Page 38 of CJ

“I was only asking about your living here because I’m new to the area. I’m hoping to get a tour from someone who knows the city so I can become more familiar with everything. I’ll be working with the Department of Agriculture.”

“I can give you the name of a few good tour companies. They’ll really do a great job and let you know the safe areas and the not so safe.”

She shook her head, laughing at him.

“Is that funny?” he asked.

“I’m sorry, I just must be doing this all wrong. My name is Irena, and I’m trying desperately to flirt with you, but it’s obviously not working. I’m sorry if I wasted your time.” She started to move, and the young man gripped her arm.

“I’m not stupid, ma’am. I know that you were flirting, but I’m a cautious man. No offense, but I feel like you might be a few years older than I am.” Irena wanted to slap him across the face, but instead, she only smiled, nodding.

“I’m sure that I am,” she said, hoping her expression wasn’t one of disdain. “I wasn’t looking for marriage. Just a friend. A male friend.”

“Well, in that case,” he said, dropping some cash for his meal. “This is my phone number. Send me a text later this week, and we can try to meet up. Maybe have coffee, and I’ll show you around the city.”

“I’d like that,” she said, taking the napkin. She smiled as he walked away, realizing that she was one step closer to being able to leave her sister.

“Can I get you anything else?” asked the bartender.

“You know what, yes. I think I deserve a glass of champagne.”

He shook his head as he walked toward his vehicle. Women were a puzzle to him. They saw the uniform and usually decided that either he was desperate for sex or that he was a fast catch. Unfortunately, he was neither.

Working late at his new duty station, he drove back toward the Pentagon, finding his usual parking spot. It was still bitterly cold outside, but at least the snow had stopped. Once back inside, he sat down at his computer and logged in again.

There were a few urgent e-mail requests, which he took care of, and then an e-mail from a new friend. He smiled, opening the e-mail, and then seeing the attachment, he froze.

“Shit,” he muttered. He dialed the number and waited, hoping it wasn’t too late.

“Hello?”

“Sir, it’s Sgt. Leo Hunt.”

“Hunt! It’s great to hear from you.”

“Sir, I’m not sure it will be great.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“We’ve caught a break,” said Luke, nodding at Jonas to speak to the group.

“When we caught Mansur and Wentz trying to screw with our equipment, you’ll remember that they had an innocent staff sergeant in their crosshairs.” The entire room nodded. “Leo Hunt is a decorated soldier, intelligent, and our kind of man. After the incident, Colonel Masters had him transferred to his staff. Masters forwarded him the information we sent yesterday.”

“And?” asked CJ.

“Hunt was approached in a bar last night by one of the sisters. We’re not sure which one yet, but she was pulling out all the stops. She unbuttoned the top button of her blouse, all the smiling, touching, everything you can imagine. She said she was going to be working with the Ag department and wanted a tour guide.” Jonas laughed, shaking his head. “He actually told her she looked a bit older than him.”

“Oh, I bet that made her happy,” frowned CJ.

“She wasn’t dancing on the bar,” smiled Hex. “Hunt is currently working with Colonel Masters on a number of things, not the least of which is the misappropriation of military equipment in the Middle East and why they’re finding multiple contracts for the same vendors, for the same items. The JAG teams are ready to pounce on this. I’m going to bet that she wants him to help her make it all disappear or, at the very least, tell her what’s happening.”

“She targeted him,” said CJ. “I don’t want this guy sticking his neck out. We don’t need another dead soldier on our hands.”

“He’s willing to do it, CJ,” said Luke. “He’s qualified and knows what the hell he’s doing. We’ll be sending three people up to meet with him and then following him to his date with the woman.”

“Did they set up a date?” he asked.

“Not yet, but she’s obviously highly interested, and he expects to get a text from her today.”

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