––––––––

ANGUS SAT IN THE ROOM with his mate Shyla, rubbing her feet as she rested. The doctor said Shyla was on the mend, and at times she seemed like her normal self. But she wasn’t at 100% yet and that bothered him. Gem said that she had seen an increase of pack members, predominantly full-bloods, with similar symptoms. It wasn’t an epidemic but she, Matt and Dr. Passen was looking into it, especially after Silas rang the alarm over attacks to the pack.

“Angus,” Silas called.

“Yes?”

“Go, find Agent High and find out what’s going on with Faye. If he has the authority to bring her home, make him do it now.”

“What do we know about him?” Angus asked.

“Hawke says he’s a researcher, straight up guy, all about his work. He was just removed by the cops from Jarcee’s place. Shouldn’t be hard to find. Oh, and he was with a female.”

“Would he be more receptive if I was male or female?”

“Receptive?”

“I have to touch him.”

“I don’t know. Humans are strange. I’d say female but with a female in the equation, I’m not sure,” Silas said.

“Security will know where he’s at and the situation, I’ll adapt. I’ll contact them now.”

“Let me know as soon as possible what’s going on, Jarcee won’t be able to continue this way.”

Angus looked at Shyla. “Understood.” He contacted security. “Where’s Agent High?”

“He returned to his apartment and is inside alone.”

“Where is the female?”

“She remained at the office.”

“What kind of security is in place at the Agent’s apartment?”

“We haven’t sensed any. He may have something inside we haven’t been able to pick up. But from our observations the place is clean.”

“Thanks.” He placed a kiss on Shyla’s foot, stood and went to activate his chameleon bracelet. For this job, he opted to engage the persona of a feeble, old man.

###

ANGUS WASN’T SURE WHICH location would be best to bump into Agent High. Once he was in his vehicle and left the compound he contacted security again for the Agent’s location.

“He’s leaving his apartment and heading to his vehicle,” Security said. “Do you want us to hold him?”

Angus thought about it. He was a few minutes away and pressed the accelerator. “Yes. Make something up but don’t discuss Jarcee or La Patron. I’m sending in an old man to meet him. When you see the older man, let the conversation flow naturally and leave when he tells you.”

“Yes, Sir.”

A couple minutes later he pulled into the parking lot and headed toward the mini-confrontation. Walking slowly, he approached Agent High who had been blocked in by the Security SUV.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I live here. You’ve been following me and know that.” Agent High’s cheeks were red and his jaw tight.

“We’re checking a complain that someone fitting your description was loitering,” Security said.

“What’s going on here?” Angus said shuffling closer to the men. His semi-bald head glistening beneath the late day sun. “Why’re you blocking him in?” He tripped forward.

Agent High reached for him and Angus activated the bracelet. “Leave him alone, go on get.” He shooed the men away.

They turned, entered their vehicles and drove off.

“Thanks for catching me, I don’t move as fast as I used to,” he said sifting through the Agent’s memories.

Agent High frowned and held Angus’ elbow. “That’s okay, better now?”

“Just a few seconds to catch my breath,” Angus said digging a bit deeper.

“Sure, sure...I’m... I’m not feeling too good myself.” Agent High reached forward and leaned on his car. Angus kept the bracelet engaged while assisting the Agent.

“Whoa. Is this your car? You better take a seat, get out the sun. You’re too young to be falling over like this. Stressful job?” Angus helped the Agent sit down.

“Yes, the past few days have been difficult.”

“But that’s changed now because you’re bringing Faye home today.”

Agent High looked at him and blinked. “No. Faye can’t come home yet, we need to see how Jarcee reacts without her. Plus she lied about his name.”

Angus stared into the Agent’s eyes. “She never lied about his name. Give the order for her to return today. Dismiss her from this investigation. Do it as soon as you return to the office.”

Agent High continued to stare into Angus’ eyes and then nodded. “Faye’s coming home today and then will be dismissed from this assignment.”

“You never had this conversation with me.”

Agent High nodded.

Angus released him and placed his feet into the car and closed the door. “Be careful young man, thank you and drive safe.” He waved goodbye to Agent High who remained seat behind the wheel, looking straight ahead. By the time he snapped out of it, Angus would be gone along with any memory of their brief encounter.

Angus walked into Silas’ office and sat in front of his desk.

“What did you find out?” Silas asked.

“Agent High is using Faye and Jarcee as test subjects for his research. He’s got all kinds of listening and camera equipment pointed towards Jarcee. Problem is with Faye gone, there’s no talking so his work is stalled. He was on the fence about her return because of her divided loyalties. She told him she loved Jarcee but wasn’t sure if Jarcee returned the favor.” Angus reviewed the information he’d seen in the Agent’s memories. “I did a reset. Faye should be coming home today, at least he’ll do his part for her return and dismissal from this program. They’ve been trying to get her to re-enlist, so far she’s refused.”

“Smart girl,” Silas said.

“She doesn’t have much longer to serve. If she’s not allowed to retire early, Jarcee can go wherever she is until she’s done.”

“That might be the only way this works for them. Good job, I’ll have Jayden inform me when she leaves the hospital and is on the flight home,” Silas said.

“Have you heard anything from Miller. The case against Bents is on all the news. This is a big deal, everyone’s distancing from him,” Angus said with some satisfaction.

“The evidence is damning, his car was in the area, his assistant is missing along with the money, no sight of the other person, no proof he was in his office, fingerprints on the murder weapon... plus Lee was General Strait’s friend.”

“I hear Bents is pleading not guilty and it’s going to trial. military trials are different, I thought they’d drag their feet but they’re going for it.”

“Yeah. The President’s in the spotlight for pardoning Lee, who’s now dead and they can’t explain anything.” Silas chuckled. “General Miller says things are really subdued in the Pentagon, one of their own has fallen. I thought Admiral Blue or General Williams would’ve contacted me, but they’ve been quiet about this.”

Angus snatched a peppermint from the dish on Silas desk and popped it into his mouth. “Maybe they’re realizing they woke a sleeping giant.”

“Maybe.”