Findings (Raisa sequel): Chapter One

Chapter One ~ Six months later1

The Call Center was busy with activity. Conversations buzzed in the background and phones rang as if they were on their own music track. The smell of sugary confections and old coffee seeped through the air as if a skunk had been threatened. 2

I stood by primary contact Madara, staring at nothing. Clutched in my hand was a letter. I could feel the coarse paper under my fingertips. The bumps and grooves told me it was recycled.3

I had been busy when the mail had arrived earlier. A hit had gone bad and an assassin had been caught. I had arranged an escape, but had lost two Closers in the process. Paperwork had to be filled out and phone calls to be made. I was an emotional wreck. No one had explained this part to me when I had taken Sunsaray’s place. No one had told me the risk of losing these people. I did not know these people personally, my job didn’t allow it. But I was responsible for their lives.4

I was exhausted by the time I had remembered the mail.5

A tap on the shoulder interrupted my musing. “Agent Niles would like to see you.”6

***7

“So Raisa, how have you been these past few months?” Agent Niles asked as he motioned me to a chair before his polished desk. His salt and pepper hair was cut close to his head. A razor straight speckled gray mustache sat above full lips and Agent Niles piercing eyes regarded me silently.8

I sat, while pondering his question. After Kale had left I had been messed up. I had cried at every little slight made to my person, every sentimental word I overheard and every Hallmark commercial. I lashed out at fellow co-workers for the smallest infraction. Finally I had broken down and seen the Company’s shrink. Little by little I had gotten my emotions under control. I was good at my job, but I missed the excitement of Closing.9

“I’m good, sir. Thank you for asking,” I replied softly, looking at my folded hands.10

“There’s no need to be formal, Raisa. We’re friends here, right?” He asked, walking around to the front of the desk. Agent Niles leaned back against the edge, crossing his feet.11

“Sorry Niles,” I responded slowly, still not at ease. “What did you want to see me about?”12

Niles cleared his throat noisily, stalling for time. “I’ve reason to believe an agent from this branch is missing.”13

I looked up from my folded hands to see Niles’ worry lines deepen around his mouth.14

I keep my face blank, but confusion flooded my brain. “If we’ve a missing agent wouldn’t you call up the next Investigator to find this agent?”15

Niles studied me closely, making me squirm with discomfort. I could just imagine what was going through his mind. He was looking for a tiny crack in my surface. I met his steady gaze with the confidence I didn’t have. Although we had a history, I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to relieve me of my job.16

“The agent in question is Kale.” He paused to watch my reaction.17

I blinked rapidly for a slow agonizing minute. On the outside my face and body displayed no signs of disturbance, but inside my heart raced as though it was running in the Kentucky Derby. The beat of my heart sounded like the pounding of hooves on the dirt track.18

“Kale?” I asked, pleased that my voice was steady. I fought the urge to wipe my sweaty palms on my pressed black slacks.19

“Yes, Kale. Three days ago he checked in at 9:45 a.m., his usual time.” Niles uncrossed his legs and then crossed them again, using his other leg. A large hand passed through his neat hair, revealing his emotional turmoil. “His contact has not heard from him since.”20

I covered my mouth in an effort to stop my hand from trembling, while giving me time to think.21

I blurted out the first question that popped into my head. “Who’s his contact?”22

“It’s not who you think it is.”23

“And who do you think I thought it was?” I asked with an eyebrow raised.24

“The contact is not female,” he replied, running a finger over his mustache.25

I chuckled “Now, why on this blue Earth would I think it would be female?” I stood and started pacing the book-lined office. “Maybe because he’s a cad. Because he can’t seem to keep his cock in his pants.”26

Niles stood and stepped in my way. “Slow down Raisa. We both know he’s got a way with women, but you can’t blame only him for this. If his student's weren't so forward he wouldn’t be able to do all that he does.”27

I laughed harder this time, shoving Niles slightly, “Oh please, he’s a grown man. He could say no or not even acknowledge their advances. You can not blame it on them, either.”28

Niles took a hold of my arms, pulling me to his solid chest. My breath was expelled as my heart speed up faster.29

“Raisa, please stop ranting!” Niles demanded. His mouth inches from mine.30

“Niles, please,” I begged softly. 31

“Stop this please. I can’t stand to see you this messed up about Kale. Forget him. Come back to me.” His eyes pleaded with me.32

I leaned in and softly kissed the corner of his mouth, breathing in the deep scent of rich earth. “I can’t. I’m so sorry. We had fun, but it’s over.” I backed away and he reluctantly let go of my arms. My skin burned where his fingers had held me.33

Agent Niles looked towards the floor to ceiling windows while collecting himself. I turned away out of respect, as he pulled himself together.34

Finally, after a dozen or so minutes he continued, “He was on loan with a Company out of the central district. Kale was just supposed to train a couple of ‘difficult’ Closers and then be back home. When he didn’t report in for two days, Greg reported his absence.”35

“So Greg hasn’t heard from him in three days?” I asked the obvious question, still stuck on the fact that Kale had a male contact.36

Niles nodded, still looking out the window. “We really didn’t think much of it at first. We thought he had met someone and was held up in a motel somewhere, like usual.” 37

A small knife twisted in my stomach, causing me to reach up and bite my finger. Every feeling Kale had ever aroused in me surfaced, whether good or bad. Then every guilty feeling Niles brought surfaced.38

I rubbed my face. “Stop, just stop Niles.” I breathed deeply. “You did not call me up here to rehash old feelings. You have something you need to tell me.”39

Niles stepped back to his desk. He leaned against it casually, as if the heat he caused inside of me was of no consequence. He frustrated me like that. This was one reason I had stopped seeing the confident agent.40

“The Company higher ups want you to find Agent Kale. Find him, bring him home or find some info about what has happened to him.”41

"I am the worst person to do this. My job is to direct calls not find missing agents. This is a job for an Investigator. Get one of them."42

"No," Niles stated firmly. "They want you and I agree."43

"No." I shook my head. I watched him, doubt flickered across my face when he didn't budge. “As you requested.” I replied before walking towards the heavy doors.44

"Dugan, will stay here with me." I heard as the door swung shut.45