Earl rose to his full height, and glared at Shelby as his voice resonated throughout the room. "Neither of you has a choice. You signed a contract when you began working for the CIA. Did you forget about that?"
"No, I haven't." At this point, Shelby was beyond intimidation, besides Earl couldn't touch the daunting level Kris had achieved earlier. "But I don't recall anything in it about having to live in a safe house."
"It does states that you will abide by the decisions of your superiors."
Shelby looked at Dennis, then down at the floor, gathering her thoughts. She knew it was possible that her life was in danger, but it was just as possible that the incident at the mall had nothing to do with this case. The news was full of stories about crazies with guns.
She had to spend eight hours a day in a small office without any windows and a guard outside of the door. Cameras mounted in the hallways monitored her every move each time she left the office and it was likely the safe house would be just as secure. The idea of living in a house where her every move was under scrutiny by people watching monitors was not something she wanted to do. Besides, she hadn't even had a chance to find the kitten a home yet.
Shelby loved her job but highly valued her personal freedom. She decided to up the stakes and hoped her outstanding track record as an analyst would allow her to pull it off. She doubted her gamble would backfire and the worst-case scenario would be adhering to Earl's order to stay in a Company safe house. And even though the idea of staying with Kris was very attractive, there was no doubt in her mind that the operative would clam up and never let her guard down while under constant scrutiny.
Her voice was quiet, but determined. "I quit."
Kris was the first to recover and, her low, rich chuckle floated across the silent room. She ignored the furious look Earl directed her way.
"Shelby. Listen to me. This is for your own good. We're only trying to keep you safe."
"I know you are and I'm sorry, but I think you're over reacting. Random acts of violence happen all the time."
Dennis couldn't afford to lose his top analyst and glanced at Jeb to get his attention. Once he had it, he whispered a suggestion into his superior's ear.
Jeb nodded. It was worth a shot. "Shelby, how about if Kris stays at your place until your involvement with the case is finished?"
Shelby was surprised by the offer. Her intent had been to get them to back off on the safe house and put surveillance on her apartment, but this was even better than she'd hoped for. Deep down, she really was concerned about her safety, and instinctively knew the operative would protect her from any harm. Of equal importance to her was the fact that it would allow her to get to know Kris outside of work and she felt a surge of excitement at the prospect.
She glanced over at Kris, only to find her expression noncommittal. No help there. "Only if it's okay with her." And Shelby sent a silent prayer to anyone listening that it would be.
Kris felt four pairs of eyes on her. Things are definitely looking up. "Fine." She was grudgingly impressed that Shelby had held her own with these guys. That was no small feat.
Earl's eyes drilled into Shelby's. "You understand the same rules apply? You don't go anywhere without her."
"I understand."
"Good." Earl turned to Kris. "Any questions?"
"I'll let you know."
CHAPTER 4
THE TWO WOMEN walked back to the office silently, each preoccupied with her own thoughts. Kris was sorting what she needed to do in order of priority and allotting a certain amount of time for each item so that she could get everything done before quitting time. Shelby was nervously wondering what Kris would think of her apartment and what it would be like having her stay there. Then it suddenly occurred to her that she had been so busy playing with the kitten that she hadn't made her bed. I didn't straighten up the bathroom either. Oh great! She's going to think I'm a slob! Her logical side disagreed. Relax already. It's just a little cluttered.
Kris followed Shelby into the office noticing that she hadn't greeted the hallway guard and wondered what the analyst was thinking about. I'll have plenty of time to find out later. I need to get going. She glanced at her quiet companion. "I'll be back before five."
Shelby's brow furrowed slightly. "Okay." She's probably just going to get her things. "Do you want me to wait by the door near the North parking lot? That's where I parked."
"No. I'll come down here and pick you up. It's not a good idea to change your routine. Tomorrow we'll ride in together. No one will think anything of it since we've been seen working together."
"Okay." The reality of the potential danger of working this case suddenly enveloped Shelby and a worried expression crossed her face, but she was determined not to show any weakness to her confident partner. "Bye."
Kris hadn't missed the fleeting look of consternation and felt a pang of sympathy for her partner. She'd been so wrapped up in her own plight that she hadn't taken into consideration how uncomfortable this whole set up must be for the younger woman. So, what do I care? Kris smiled reassuringly and said, "Later," before walking out the door, her demeanor at odds with the unspoken thought.
Shelby sank into her chair, her heart racing. She has the most beautiful smile. Smiling ruefully to herself, she wondered what was wrong with her. She could be in danger, an operative she knew nothing about, and who could be an assassin, was going to be staying at her apartment, and all the woman had to do was smile, and she melted.
As her pulse returned to normal, the analyst began doing what she excelled at -analyzing. Only this time, Shelby decided to do some self-analysis, because it was becoming very apparent to that her interest in Kris had far surpassed what it should have. Telling herself that it didn't make sense hadn't helped because she could feel herself react every single time Kris looked at her. And when she gazed into her vivid blue eyes, Shelby felt like she was being pulled through a portal of discovery.
I don't remember ever being attracted to a woman before. How do I feel about that? Shelby stared at the wall, unseeing, as she pondered that thought. I don't know, but I think I need to get a grip and think about who she is. I know nothing about her. I don't even know which name she is on the list and I think she could be very dangerous. I saw that myself this morning. She didn't even look like the same woman. She was so distant and cold. Shelby shuddered, remembering, but at the same time justified Kris' actions. I did hurt her feelings. I never meant to do that, but I did. She does have feelings--she just keeps them hidden.
Her interest in Kris extended way beyond her very real physical attraction. She wanted to know everything about her. How old was she? Where did she go to college? Where did she live when she wasn't on assignment? What did she like and dislike? Would she be able to get past her cool, confident demeanor and get to know her on a personal level? Would Kris even allow it?
Shelby's thoughts turned to Brian, a friend she had been dating on and off for the past six months. He was a nice guy, and she had fun with him, but her level of interest had never surpassed that of casual dating; going out to eat, or seeing a movie. She'd told him that she wasn't interested in a relationship and encouraged him to date other women, and had been happy to find out he was, although he still occasionally called. Now that she thought about it, none of the men she had ever dated had made her feel the way she did with just one look from Kris, nor had she ever been so intensely interested in everything about them, either.