Yep. She’s my lady, and that feels really fucking good.
So fuck it.
I won’t deny it because at this point, I no longer care to keep my feelings for her inside a titanium vault. And when I get in that room, if she needs comfort, I won’t be holding back from giving it.
If they don’t like it, fuck them.
“Fine. Let’s go.”
Further into the rabbit hole we go.
FORTY
Dad and Daddy Sandwich
LILA
My favorite dad-likeagent returns to the conference room, holding a single piece of paper and a pen. Without speaking, he sets them in front of me.
I read it twice before I pick up the pen. Once I sign this, it’s official. No turning back.
It isn’t an immunity deal as I hoped. Apparently, they need time to work one of those up. Lawyers have to be involved and all that jazz. This process is nothing like cop shows lead you to believe. Plus, I’ll have to go over my side of the story to a federal attorney before they promise anything regarding the charges I might face.
This is a basic agreement between me and the FBI. It’s short and to the point. Essentially, it says that I’m voluntarily agreeing to cooperate in the investigation. In exchange, the FBI will ask the assistant US attorney for leniency for my related crimes when it comes time for prosecution. I’m also not authorized to commit any further crimes without FBI approval. If I do, any chance I had at an official deal is off the table.
Of course, the document uses fancy five-dollar words and lists various case numbers, dates, and so forth. But that’s the gist of it.
Likely noticing my discomfort, Agent Dad asks, “Would you like to speak with an attorney first?”
“Oh, it isn’t that. Reed wouldn’t lead me astray. Plus, I never expected leniency to begin with.” I lick my suddenly dry lips, unsure how to explain my trepidation. “I think it’s the finality of what the document represents. It’s surreal to be this close to the end of the nightmare. At the same time, I’m unsure how it could ever be in my past. It’s hard to process.”
“I understand. This whole thing must be horrible for you.”
“Seems like an understatement,” I mumble, finally able to meet his kind eyes.
Something playful illuminates his expression, as if he’s thought of a joke. He proves me right a second later. “Considering I sent Reed to your door,horribledoesn’t capture the trauma. Hell on earth, perhaps?”
My returning laughter is a bit loud for an office environment, so I cover my mouth and try to bite it back.
Although that was hilarious, I need to defend my grumpy man. When I stop chuckling, I feign a scolding. “Now, now, sir. Reed might be all salt and vinegar, but those make delicious potato chips.”
“There it is.” He winks at me like a proud papa. “You pass the test. I give you my blessing to date my partner.”
Oh my feathers. He thinks of Reed as a son? Turns out, he’s been Reed’s Agent Dad all along. Not mine.
I love that for them.
And as a bonus,if I end up with Reed’s ring on my finger—hey, it could happen—that would make Andrews myAgent Dad-in-Law. And I love that for me.
He’s sort of like the FBI’s version of Mr. Rogers. I wonder if he has a cardigan he puts on as soon as he walks in his front door at night, before swapping to comfy deck shoes. I bet he does.
Warren was a beacon of compassion when I was crying about Kenzie. During my entire interview, I only had to look at him or Reed to calm myself enough to proceed.Despite the magnitude of this mess, I’ve never felt safer than I did when they were both beside me while I gave my statement to their extremely intimidating boss.
Speaking of Agent Chase, or whatever acronym they kept calling her. She’s the human version of a honey badger.
If Agent Andrews is Mr. Rogers, then Mrs. Chase was created in a lab using DNA from Chuck Norris, Arya Stark, and Katniss Everdeen. She was then raised by Nancy Drew and written by Shonda Rhimes.
Word on the street is that bears hibernate because they heard Agent Chase was considering a winter visit.
