Page 19 of Whistleblower

Her face flattens and it’s obvious I offended her. “I don’t see them as murderous monsters.”

“Well, that’s what they do, right? Kill people.”

“It seems more complicated than that.” She taps the stack of folders again. “Callen says there’s a rhyme and reason for PALADIN. I just need a little extra time to digest all of this.” She waves her hand around the room. “When I meet the operatives next week, I don’t want to look so much like a fish out of water.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine. You have a presence. They’ll like you.” The words fall right out of my mouth like someone else spoke them for me.

“That’s two.” She holds up two fingers.

“Two what?”

“Two odd compliments that have nothing to do with looks, it’s quite refreshing.” Her eyes crinkle as her cheeks bunch again.

“Would you like a compliment about your looks?” I have a few at the forefront of my mind.

She flushes instantly. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just…” She shakes her head a little, deciding against whatever she was about to say. “It’s been a little while since I’ve talked to someone normal. It’s nice.”

Normal? Maybe it’s good I lied about who I am. I’m a lot of things…normal is not one of them.

She buries her hands in her face. “I’m sorry,” she adds when I don’t respond. “I meant that as a compliment.”

“Well, two to one. You owe me one more.”

She laughs. “Fair enough,” she says, but she doesn’t offer one. Instead, she continues, “Um, do you usually work in the evenings?”

“Most of the time.” Technically, that’s not a lie.

“I’m sort of notorious for working late. And my office door is always open. Maybe we could have another conversation.”

Shit… Except she’ll know exactly who I am by Monday.

“Definitely,” I say.

“Oh hey, I didn’t get your name.”

Dammit. What to say next? I don’t want to lie to her anymore, but I’m pretty sure Linc is one of the names in those files. I’m not sure how I’d explain myself right now…

“Chandler.”

“Ah, well, it’s very nice to meet you, Chandler.” Eden collects her purse off of the desk, then brushes by me as she exits through the door. I catch a whiff of her light perfume and it heightens my senses. I spin around, wanting to chase that scent a while longer. “I look forward to seeing you...soon?”

I nod. “Soon.”

I try not to watch her walk away, but I can’t help it. Attraction has taken over now, and I really like the way her hips sway with each step.

Little does she know, when she sees me again, she probably won’t be so eager to chat. She doesn’t seem like the kind of person who wants to have a conversation with a killer.

FIVE

EDEN

On Monday morning, Callen helps me set out a medley of fancy breakfast pastries on the long meeting table that can seat at least thirty people. We arrange three large platters with glazed donuts, chocolate-dipped croissants, muffins, and a variety of Danish pastries.

When I’m satisfied with the abundant-looking platters, I begin unpacking my supplies. I place a pocket-sized note sheet and miniature pen in front of each chair at the table.

“What are we doing?” Callen asks with his mouth full. I glance at one of the platters, which is now missing a donut. “You think feeding everyone will make them get along?”

I swivel around to face him, and eye his outfit up and down. He’s wearing jeans, but a button-down dress shirt and a light sports jacket on top—no tie. He looks neat, but casual. “What’s your workplace dress code? Doesn’t the FBI require a suit and tie at headquarters?”

---