Page 11 of Hidden Chance

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I hope you have a great day.”

“Thank you. You made my wait more bearable.”

“My pleasure. I trust you’ll have a very nice afternoon.”

“I’m sure.” Nice wasn’t the word for it. Laborious was more like it. He’d organized access to an office in a neighboring building that had a direct line of sight to the loading bay where he planned to do a stakeout and see what kind of traffic went in and out from there. He had a couple of people back at his office combing through everything that could be found on TreadCraft. He’d send the photos and any other data he could collect to add to the picture they were putting together. If he was lucky, he’d get an early lead and find a way forward. But more often, it took months.

Hannah turned the light off in her office, then looked at her watch as she stepped out into the bullpen. She’d made herself a promise this year not to work too late. It was easy to get caught up in the job, but God had had several words with her about rest, and she was committed to leaving work on time most days. But today was different.

It wasn’t hard to find work to keep her at her desk until the staff had dwindled, but her mind constantly wandered to the weather report. Half of the day she spent hoping it would change and let her get out of her commitment, but in the end, even though November had begun on the mild side, that had quickly changed with record low temperatures forecasted beginning tonight, and her conscience wouldn’t allow her to keep putting off Sal when she felt certain his life would be at risk.

As she rounded the last desk, she saw the light was on in Pike’s office and winced. If he knew she was there working late, he would find it strange if she didn’t say goodnight. She checked her watch again before heading to his office.

“You’re here late,” Pike said when she leaned on his door frame to appear casual, even though her stomach was flipping at the thought of what she was about to do.

“I was finishing up a report. Didn’t want to leave it until morning when I was so close.”

“It’s eight o’clock. You couldn’t have been that close.”

“It took longer than expected. Do you usually work this late?”

“Yeah, I’m one of those workaholics. You’re not working extra hard to make up for that meeting, are you? I’d hate to see you fall into the trap.”

“No. I made a commitment to myself to get home at a reasonable hour most nights.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I’ve been meaning to ask you how you’re doing. You’ve had some time to cool down now.”

“I’ll be fine. I think what you said was right.”

“Oh wonderful. Which part?”

“I’ll bide my time until I’m in a position with more power.”

He sighed. “I had hoped it would steer you more in the direction of looking after your own career. Why not seek a higher position for yourself just for the sake of it? You’re the only woman I know who thinks so much of others and so little of herself.”

“Maybe you need to get some different friends.”

He laughed. “I’d tell you to focus on your job and forget about Burma if I thought it would make a difference.”

“It won’t.”

“I know. That’s why I didn’t say it.”

“You kind of did.”

“But seriously, Hannah, it’s okay to focus on yourself once in a while.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. If there’s one thing mankind does not lack, it’s a propensity to think of ourselves before anyone else.”

“Then tell me, what is it that you want?”

“Exactly what I outlined in my presentation.”

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