Page 6 of Just Right

She rushed through security. Was it good or bad that Connor wasn't downstairs waiting? She didn't know. Early as it was, the offices were busy. Security was on duty, and a few agents were hurrying along the polished floors. There was an air of intensity, seriousness, and focus in the building.

Someone's laugh rang out from around the corner, reminding Cami that the FBI was not an establishment populated by machines or robots, but by actual humans. That made her feel a little better, although she then found dark thoughts of Agent Treverton looming in her mind again.

She hustled over to the elevator and headed upstairs, rushing along the corridor to Connor's office, checking the time as she reached the door.

Nineteen minutes since his call. She'd made it within his deadline.

The door was ajar, so Cami tapped on it just as a formality before stepping inside. Now, it was time. Now, she'd know.

And then, her eyes widened. Connor wasn't in the office. But turning around, with a surprised expression on his clean-cut face, was Ethan Myers.

He looked as pleased to see her as she did to see him. A grin spread across his features, his white teeth flashed, his brown eyes warmed.

"Hey, Cami!"

"Ethan!"

She liked Ethan, she really did. She felt there was a spark between them. In fact, Cami had to admit that as she'd gotten to know Ethan a little better, he'd done more than anyone else to change her opinion of the FBI. He was so sharp and driven, and he’d chosen to make a career move and become an agent. Cami had previously perceived the FBI as a bumbling, faceless, bureaucratic organization filled with incompetent and unmotivated people—thanks to her experience after Jenna had vanished.

But now, she understood Ethan's passion for his work and that he was highly motivated, as a bright, young guy bursting with talent, to fight crime and to be part of an organization that he thought restored order to society.

"I didn't know you were going to be here,” she said.

"Me either, until half an hour ago. Connor called and asked me to come in. I guess it’s a new case. But I don’t know the details.”

"Do you think it’s a murder?" Seeing Ethan was sitting at the small, round table in the corner of the office, Cami headed over and took a seat opposite.

"I assume it is. Connor's in a meeting with Fraser."

Fraser was Connor's boss. So, it definitely sounded like a serious case had landed. For now, Cami felt as if she’d dodged a bullet.

"It's great to see you," Ethan said. "I've missed you on the team. You know, I have to say, I was kind of hoping an IT-related case would come up, seeing as you're on call for them."

"For a year," Cami said thoughtfully, remembering the terms of her agreement with the FBI, which had been contractually signed and sealed. But that didn't mean that they couldn't change it. She'd seen that they were capricious when it involved people being at their beck and call whose expertise they needed.

But with Ethan on the team, Cami had to admit that a year didn't seem like so long. In fact, it seemed doable. Reasonable.

"If Fraser’s already here I guess it must be serious."

"Yes. I agree, but there’s nothing we can do now but wait," Ethan said with a wry smile.

Cami scooted closer, leaning her elbows on the table. "You know what I was thinking?" she said, feeling nervous that she was going out on a limb here with this line of conversation. She hoped that it wasn’t inappropriate, but since they had some time together, why not?

"No, I don't know. What were you thinking?" Ethan replied.

"I was wondering if you like metal music."

"Metal? Sure."

"There's one of my favorite bands in town—Hardcore Hearts. They're doing gigs. They don't do big concerts. They do smaller venues. Pubs, clubs, and the like. They've got a few venues lined up next week, and I wanted to go. Would you come with me?"

"I'd love to!" Cami felt excited that Ethan sounded totally genuine. He really sounded as if this concert would be the best idea in the world. "I love that kind of music and that kind of gig. It's a date."

Cami felt her heart quicken. It had taken a lot of courage to ask Ethan out, after their drinks date last week that he'd asked her on. She thought this relationship was getting somewhere, but it was still surprisingly scary for her to get close to anyone. She didn't trust easily. But she'd done it now. Going to see Hardcore Hearts was a date, and she was excited about it.

At that moment, footsteps approached, and they both scooted their chairs further away from each other, turning toward the door.

Special Agent Connor strode inside. His strong face looked serious. His dark, graying hair was neatly cut. He looked focused and determined, despite the early hour. He gave a nod of approval to see Cami and Ethan waiting.

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