Page 3 of The Lynx and the Llama
“Yeah, I get it.” Quinn actually laughed. “Sometimes I want to call him Dick to his face, too, but the guy is so dense. He’d think I was referring to a Data Imagery and Communication Collector. And I just don’t have the energy for that these days. The guy barks orders to me without even looking up from his computer screen.”
“I’m sorry, Quinn. You don’t deserve that.”
Quinn shrugged a shoulder. It was a classic move for the kid, and Stan saw it as a sign to change the subject.
“So, let’s talk about Bonafide Security. You think you’re ready for the BS?”
Quinn nodded as he shoved an enormous meatball into his mouth. His left cheek grew round for a moment as he chomped on the thing, working his lower jaw as was a trait of most llama shifters. Quinn swallowed the massive morsel before he continued the conversation.
“Well, I have questions. First, when would this assignment start? We both are well aware that Richard needs a babysitter, so I’d have to train my replacement if—”
Stan raised his hand before Quinn finished his sentence. There was no way he would allow Quinn to shoot himself in the proverbial foot. The boy had to grow, and the only way to do that was to get out of Richard’s office and out on assignment. Quinn had wanted to make a difference ever since Stan rescued him, and there was no chance in hell he’d let Quinn give up his dream. Plus? A fresh start on the Greek Islands might do Quinn some good. Stan saw the glimpses of sadness in Quinn’s almond-shaped eyes. And he knew it was because the memories of being held captive here in British Columbia were still raw. No, Quinn needed this fresh start like he needed his right hand.
“First off, you should know that this interview is a formality. I’m not sure if I was clear about that. You already have the assignment. Second, Richard is a big old drama-llama. The man should be capable of taking care of himself. Even so, his position here at FUCN’A includes having an assistant, and because I know you have a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility and won’t want to leave him in the lurch, I’ve already taken the step of lining up a replacement. One of my recent cadet graduates, Amira. She’s quite the little lamb, but that girl’s also a firecracker and can put Dick—I mean Richard—in his place.”
“Are you sure?” Quinn scratched his head.
“Yeah, Amira’s a great candidate, and she’s already trained in all the admin tasks. Plus, she just turned thirty, which is Richard’s age, meaning she’s more at his peer level so he might not try to walk over her as much.”
“Won’t she tire of the BS?”
“She didn’t inquire about wanting to work in Bonified Security.” Stan furrowed his brows. “What have you heard?”
“No, Stan. I meant BS, as in actual bullshit.”
“Oh! Yeah, no.” Stan laughed. “She’ll be good. I’m sure of it. Now, we’ve got to get all the paperwork signed and filed. You’ll be working with Erika Jean, King Rayan’s assistant. She’ll schedule your flight to Greece, and she’ll meet you when you touch down.”
“Erika Jean?” Quinn asked. “I thought I’d be training under Carol.”
“I’d have Carol meet you herself, but she’s busy with the prelims for the SHIT to take place. Once you are there, Carol will be your go-to trainer, but Erika is who you’ll primarily be working with.”
Quinn’s eyes widened with each word Stan spoke.
“I didn’t think I already had an in with BS. Thank you, Stan. This means everything to me.” Quinn stood up and extended his hand. Stan clasped it and gave the boy a firm shake.
“You deserve this opportunity, Quinn. I’ll make Richard aware that I’m putting you on an assignment. It’ll sound better coming from me. Then, keep an eye on your email. If I know Erika as I think I do, she’ll schedule the flight for first thing in the morning.”
“Will do! Thanks, Stan.”
Stan watched Quinn leave his office, a warmth in his heart knowing the young agent was about to embark on the next chapter in his life.
What Stan didn’t know? If his matchmaking record would still stand or if this would be the first miscalculation of his unofficial cupid career.
Good luck, kid.
3
Erika bit the tip of her pen cap as she tried to decipher what her boss, King Rayan, had stuck in his itinerary calendar for the next day. She shook her head.
How did the man manage to triple-book himself for lunch?
The man had become more and more unbearable now that he was planning a wedding. Sure, Erika was ecstatic that Carol, one of her now closest friends, would stay on the islands more permanently because she was marrying King Rayan. But did that excitement have to come with her boss’s brain turning to mush?
She let a sigh escape her lips as she palmed the phone to dial numbers to reschedule his lunch meetings for tomorrow. But the phone rang just as she was about to lift the receiver.
“Good evening, King Rayan’s office. This is his assistant, Erika Jean. How may I assist you?”
“Oh, Erika! I forgot the time difference. I’m so sorry! It must be nearly nine p.m. there. What are you still doing in the office?”
