Chapter 7

 

Jamie entered the coffee shop, pausing for a moment to take in her surroundings. It was a comfortable-looking establishment, its walls painted in muted reds and golds and displaying African art pieces. A quick scan of the counter and tables showed that her shadow hadn't arrived yet.

It was to be expected. She was a full twenty minutes early.

Jamie had tried to occupy her mind, to find something to do with the hour she had before their meeting, but she couldn't keep her thoughts off their conversation and after a half hour she'd given up, grabbed the nearest cab, and headed to this location.

She joined the line at the counter, ordering a London Fog with English Breakfast instead of Earl Grey. The barista made a little heart in the foam, and after she'd sat at a table in the remotest corner, she stared at the heart, not wanting to disturb it by drinking.

This was the first real lead she'd had since she'd arrived in this town, and she was terrified that it would be another dead end. But this time I've got the upper hand, she reminded herself. This time, I won't give up until I get some answers.

Jamie went through a list of questions in her head, questions she desperately wanted answers to, but she finally determined that she didn't have enough information to even know where to start. For once in her life, it might make sense to listen before she spoke.

Looks like you're growing up, she told herself, even as she regretted the thought. Growing up meant dealing with harsh realities, ones she'd always been eager to escape in the past. But the time for running away from problems was over. Now she had to face them head on, or risk never seeing Sylvie again.

Every time the door opened, Jamie's head lifted to see who entered. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she saw the person she was waiting for.

He really is unremarkable, she thought, wondering if he'd been picked for the job because of his ability to go unnoticed. Probably. That and his fighting skills, which she hadn't forgotten since he'd come to her rescue.

She watched as he looked around, spotted her, then moved forward with a grace she wouldn't have thought fitting, given his appearance.

He took a seat, folded his hands in front of him, and pierced her with his gaze. Something about the intent way he stared at her unsettled Jamie. It was as if he saw deep inside her, like no one had before.

"Thank you for meeting me," he said, his tone low. She noticed how deep his voice was, another thing that didn't fit with his image.

"Sure," she said, waiting for him to continue.

"I've told you that I've been charged by NASA to tail you around, but what you don't know is, working security for NASA isn't my only position."

Her eyebrows rose at his words. So he wasn't just a hired goon.

"I'm in intelligence. My real mission has been to infiltrate the ranks at the Space Administration to uncover a conspiracy."

Jamie's heart froze in her chest. "A conspiracy related to my sister?"
He nodded. "We believe an enemy faction has been influencing things, including your sister's flight, for their own benefit. We aren't sure how high up this influence goes, but one thing we are certain of, your sister's mission is part of the enemy's plans."

"And who is this enemy?"

Her companion shook his head. "We have some ideas, but for the moment I have to keep things classified."

Jamie blew out a breath tinged with disappointment. "This influence, you said you don't know how high up it goes. Do you know who's involved?"

"Again, we don't have anything concrete, and I can't share our classified briefings with you."

"Then how in the hell does this help me?" she asked, barely restraining herself from slamming her hands down on the table.

Her outburst earned her something close to a smile. "We're going to have to help each other. I'm just security, a position that doesn't get me entry into the areas I need. You, on the other hand, have regular contact with Dr. Cargraves and have even had meetings with the head of NASA, Danner Thompson. You have contacts that I don't."

"But you've seen how they've been stonewalling me. I don't know what you expect me to do with these contacts."

"They're not going to blurt out the details of a conspiracy during one of your meetings," he said, his eyes cold. "Nor is it likely Cargraves has let anything slip at night, during your pillow talk. Or am I wrong?"

Jamie's face tightened. "No. You're not wrong."

"We're going to have to get creative," he said, his eyes leaving hers to scan the shop. "That's why I need to know if you're willing to work with me to get your sister back."

"Of course," she replied without hesitation. "You're the best chance I've got so far."

His dark eyes met hers again. "We're going to need access into secured areas if we're going to find anything out. And since my clearance isn't high enough, we need someone's whose is. Or at least their security badge."

Jamie blinked. "Can't you steal one?"

Her companion's mouth collapsed into a straight line. "You're much better suited for that job than I am."

"What?"
"You're engaged to Cargraves. You're much more intimately acquainted with him than I could ever be."

Jamie didn't like his tone. This was the second time he'd made some less-than-polite insinuation about her and Lance. Still, what choice did she have? She had to work with him if she wanted to get Sylvie back. "You want me to steal his badge?"

Her companion nodded. "Yes. Get that badge, and you can get me into the areas I need."

"Get us into those areas, you mean," she shot back. He was nuts if he thought she wasn't coming along.

He ignored her correction. "We need to make our move soon. Can you get the badge?"

Jamie thought for a moment. Lance was an attentive fiancé, and he often came to her apartment straight from work, his badge still attached to the front of his suit jacket. If she could get him out of the jacket and away from it for long enough to snag the badge, he should be none the wiser.

"Yes," she said finally. "I'll get the badge. Tonight."
"Good," he said with a nod, then made to rise.

"Wait," she said, holding up her hand. "What should I call you? I mean, I don't even know your name. How do I contact you when I have it?"

He sat back down, his expression momentarily open. Jamie thought she saw a shadow of doubt pass over his face but it was gone too quickly to be sure.

"Call me Drake," he said after a moment. "And I'll contact you. Remember, I have to keep my cover up, so I'll be watching you."

His words sent a shiver through her body that she worked to suppress. Before she could reply, he stood up and headed out of the shop without a backwards glance.

Jamie sat there, staring down into her tea. The heart had become fuzzy at the edges, but its shape still remained floating in her cup. Taking it as a good omen, Jamie left, abandoning the untouched cup.

 

****

 

She called Lance that afternoon, asking him if he'd like to drop by after work. Her fiancé warned her that he had to work late, but she said she didn't mind. He asked if she wanted to go out, but she said that she only wanted a quiet night in, just the two of them. Jamie then set about putting her plan in motion.

Lance was such a straight-laced guy; she couldn't remember him even taking off his jacket when he visited her. If she was going to get him out of his clothes, she might as well ensure that he'd be well distracted.

Jamie dug through her closet, attempting to find something suitable for seduction. She had plenty of lacy undergarments, and even some that were more risqué, but she wasn't sure which one would ignite the blood of a mathematician-slash-astronaut who had yet to make a move on her.

She settled on a silk nightgown that reached her ankles but which had revealing slits in the sides that would expose her legs when she moved. It was low-cut in the front, showing the swells of her breasts off to perfection. A sheer robe, also in white, completed the ensemble.

Jamie took pains to polish her fingernails and toes with a bright red paint that usually set men's blood boiling. Her hair she left down, tousling it just so to give it that post-coitus look that she hoped would send the right signals. Then she coupled a smoky eye with a deep red lip, and with one last look in the mirror, she pronounced herself a siren and settled down to wait for her fiancé.

It was nearly nine by the time she heard the doorbell ring. Sauntering over to answer it, she opened the door then casually posed herself in the entryway.

"Hello, dear," Lance said in greeting, stooping down to plant a kiss on her forehead before he made his way into the hall. He was headed into the living room without a second glance, and Jamie had to stop her mouth from falling open.

She wasn't used to her efforts receiving no reaction, and for a moment she wondered what she'd gotten herself into, engaging herself to a man whose eyes didn't pop out of his skull when he saw her in this getup.

Strike One, she thought, then took a deep breath and followed Lance into the living room.

He was standing at the edge of the couch, scrolling through his phone. Jamie's eyes searched his suit jacket, lighting on the badge that was clipped to his lapel. Good. Now all I have to do it get that off him without his noticing.

"Are you hungry?" he asked her without looking up from his phone.

Jamie considered a comeback with salacious undertones, but because of the underwhelming response she'd gotten to her outfit choice, she gave up on the idea. "I could eat," she said instead.

"Shall we order in? Chinese? Pizza? Thai food?"

Jamie sat on the arm of the sofa, crossing her legs to reveal their shapely length.

Zero reaction.

"Chinese is fine."

Lance nodded, pulled up an app on his phone and found a restaurant nearby to order from. "You want Chow Mein?"

Jamie sat still, answering his questions, wondering when he would bother to look at her.

When the order was finally placed, Lance slid the phone into his pocket and looked up. Jamie plastered on a sultry smile, pushing her shoulders back to accentuate her chest.

"It will be about 30 minutes," her fiancé said, then walked around her to settle himself on the couch.

Jamie was beginning to wonder if she'd engaged herself to a eunuch. "Shall we watch a movie?" he asked, bringing up her streaming service and starting to scroll through the options.

They settled on a drama about one of the first manned space flights. Jamie sat down next to him, hoping he would put an arm around her. Instead, he scooted over to give her more space.

Strike Two. What do I have to do to get his attention? Shoot myself into space?

It wasn't long before the food showed up, and they ate out of little white boxes in front of the television. Jamie found she wasn't very interested in the movie or the noodles, and soon set her box aside. After Lance had finished his portion, he dug into hers, slowly slurping up noodles while he watched the space drama with little snide comments and inappropriate laughter.

"As if these movie guys know anything about space," he said, more than once. Jamie had to concentrate hard not to roll her eyes.

Finally, the credits started rolling across the screen, and Lance stretched his arms, giving out a big yawn. "Well I enjoyed that," he said, moving to stand.

"Wait," she said, tugging on his jacket. "Don't leave yet. We barely spend any time together."

Lance let out a heavy breath. "I have an early meeting in the morning."

Jamie put on her prettiest pout. "Please. I don't want to be alone."

Lance sat back down, and Jamie scooted close, deciding to go on the offensive. She slid a hand under his jacket and across his button-up shirt. "Why don't you make yourself a little more comfortable?"
Lance gave her a smile, then bent down to kick off his shoes. "That feels good," he said, leaning back again to pick up the remote and beginning scrolling through movies again. "What shall we watch next?"
Jamie wanted to scowl, wondering if a neon flashing arrow that said "Sex Here" would work any better. "Let me see."

She took the remote from him and tried to find anything steamy that might get him in the mood. She settled on a French film, knowing the French were notorious for nudity, and then placed his arm over her shoulders while she snuggled in.

When the figures on the screen started kissing, Jamie slid her hand back under his jacket to caress his chest. "Wouldn't you be more relaxed without this silly suit on?" she purred, unbuttoning one of his buttons.

"If it will make you happy," he said, giving her a kiss on the tip of her nose, then shifting to take off his suit jacket.

"That's better," she murmured, then proceeded to unbutton another button and slide her hand into his shirt. Where it encountered an undershirt.

Jesus, this guy is harder to break into than Fort Knox. However, Jamie was determined not to give up. She moved her hand in circles over his undershirt, being sure to graze his nipples as she did so.

There was no response from her fiancé. Nothing. He sat there watching the movie and letting her touch him, but did nothing to show he enjoyed it.

The actors began making passionate love, and Jamie turned things up a notch, starting to kiss Lance's neck. She nuzzled his ear, then spoke with a breathy tone into his ear. "You smell good."

"Mmhm," he said, his attention not wavering from the screen.

Shit. It's pedal to the metal time. Jamie went up on her knees, then straddled her fiancé, putting her arms around his neck and moving in to kiss him.

Lance shifted away, his eyes widening. "Jamie, what are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious?" she said, kissing his cheek. "I'm trying to seduce my fiancé."

Lance gave a startled laugh. "So that's what this is. Honey, I appreciate the effort you've gone through, really I do, but I'm very tired."

Strike Three.

Jamie frowned as Lance set her aside to put on his shoes. The credits were rolling on the second movie and Jamie began to get disheartened.

You can't give up yet. You can't! Time to pull out all the stops.

"You don't want me!" she cried, standing up to rush into the bathroom and slam the door behind her. She then began a great imitation of sobbing, waiting to hear her fiancé’s knock.

It only took a few moments for him to react. "Aw, honey, calm down. Of course I want you."

"No...you...don't" she cried, throwing a hitch into her voice for effect.

"I do, it's just...I've been working a lot. And...well, I don't have a lot of experience with women, and I'd just feel more comfortable if we got to know each other a little better. That's all."

Jamie didn't stop her eyes from rolling this time. It was clear that seduction was out as a viable option. She'd have to think of another way to get his badge off him, and fast.

She looked around her, trying to think of another method. Her eyes bounced around the bathroom as she struggled for inspiration. She noticed that she was low on toilet paper, and that she'd missed some dust behind the toilet last time she'd swept. Then her eyes lit on a spider web high in the corner of the room.

That's it!

"Oh my God!" she yelled, throwing the door open and running back down the hall and into the living room.

"What is it?" Lance asked, following behind her. "What's wrong?"

"There's a spider in the bathroom! A huge one! It crawled out of the drain and it's in the sink! You have to get it!"

Lance stood there, confused. "A spider?"
"Yes," she said, grabbing his shirt with shaking hands. "Please! You have to deal with it for me. I'm terrified of spiders!"

Lance gave a small grin and headed back down the hall to do battle with the spider. "I don't see anything," he yelled.

"Keep looking! I won't be able to sleep tonight if I know that beast is crawling around my apartment."

Jamie grabbed his jacket, unfolded it, and snatched the badge off it. She slid it under a stack of magazines on the coffee table then moved back down the hall, his jacket over her arm.

"I'm sorry," Lance said, coming out of the bathroom. "I can't find it."
"Oh well," she said with a large sigh. "I'll just pretend you did." She passed him his jacket. "It's getting late, and you have an early meeting. You should probably get going." She handed him his jacket.
Lance gave her a confused glance but then nodded. "Right." He took the jacket and slipped it on, not noticing it was missing his badge.

Jamie walked him to the door, opening it and stepping back to allow him through.

"Good night, my dear," he said, bending to place another dutiful kiss on her forehead.

"Good night," she replied.

He moved to leave, then stopped, turning back. "Oh, I forgot to mention, the team has meetings off sight tomorrow, so I won't be in my office. I expect them to run late, so I probably won't see you at all. I hope that's all right."

"I understand," she said solemnly, inside shouting with delight. Perfect!

She closed the door behind him, then leaned against it to catch her breath. Things hadn't gone exactly according to plan, but she'd gotten what she needed. And even better, he probably wouldn't notice the badge was missing until later, if he wasn't going to need it to check in tomorrow.

The team would be out of the office tomorrow, meaning it would give her and Drake the opportunity they needed to search the secure areas without raising suspicion.

Jamie was elated. She finally felt like she was one step closer to getting her sister back. She hadn't felt this good in months.

There was a sudden knock at the door.

Jamie swallowed hard, praying that Lance hadn't already noticed his missing badge and come back for it. Putting on a brave face, she opened the door.