Shelby leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. She knew she'd have to conceal her interest - she didn't want to alienate the operative. Shelby sighed with frustration. The problem is, I don't care who she is or what she does. I'd like us to become friends if nothing else, but how do you develop a friendship with an enigma? She's so controlled and sophisticated, I can't even tell what she's thinking half the time. I know one thing, though. I'll be safe with her around.
The analyst ran a hand through her hair, and then leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. I need to get busy. Shelby looked at the phone numbers remaining on her list to call, unable to concentrate. I wonder what she likes to eat? Maybe we'd better stop at the grocery store on the way home. Shelby snorted at the ease with which "we" had overridden the normal "I." Geez, I'm acting like I have a crush on her. She shook her head wryly, and challenged herself, Don't you? Struggling mightily, Shelby finally pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind, reached for the phone, and began dialing an airline.
After quickly packing her belongings, Kris left the hotel planning on checking out later by phone. She had to make a drop before she picked up Shelby and they weren't going to like what she had to tell them. With luck they would forget about her, permanently this time. Fat chance of that. The operative narrowed her eyes. Great, be a cynic. That'll help a lot.
Kris' thoughts turned to Shelby. She couldn't deny that she found her new partner interesting and attractive. Shelby had an innocent, yet wise aura surrounding her that Kris found very appealing. She was also impressed with her perception and intelligence. And that was part of the problem. If she allowed her close, the younger woman might start getting suspicious and it could only end in betrayal - her own.
I wish...Kris shut off the thought, not wanting to focus on her bleak life or on just how lonely she was. The only sign of her distress was the slow, tired walk to her car. It's going to be hard being around her all the time.
As Kris approached her destination, she checked again for any sign of a tail and found none. For some reason, whoever was following her seemed to think it was only necessary after work hours. She smirked. Really stupid move, guys. She ran the message she was leaving through her mind again:
Will be out of the net until further notice.
Any attempt to make contact could result in a security breach.
Contact will be resumed at a later date.
Much much later.
Kris seriously doubted they would honor her request, but she had to try. Her free time had just become non-existent, and even though Kris knew she could still escape scrutiny, her hope was that they didn't know that. They also seemed to have a lot of inside information, so her assignment as a bodyguard might not be news to them.
Suddenly suspicious, Kris thought about the odd shooting incident and wondered if this whole thing wasn't a part of someone's master plan. Shelby seemed to have unlimited access to all the Company's computerized information. What if they knew that? It was definitely something to think about.
She turned onto M Street and drove toward an emergency drop location in Georgetown. Kris figured that by leaving her information there, she would reinforce the seriousness of the message she had scribed. Her biggest problem was that she didn't really know the people she was dealing with. If her note didn't accomplish what she intended, it should at least provide her some insight on whether they had infiltrated the agency and the reliability of their sources. She sighed, anxious to at least temporarily rid herself of this new complication in her life.
It was likely that her tail would pick her up after work again, and it was going to be difficult shaking him without alerting Shelby to his presence. Kris realized she had forgotten to ask the analyst her address, and cursed the omission. She wanted to do a drive by and check out the neighborhood. Knowing that even her modified cell phone was not totally secure, she left Georgetown and turned into a Convenience store parking lot, steering her car toward a phone booth located at the far end of the structure.
Kris stood at the phone booth, waiting for Shelby to answer.
"Shelby Carson."
"Hi. What's your address?"
Shelby smiled at the sound of Kris' voice, as her mind pondered why the operative wanted her address now.
"The Fairfax Gardens, 3857 Armstrong Street. I live in building two, apartment 203. What are you going to do?"
Kris committed the address to memory. "I'm going to drive through the neighborhood and get a feel for it." And plan escape routes, just in case.
"Oh."
The operative was surprised that one word could convey so much meaning and projected confidence in her voice to help set Shelby at ease. "It's just a routine precaution. Nothing to worry about." Hopefully.
Somewhat reassured, Shelby searched for a way to extend the conversation. "Do you need directions?"
Kris knew exactly where that apartment complex was, but she had finished her errands ahead of schedule and was in no hurry to hang up. "Sure."
Her brow furrowed when it dawned on her that she was allowing her own personal interest in the analyst to dictate her actions. When Shelby finished relating the directions, she said, "Thanks," and immediately hung up the phone, angry for allowing herself to be drawn to the other woman.
Shelby looked at the phone. She did it again. We were having a perfectly normal conversation and she just withdrew. Why do you do that? The analyst knew she might never know the answer to that, but was determined to try and find out.
She looked at the computer on her desk speculatively. She could access Kris' personnel file if Kris was really her real name. One way to find out. But Shelby stopped, warring with her conscience. Her interest was strictly personal and had nothing to do with the case. She also knew Central Affairs monitored all computer activity, internal and external. That didn't really bother her, though, because Shelby figured she could find some way to justify the query.
Shelby silently argued with herself. What would she think of me if she thought I was nosing around in her personal file? How would she ever find out? True. How would you like it if she accessed your file? I'd love it, because she wouldn't do it unless she was interested in me beyond the case. You're just trying to justify it. Shelby sighed. Yes, I am. She shoved her curiosity to the back of her mind and dialed another telephone number on her list.
Kris drove through the Fairfax Garden apartment complex, noting nothing that distinguished it from the multitude of others she had seen previously. There were four sand-colored brick buildings, each three stories and accessible by outside steps. There was only a handful of cars in the parking lot that extended from the first building to the last. Security wise it would be a nightmare if there were a problem because there was no alternate escape route such as an elevator.
The operative drove around the bordering residential streets until she was completely familiar with the surrounding area. Glancing at her watch, she quickly accelerated toward the beltway, not wanting to be late and cause Shelby to vary her routine at all. Is that the only reason? Kris shoved down the anticipation she was feeling with a stern warning to herself. This is just a job. I can't afford to forget that.