Page 8 of Hidden Chance

“I can’t believe you really think that. TreadCraft gave an increase of ten percent more last year, and we’re on track to give even more this year.”

“Because of donors.”

“Now we’re going in circles. Look, don’t give up on your dream. Earlier, you said you respect my advice. Well, my advice right now is to sit tight and bide your time. Put all your effort into climbing the corporate ladder until you’re in a greater position of influence. Then you’ll have more power to wield. And in the meantime, pray to that god you believe in. Maybe he can help.”

“I pray all the time. I prayed about that meeting.”

“He was probably too busy today to help.” His smile slipped into a frown when he saw the look on her face. “I don’t mean to offend you. I love that you’re a Christian. It’s adorable, and it’s a breath of fresh air around here when the bottom line drives everything. Don’t lose that, but keep your nose out of the way, or it’s going to get snapped off. You want to do good? Go serve at a soup kitchen. And pray for me while you’re at it.”

That got her attention. “Really?”

“Yeah. I’m up for a raise, and I’ve been buttering Marty up. If you could ask him to whisper sweet nothings into her ear, I think she’s lonely and could use a little pick me up.”

“I’ve got work to do.”

“Good, I’m glad to see you're back on track.” He stood. “Don’t let this get you down, okay? There’ll be more opportunities in the future.”

“Thanks.”

She clenched her jaw, staring daggers into his back when he left the room. She would have screamed if she’d had a pillow to muffle it in. Pike demeaning her faith like that grated to her core. She’d experienced more heartache in her short life than most of the people in this building. She was not soft, and neither was her God. If she knew Pike would think her faith was cute, she never would have made her position clear in the first place. She’d never shied away from proclaiming her beliefs, but it was the first time anyone had treated it like a pretty, frilly thing, and she wasn’t impressed.

She tried to go back to her work, but Pike’s visit had irritated her to a distraction she couldn’t return from. Pushing back in her chair, she decided to pay the labs a visit. Marissa would love the opportunity to explain theintricacies of the latest experiments they were running. Hannah wouldn’t understand a word of it, but she couldn’t listen very well, anyway.

Robby kept his hands clasped behind his back as he stood before the wide desk covered with piles of documents, waiting for his boss to invite him to sit.

The man at the desk, a retired general who oversaw their missions, was reading the report Robby had submitted that morning. Finally, he lifted his gaze, giving Robby his full attention.

“Why don’t you have a seat?” He nodded toward the chair, his full head of white hair unflinching in response.

Colin Fletcher no longer wore a uniform, but the tailored suit still fit him like one. His broad chest filled out every crease. His frosty blue eyes sent a chill down the spine of anyone who didn’t know him, but although he was a man serious in nature, Robby had never known him to be unfair. Fletcher cared about his team and made sure they were well looked after.

Robby sat. “Sir, before you say anything?—”

“How do you know what I’m going to say? You’re expecting me to repeat our last conversation?”

“I am.” Robby liked to see his missions through to the end, but there were times when his boss didn’t agree. Their contact in Burma had been pleased with what they’d accomplished and had made a promise to look after the boys they’d found, but Robby didn’t feel likethis was over. Not when they had a lead on an American business that might be involved.

Fletcher ran his fingers along the edge of the desk, considering his words. “Last time you didn’t have this much incriminating evidence.”

“Then you agree with my assessment?”

“I agree that there is more going on that warrants our attention.”

“Great.”

“But.”

“There’s a ‘but’.”

“The Burmese government requested our participation specifically on the matter of this school, and we accomplished our goal. But this,” he lifted the report. “This isn’t just about a militia in Burma anymore. This is on American soil. My home turf.”

“Yes, sir. I agree.”

“The rules are different here.”

“I understand.”

“I need you to be discreet.”

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