In the last chapters: Claw killed Mr. Dimes and framed Michael for it. He was arrested and then release as Helen came forward.
1
Jamie sat in the conference room at a long table and rubbed her head trying to stop the headache that was coming. She lifted up her head to see all the maps on their stands as they outlined an area of Africa. Jamie pushed the leather chair from the table and stood on her sore feet. She walked by the windows and caught a glimpse of herself. Her light brown long hair styled around her face for a defined look. The tan elegant cotton jacket with a matching skirt went to her knees. The outfit finished off with a white silk designer blouse. She walked to the other side of the table to get a closer look at the maps. 2
The conference’s doors opened as Dr. Thomas Danielson entered the room.3
“There you are trying to solve the world problems.” He said as he gave a smile to her.4
Jamie turned her head as she looked into his deep brown eyes. “I am trying.” she let out a huge sigh.5
Thomas walked over to her in his three thousand dollar gray suit as his sandy color hair dance in the early afternoon light from the windows. Jamie took a couple of steps back to lean against the table as her heart began to race. He picked up her hand and gave a soft kiss as it gave her tingles down her spine. He let go of her hand and leaned on the table next to her.6
“You are trying to help a part of the world that is unstable.” He looked at the maps.7
Jamie grasped the edge of the table with her hands. “You’re sounding like the sharks at the meeting.”8
He gave her a wink. “Just pointing out a fact, that’s all. Many of the members are worried that the food and medicine won’t reach the people.”9
She pulled herself on the table and folded her arms across her chest. “Are you one of them?”10
“Let’s me point out some facts. You have shown your passion for this aid package.” Thomas walked to the map. “To the north there is a major drought and this warlord is running out of food for his people. He wants to rule the land in the circle which you have outlined.”11
Jamie tightened her arms. “He isn’t a warlord but a prince. The terrorists are trying to get hold of that circle and they are saying he is the warlord.”12
He turned to face her. “Who is he then?”13
She unfolded her arms. “He is a prince. He and his people have fought outsiders for years. If the people in the circle can join forces, then they can keep their freedom and the terrorists will go away.”14
He cracked a smile. “Why should we worry about terrorists in this country?” Thomas began to laugh.15
Jamie stood on her feet. “Once this ‘Cold War’ ends the world is going to have so many threats and terrorists are going to be the number one threat!” She took a breath in. “I am surprised by your attitude as your company deals in security all over the world.”16
“I was demonstrating the attitude that the members have about terrorism.” He placed his strong hand on her shoulder. “You’ve their respect and you need to show them your thinking and why.”17
She stared into his deep brown eyes. “You forgot one thing; to show them how the aid will get to the people.”18
“You forgot that’s why we are here; to figure how to get the aid into the circle.” Thomas patted her shoulder.19
Jamie rubbed her left eyebrow with her fingers. “True.”20
“You need some rest. Do you need the driver again?” Thomas pulled out a chair for her.21
Jamie sat down in the chair. “No.”22
“Michael has a funny way of doing security work for FLAG.” He growled as he watched Jamie raise her hand in protest. “For two days there has been no contact from him. You are an asset to FLAG and he has no respect!”23
She slammed her hand on the table as it echoed in the huge room. “Thomas, I know what it is going on and where he has been!”24
“What has Michael been doing?” He stared into her green eyes.25
Jamie crossed her legs and tugged at her skirt. “He has been finishing up his last assignment.”26
Thomas leaned down to scare her. “What is the assignment?”27
Jamie stood still and stared back into his deep brown eyes. “I’m sorry that is on need-to-know-basis. I’m sure that Devon would be happy to explain the FLAG’s policy to you.” Her legs began to tingle as her muscles were strengthening and she fought off the urge to hit Thomas.28
He slammed his hand on the table as Jamie stood still and she fought her body to stay in control of her feelings, as the room was growing red.29
“Don’t play these games with me! You’ve not been in contact with him.”30
Jamie pushed the chair away from him and stood on her feet. “If you don’t like how Michael is handling his work. You can take that up with Devon.” She let out a huge sighed. “Let me point out something to you. We were both told that Michael’s assignments would be over lapping and you were asked to provide security until he arrives.”31
Thomas, who was nearly six feet two, straightened to make himself to appear taller; it was a tactic to win a situation. Jamie stood there and waited for the next move.32
Thomas tugged on his suit jacket. “Very well, if you need a ride just call the driver.” He turned around and left the conference room.33
Jamie watched him leave as she sat down in the chair. She unbuttoned her jacket and kicked off her shoes as tears ran down her cheeks.34
Why do I feel like I have just lost an ally in this fight? Or, maybe it is the pressure because my plate is full of life’s struggles!35
Jamie put her head on the table as the headache was becoming stronger.36
~
Michael stepped off the elevator and walked down the hallway towards the conference room. A man dressed in a dark suit stepped out in front of him.37
“I am sorry, sir but this area is off limits to the public.”38
Michael spotted the wire coming out of his earpiece. “I’m Michael Knight and I’m here to pick up Jamie White.”39
“May I see some ID, please?” The man asked.40
“Sure.” Michael pulled out his wallet and showed him his FLAG’s ID card.41
The man tilted his head towards the microphone on his collar. “You are clear to enter. She is in conference room 18.”42
Michael put his wallet back into his leather jacket as he walked down the hall. There he found room eighteen as Jamie’s head was down on the table as she was asleep. The papers and folders scattered on the long table, and then he spotted her brown leather briefcase. He picked it up and placed it on the table. 43
Michael walked over to her and tapped on her shoulder. She jumped up out of her chair and tried to grab his wrist. He grabbed Jamie and turned her around to pin his arms around her.44
“Jamie, it’s me, Michael.” He listened to her speaking in French. “Sweetheart, wake up. It’s me, Michael.” She tried to pull away from me. “You’re safe. Wake up.” He whispered into her ear.45
Jamie stopped struggling opened her eyes and looked down to see Michael’s arms around her. “Conference room…” she mumbled.46
He let her go as she turned around. “You were sleepwalking.” He placed his hands on her shoulders.47
“I didn’t hurt you?” She looked up into his baby blue eyes.48
“No, just caught me off guard.” He pulled out a chair for her.49
Jamie sat down in the chair as she put her hand on her forehead. “Good.”50
Michael bent down to be at eye level. “Are you all right?”51
“I just have a headache.” She rubbed her eyebrow with her fingers.52
Michael took his hand to feel her forehead. “You have a bit of a fever.”53
“What are you a doctor?” she snapped.54
Michael let out a huge sigh. “I’m not going to be your emotional punching bag. I care about you.” Michael noticed her shirt was wet. He started to bring his comlink near his mouth as Jamie stopped him.55
“I’m sorry and I shouldn’t have snapped at you. My head is hurting and it has been a stressful morning.”56
“Your jacket is unbuttoned and your shoes are off. Is everything all right?” 57
Jamie’s heart began to race, as his touch was soft to her skin. “Nobody has hurt me; it’s been a very long morning.”58
Michael stroked her cheek. “You’ve been crying to her.”59
In that moment, Jamie wanted him to scoop her up in his arms where she could just cry herself to sleep. Her nightmare was a horrible memory, as she could still taste death in her mouth. Michael held her hand while it was shaking.60
“I’m fine, really.” She tried to crack a smile.61
“No. You are not.”62
Jamie realized that she had been shaking. “I just need some food.”63
Michael stood up and tried to gather up his thoughts. “How about some lunch?”64
She shook her head yes, as she began to button her jacket. Michael reached over to grab her briefcase. Jamie stood up and walked over to the maps. He turned around to see her at the maps again. One of his greatest enemies had been in prison there and wanted to send him there. He watched her trying to figure why she was involve with this aid package.65
“What about these papers?” he asked.66
“They are my papers and folders,” Jamie said as she continued to study the maps.67
Michael gathered up the papers. They were all different types of information some were about the terrain and the culture, a couple of the folders were mark drought and impact. He gathered up the last folder that was name, his dream.68
“Jamie, how are you involved this project for FLAG?”69
“I am an excellent researcher.”70
He knew when someone wanted to avoid answering a question because his life depended on knowing when. Michael always struggled with allowing sleeping dogs to lie. Jamie had many secrets as he did but she never hurt him.71
Michael opened her briefcase to place the papers and the folders. “Where do you want to go for lunch?”72
“How much money you do you have?” She turned around and gave him smile.73
Michael bent down to grab her shoes. “Enough… We can always bill Devon for the lunch.” He handled her high heels.74
“Thanks. I just want an excellent chicken sandwich.” She slipped into her shoes.75
“Onion rings or fries because I know what kind of soda you want.” He smiled at her.76
“You’re dangerous man at times.” She patted on his arm.77
“Well now, I know that you are feeling better. Let’s get some lunch and KITT wants to see you too.”78
Jamie reached for briefcase as her hand started to shake. “Michael, could you carry the briefcase for me?”79
Michael grabbed it from the table and then offered his arm as she slipped her arm into his arm. “Are you sure you are all right?”80
“When I am really hungry, I get the shakes.”81
They left the conference room, as the guard walked over to the doors to lock. 82
~83
After lunch, Michael and Jamie took a walk through a garden near the restaurant. Jamie stood still to smell the wonderful flowers. The garden’s colors were of the rainbow; the flowers were pastels daisies and to bright roses. Jamie took a drink from her chocolate milk shake. Michael left his black leather jacket in KITT as he wore a short sleeve blue shirt. The cool breeze touched his skin where he could relax.84
“How is the headache?” Michael asked.85
Jamie turned around. “About gone, and taking my medicine help too.”86
“You were hungry! You ate all my fries.” He smiled at her.87
“You ate my onion rings, so I think it was only fair.” Her face lit up.88
Michael’s hand touched her warm cheek as a spark ran through her body. They both knew that the boundary line had been cross. 89
Jamie looked into his eyes. “You’re fighting with yourself and I can see it in your eyes.”90
He removed his hand from her face. “I am. Why did you call it off?”91
“Let’s head back to KITT.”92
“Jamie, don’t avoid the question.”93
She took another sip of the shake. “I want more of a private place to talk.”94
“All right.” Michael put his arm around her as they left the garden. He looked around, as the spot near KITT was quiet. “I need that question answered.”95
Jamie walked over and sat on KITT’s hood. “Have you thought about how our relationship would be if we were more than good friends; and if I started to work at FLAG?”96
Michael played with his cup. “I would be lying if I said no.” He stared into her green eyes. “I get this feeling that you’re scared of something; and I would never hurt you.”97
“There are a lot of things that I can’t tell you.”98
He leaned next to KITT. “You are the kind of woman that wouldn’t let that stop you. I think that you are stalling.”99
Jamie moved her hair out of her face. “I grew up in a small ranching community. The time that high school came around many of my friends had boyfriends. They had found their so ‘called husbands’. I didn’t want to be married by twenty and have kids by twenty-five. I wanted to see the world and work on my goals. That was going against normal life for a young woman. Those values gave me structure for my life.”100
He took her hand and held it. “I’m not that type of a guy.”101
Jamie squeezed his hand. “I know. You deserve an honest relationship and not someone holding on to secrets. Those are two reasons that’s why I pulled the plug on.”102
He bent to be at eye level with her. “Why can’t you tell me about your past?”103
“The board of directors and my cousin Jennifer as well,” Jamie said as she looked into his eyes.104
“I don’t understand why FLAG has all these secrets!”105
She gave a stronger squeezed to his hand. “It is for your protection for now.” Tears ran down her cheeks.106
He took his hand and wiped away her tears. “I understand about the board. Why does Jennifer dislike FLAG?”107
She tried to take control of her emotions. “She doesn’t understand it or see the need for it.”108
The pain came from his hand and raced into his arm from Jamie’s grip. “Can you let go of my hand, your grip is to strong for me.” He cracked a grin.109
Jamie released her hand from his as her eyes widen. “I didn’t mean…” as more tears came down her cheeks.110
He stroked her hair. “You didn’t hurt me. I can tell that you are under a lot of stress.”111
Jamie took her hand wipe away her tears again. “I have a lot of work to do…”112
“Say no more, I’ll take you to the hotel.” Michael took her empty cup. “I’m going to take these and put them in the trash can.”113
Jamie watched him walked over as she stood up from KITT’s hood. She opened the door to sit down in the passenger seat. Michael came along and shut the door. She closed her eyes as Michael sat down in his seat. In a few minutes, Jamie was asleep. He turned the key and put down the stick shift into drive as KITT headed for the street.114
~
Early afternoon Jamie stepped out of KITT, while Michael went to park KITT. Then she entered the Grand Hotel's decorative lobby and gracefully walked to the front desk. There she laid the brown leather briefcase on the white marble desk.115
The clerk looked up, and he smiled at her. “You're looking quite lovely today, Ms. White.”116
“Thank you, Will. Is there any messages for me?”117
“Yes. Let me get them for you and your key.” The clerk turned away to gather up her things.118
Jamie turned around to watch the people in the lobby.119
“Ms. White, are you looking for someone?” the clerk asked.120
“I’m waiting for someone.” She turned around to Will, he handed her the messages, and the key. “Thank you.” She grabbed her briefcase, scanned through the messages, walked over to the glass elevator; as a light perfume filled her nose, she stopped. 121
I know that scent.122
Jamie turned around in the far distance, as a brunette-head woman had left in a hurry. The woman's movements look familiar, so she rushed through the people to get to the entrance. Jamie pushed the glass door opened as she caught a glimpse of the woman turning left. There she stepped onto the sidewalk, and took a deep breath, but the scent had vanished. 123
Her ears picked up a strange sound, she tried to focus and block out the other noises from the busy street. 124
It is KITT, and he is about three blocks away.125
Jamie looked around for the brunette woman as Michael walked out of the hotel's garage. 126
My hearing must be off. That scent… It is coming from Michael. I thought the scent was from the flowers.127
He gave Jamie that look of disapproval. “You're supposed to be inside.”128
She searched for the woman. “Why are you two days late?” 129
He stood there in front of her. “You’re back to your old self.”130
Jamie turned around, walked away from him as Michael grabbed her arm. “Let’s go inside, people are starting to stare.” Jamie turned her head while Michael stared into her dazzling green eyes; he let go of her arm.131
She looked to see the people watching them. “I thought I had seen someone that I knew,” Jamie whispered.132
“Oh, I see. Did you find that person?”133
“No.”134
“Let's get you up to your suite, we can talk there.”135
They walked into the huge lobby and went to the glass elevator.136
Jamie leaned on the wall. “So was she pretty?”137
“Pretty and deadly,” Michael told her while he pushed the button, and then leaned on the wall. “How did you know?”138
She tapped on his arm. “You've some perfume on you.”139
“I can't smell it.”140
She flipped through her messages. “It is very light.” 141
“Are you mad at me?”142
She just looked into his eyes, the elevator’s glass door opened as they walked in. Michael pushed the button for her floor then the door closed.143
Michael stood there as the doors closed. “You are…”144
Jamie looked at him again. “I'm not mad about the girl that you were with this morning. What I am upset about is no contact for two days. I’ve been dealing why you were a no show. ” 145
“Okay, you're still angry.”146
“Touché; more frustrated than angry and trying to put this deal together is driving me nuts.”147
“I can tell.” He heard the ding.148
The elevator door opened, and they stepped out.149
“What do you need from me? Jamie asked.150
Michael stopped and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I need more time to finish up my case.”151
“Granted, I don't see this aid going to Africa anytime soon.”152
He pushed the button again for the elevator. “You and Chloe will be all right for another day.”153
She gave him a smile. “Yep.” 154
“That’s what I love to see on that gorgeous face of yours.” He kissed her on her cheek. “I need to get going,” he said to her as he stroked her hair as the doors opened.155
“Be careful.” Jamie watched Michael entered the elevator.156
“I will.” Michael said as he waved to her and then it closed. 157
Jamie walked down to her suite; there she unlocked the door and stepped into the suite’s small foyer as the door slowly closed behind her. She placed her briefcase on the rich maple table to glance into the mirror. Her light brown long hair styled was now an undefined look. The tan elegant cotton jacket with a matching skirt went to her knees were intact from the stressful morning. However, the white silk designer blouse was soaked from sweat. 158
That scent in the lobby, and then it was on Michael. How? That woman… I should know her. Maybe my eyes are out of focus at that distance. I just need to relax and come up with a plan to get this aid over to Africa for the Foundation.159
Jamie kicked off her high heel shoes from her sore feet. Chloe stepped into the foyer. Her blonde hair in a ponytail, her blue eyes had dark circles under them and her trim body hidden by her ragged sweat suit.160
“A bit of a rough day you had?” asked Chloe.161
“A very stressful morning.” She picked up her shoes. “My outfit is needs to be dry clean.”162
Chloe pulled back her ponytail. “I noticed that your shirt is wet.” She paused. “Did see you Michael today?”163
“I did. We’re on our own for the next couple of days.” She put her shoes on top of her briefcase.164
Chloe watched her walked by her. “Okay. So boss, what are we doing tonight?”165
Jamie stopped. “Why, you have a hot date?”166
“No. But you could?” She gave a huge smiled.167
Jamie turned around to look at her friend while her green eyes brightened. “Who?”168
“I’m afraid it isn’t Mr. Knight, although, he would be a sizzling date to have for an evening.” She had that dreamy look in her eyes.169
Jamie turned around towards her bedroom.170
“It was Thomas… He wanted to know if you were free tonight.”171
Jamie walked into her luscious bedroom, laid her briefcase on the maple desk, and then walked over to the closet. Slid the mirror door to the other side, and placed her shoes neatly on the floor. Next, the jacket came off; she grabbed a hanger, and placed it into the closet.172
Chloe walked in. “What are the plans?”173
Jamie moved the jacket down to the end to the dry cleaning clothes. “Trying to save this aid package, I'm out of ideas.”174
She peeked to see how much clothes were ready to be dry clean. “Thomas has some ideas…”175
Jamie turned around to stare down her friend. “Don't say it.”176
The phone rang and Chloe quickly walked over to it. “Ms. White's room.” Chloe paused. “Yes, Devon, she is here.”177
Jamie's eyebrows went up as she walked over to the phone. Chloe handed it to her with a smile on her face.178
“I see you got my message.” Jamie's face turned to disappointment. “Believe me… I understand.” She grabbed for her briefcase. “Devon, here is the problem. The pharmaceutical companies won't sell the drugs, unless the shipment will reach the people and not the warlord. The Red Cross and the UN refuse to go because it's too dangerous.” She paused. “I see. We need to guarantee the shipment. A security team is needed for this deal to work.” Jamie played with the phone cord. “Devon, I have an idea. I'm going to need another twenty-four hours.” She continued to play with the chord. “I'll stay in contact. Bye.” 179
Jamie hung up the phone as Chloe stood in the doorway. “Just admit you wanted that to be Michael on the phone because you really like the guy.”180
Jamie rolled her eyes at her. “He is a good friend, that's all.”181
“Girl, will you quit lying to yourself!”182
“What do you mean?”183
“Maybe, you can fool most of the people. I know you.”184
Jamie walked over to the king size bed and sunk down on the edge. “Call Thomas and ask him what time is dinner?”185
“Are you sure you want to go out for dinner with Thomas?” 186
Jamie gave her that look which meant the discussion had concluded. Chloe left the room and shut the door. Alone with her thoughts she laid on her bed looking at the ceiling above.187
How do I convince Thomas to help with this aid package? I know!188
Jamie walked over to her desk, pulled out all her files and started working on her new strategy of an attack.189
Adding your comment:
Jamie asked.150
