Page 14 of Matrix

“Don’t you trust the system?”

“It’s failed too many kids.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I’m right, and you know it.”

“Were you ever in the system?” When he doesn’t respond, I continue, “Your FBI files are tiny compared to most people’s. The only thing we know for sure is that you all lived with Nina Grady for several years. We don’t have any information before that.”

“So?”

“So, it’s weird. No school records. No birth certificates. We don’t have a single document proving who you are before you popped up in some hospital medical records a few years after Nina took you in. Before that, there’s no trace of you, of any of you. You’re all ghosts.”

“You didn’t look hard enough.” He walks to the kitchen table and pulls out a chair. After sitting, he leans his elbow on the table and rests his head on his hand.

“Were you in foster care? If you were, that would explain why I couldn’t find you. Those records are sealed.” He doesn’t answer for so long that I look away from the sandwiches to make sure he heard me. A haunted look crosses his face. His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t respond. “It’s not a perfect system, but it works for a lot of children.”

“If you say so.”

“You must have been in the system.” I pile the first batch of sandwiches on a serving tray. He watches me but doesn’t confirm or deny my suspicion.

“We need you to check in with your team.”

“What?” I’m confused for a second until I realize he’s talking about my team at the FBI. He’s right. I need to make contact before they send a bunch of agents to pull me out.

“In all the chaos, I forgot about it earlier. You said you had to email them to set up a meeting, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll grab a laptop. Don’t even think about trying to leave. I have this place on lockdown.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

He scowls at my sarcasm before leaving to retrieve the laptop. I don’t bother checking the doors. If he says he’s got the clubhouse locked up tight, I believe him. He’s got no reason to lie.

After returning, he motions toward me. “Come here.” When I get close enough, he grabs me by the waist and drags me into his lap. I’m breathless as he types in his password. “I want you to set up a meeting with your SAC tonight. Tell him you want to meet at the campground.”

“He’ll never go for that. We don’t meet in secluded places.” I squirm in his lap.

“Do it anyway. See what he says.” He tightens his grip on my waist. “I’ll be watching, so no bullshit.”

“Okay.” My voice is barely a whisper because I suddenly can’t breathe. Being this close to him awakens all the parts I shut off during this assignment. I’m not a woman; I’m an agent. If only my body would get the damn message.

After logging into a secret server I installed on Matrix’s network, I compose an email to the SAC. There’s no way he’ll agree to meet me at the campground, but at least I tried.

“How long does he usually take to respond?”

“Typically, under an hour.”

“Good.”

“Can I get up now?” I ask, hating how my voice is thick with an emotion I don’t dare acknowledge.

“Yeah.”

When I slide off his lap, he gives my ass a little pat. “Good girl.”

Oh, holy hell. No one’s ever called me that before. Coming from his lips, it feels so deliciously naughty that I’m instantly wet. I’m tempted to crawl back into his lap or drag him into our bedroom, but that would be crazy. I’m not insane, just horny. I haven’t gotten laid once since I’ve been on assignment. Dating is impossible when you’re undercover. I’ve got needs, just like anyone else, but I can’t use Matrix to fulfill them. Things are way too complicated between us. Besides, I don’t think he’s interested. He’s only hard as steel because of the friction. That’s enough to give any guy an erection, isn’t it?

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