Page 13 of Finding Fate

"I use my own computers. Yours are outdated and slow. Honestly, how do you people get anything done around here?"

A man in a dark navy suit takes over. "The access you've obtained through the allowed channels and those not"—his accusing glare tells me he must know about the few times I've hacked into their database to gather some needed classified information—"is ours. Give us the data—"

I sneer. Gone is timid, introvert Fate; only the frustrated, angry version of me exists now. "What I’ve gathered is not only from the streams of data you've provided but also from my sister’s personal computer. And with or without the US government’s support, I'm going to Africa to be, what the general believes, his new twenty-year-old virgin bride."

My eyes roll at the virgin part. What is it with guys and wanting a virgin? You'd think they’d value experience, but what do I know. Not like I have a lot of insight into the male psyche.

Shock registers on his face. "You've already—"

"Yes, I've already made contact. I told you. I've been trying to tell you. I know what he wants, and I can be that person. If you would’ve just listened to me months ago, I would’ve told you my plan, but you didn't. Arrangements have been made, and my plane leaves in two weeks to meet my new 'husband.' I'm here asking for help because I can't do this alone. But I've already done the hard part, made contact and played them at their own game." I shrug, faking confidence. "I found an opening and I took it."

"We can stop you," another man shouts from the opposite side of the room. "Take everything you have—"

Looking to Mac, I roll my eyes. "Wrong again. Everything I’ve gathered is loaded on an encrypted program that only I can unlock. If anyone other than me so much as breathes near it, everything will be deleted, never to be seen again. All the information on General Hammar and the bastard he used to lure my sister to Africa will vanish. Are you willing to risk that?"

Silence fills the room, confirming what I already know. No way these lazy men will be okay with losing all the hard work I've already put into this.

"So, gentlemen"—my gaze falls on Mac—"are you with me, or will I go into this alone?"

The intensity in Mac’s stare forces me to look away.

Murmuring begins at the end of the table as they discuss their options, growing louder with each voice adding in their annoyance with the situation.

Knowing they’ll be at this all day, I make my way to the side door and slip out without being noticed.

Their decision won't change anything. But I really could use their help with the whole extraction part or this could be a suicide mission.

And that's not what I want.

I think.

As I ride my bike to the train, cherry blossoms shower me with pale pink petals with each burst of cool breeze. Washington DC in the spring is much better than Texas, where you haven't a clue what the weather will be from one day to the next.

I smile into the light breeze. Destiny would’ve hated it here. Her allergies were awful, making each spring in Texas a sneeze fest. A Costco supply of tissues was required for the month it "pollened" like yellow snow, covering everything in a thin nasty layer.

It's funny the unimportant things you remember about someone you've lost. Why do her allergies stand out in my mind when so many things seem to be slipping away, lost forever?

My heart constricts, making my breath catch and my legs slow to coast down the street. Wow, this makes twice in one day that my heart has actually felt. Even though it hurts, it's nice. But it also makes me feel lonely.

Locking up all emotion, I shove my right leg forward to race through a yellow light. No feeling sorry for myself. This is my life, the cursed life I've been dealt. The sooner I accept that I'll always be alone, the better. First Destiny, then Mac, and of course Mom too. Everyone leaves, and I'm the one left attempting to piece some semblance of a life back together.

**

CHILLED AIR-CONDITIONEDair seeps through the crack in the door as I push it open only to be slammed against it once I'm through.

"Hey, Dobby." Even me, a woman with a lonely, hurting heart, can't help but find joy in this dog. I scratch behind both ears and he shakes his head. I smile down as he grins up at me.

At least he hasn't left. That would probably be the final straw.

"Was your day better than mine?" I ask as I give one last good scratch down his gray furry chest.

Ignoring the couch, and the book I stayed up way too late reading last night, I pass through the living room for the spare bedroom. This apartment is significantly nicer than the one I had in Fort Worth. I love the original hardwood floors and high ceilings, and the light pouring through the large bay window reminds me there’s a world outside still moving along without me.

It's crazy expensive, but with all the contract work with the FBI, and the occasional CIA jobs, it was a simple choice. What else will I do with my paycheck? It's not like I have anyone to help anymore. No more saving up for college or putting money aside for extra spending in Destiny’s first year.

Stopping outside the bedroom door, I press my forehead against the cold wood. Destiny would’ve almost been done with her first year at this point. Probably would’ve made a few friends. Who knows, maybe even had a boyfriend or two. She was pretty enough to catch every guy’s eye before....

A tear slips past my defenses and drips down my cheek.

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