his eyes not visible to the camera.
Something wasn’t right.Damien leaned closer to the screen, trying to see what was going on.He should have gone to the press conference, been there in person to witness it.If he had?—
“You’re watching that?Such crap,” Jude said, sitting on the edge of Damien’s desk.
“What do you mean?”Damien asked, not taking his gaze off the screen.
“She was totally lying.”
“Harmony was not lying.”Damien slid his partner a glare.
Jude’s eyebrows shot high.“You know her?”
