Page 74 of Exposé

I laughed. "It's a Friday. I'm not going anywhere near her until Monday. By then, I pray to God she's forgotten."

Janet let out a dry chuckle. "Not likely, but all the power to you. She sent Milford to his desk with tears in his eyes last week for a mistake he made two months ago." She adjusted the files against her chest while the elevator music gnawed at my nerves. "She's like a Labrador—she never forgets."

"Words of comfort, Janet." I stood and brushed my sore knees off as the elevator bounced to a stop. "Wish me luck."

"Luck."

I fixed my bag over my shoulder and straightened my hair out of my face, then strode to my car like I hadn't escaped imminent death.

Sinking into my car, I slammed the door shut and drew out my phone, shooting off a text to Aria.

I owe you one.

Aria

Damn straight. She's walking through everyone's cubicles now. You might want to find out what you did to piss her off this much.

:(

Starting my car, I drove the hour-long drive to the next town over, parked in the back parking lot for NexGen Innovations,where he'd agreed to meet me, and then checked my emails and text messages three times over for anything new.

10% Off Your Favorite Hair Conditioner.

New Tech Revolutions...

Crime Rates Rise Across The Nation... What's Behind The Numbers?

Where is my FOIA?

Two minutes after five o'clock, a stout, bald man strode out of the building and headed across the parking lot, his hands stiff at his sides.

He stopped at a white sedan and scanned the parking lot as I swung open my door and stepped out.

"Mr. Kline?" I tucked my phone into my back pocket and strode toward him, shifting my gaze across the faces walking to their cars.

His hand rested on the car door handle, his brows narrowed as though he were ready to fight at a moment's notice. "Who are you?"

"I'm Ava Thatcher." I handed him my credentials. "Aria said you could help me."

"You know, you guys can't keep coming around here." He shook his head, his bald head shining with perspiration. "You're going to cost me my job."

I raised my brows. "I'm sorry. I was under the impression you were willing to help me?"

The sun reflected heat rays off the side of his vehicle, causing a mild burn like those people sunbathing with a tin cooker around their necks.

He let out a sharp exhale, his tone edged with frustration. "You tell Aria this is the last time."

I nodded.

Aria called in a favor for me on this one...

Digging out the drug in the small dime-sized baggie, I handed it to him. "I just want this tested."

"For what?"

I shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for here. Maybe similarities to other drugs, a compound that's only found in one part of the world... surprise me, I guess."

"Right."

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