<pre>"Laine Williams?"
"Who wants to know?"
"FBI."
"Shit. What do you want?"
"Do you remember that case you assisted on back in 2007?"
"What about it?"
"We have a similar open case."
"That's good for you."
"Ms. Williams, as scintillating as this conversation is becoming, you can either come in and offer your services or we can end this conversation here and you can hope that violation of probation case you've got going to trial goes to a really benevolent judge."
"Oh you people are into blackmail now? Excellent. I'll be there."
I hung up and let out the breath I'd been holding. I should've known it wasn't gonna end this easy. Four very long years of checking over my shoulder, sleeping with the light on and a gun under my pillow, and here they are traipsing back in to fuck everything up again. Slamming my fist into the wall, I grabbed my keys and headed to the FBI office.
"Here I am." I announced, bypassing the secretary and walking right into Agent Talley's office.
"Yes you are, Laine. Can I help you?"
"Was it you? Did you give the order to have me called in?"
"No, no I didn't. This one was out of my hands."
"Well whose hands was it in?"
"That would be mine." The voice from the phone said from behind me.
"Who the fuck are you?" I spun around to face the man behind me.
"Language, Laine!" Talley exclaimed, shooting me a disapproving look. "Laine, this is Agent Stone."
"That's catchy." I replied snidely. "Well, Agent Stone, sorry to disappoint but I only work with her." Inclining my head towards Talley.
"Not anymore you don't." He replied.
"Laine," she sighed, "at least hear him out."
"I am not obligated to do that."
"You can listen or I can have you arrested, right here, right now."
"On what grounds?" I glared at him.
"You're a flight risk."
"Oh, I am not!" I shouted in exasperation.
"You are if I say you are."
"What? What do you want from me?" I sighed.
"We have a case,"
"No shit." I muttered under my breath, receiving another look from Talley.
"We're trying to bring down a drug and prostitution ring."
"Oh, and I'm the perfect girl for the job, huh? I don't do drugs or prostitution, I'm a driver that's all, and in case you missed the memo, these are people, real fucking people that you want me to help you destroy."
"Laine, I know that things didn't exactly work out last-"
"Didn't exactly?" I shouted. "You killed my fiancé!"
"He had a gun." She replied calmly.
"These people you speak of are taking girls from their families, drugging them up, and selling them. Are those people worth defending to you?" Stone cut in.
"They're what?" I gasped.
"They're picking up girls off the street, drugging them, relocating them, and making them prostitutes."
"Holy shit." I stared at him in shock. "What role do you expect me to play in that?"
"We got intel they're looking for new drivers."
"And you'd like for me to be one of them?"
"Precisely."
"They'll kill me if they figure out I work for you."
"You shouldn't get caught then."
"Agent Stone, that's a bit harsh." Talley reprimanded him. Good to know it wasn't just me she did that to.
"What do I get out of risking my neck for you?"
"We'll wipe your record."
"That's a nice offer and all, but not quite enough for me."
"And all of your school will be paid off."
"All of it?"
"All of it."
"Fine." I nodded decisively.
"I'm really proud of you for sticking with college Laine." Talley interjected.
"Thanks, Tal." I smiled at her. "Who'd've thought I'd be in school to be a teacher?" "It's an admirable choice."
"But not very fiscally sound."
"Can we take this to my office?" Stone asked sounding uncomfortable.
"Sure." I nodded at Talley, and followed Stone to his office.
"Have a seat." It was more a directive than a request, but I did it anyway. "Ms. Williams,"
"It's Laine."
"Laine, then, in your last assignment, you knew the subjects of the investigation, yes?"
"Yes."
"This time you won't have that easy in. You need to prove to these people you're just as heartless as them."
"You offend my ego, I don't seem heartless to you?" I sneered.
"Not in the least." I eyed him speculatively at that. "Heartless people don't agree to try and save girls, and they certainly don't go to school to be teachers."
"How old are you Stone?"
"That is irrelevant."
"How old?"
"25."
"You're climbing the ladder rather quickly are you not?"
"I suppose I am. You're not...what I was expecting."
"You mean attractive, witty, charming?"
"Well spoken." He replied curtly.
"Just because I can play in the slums doesn't mean I am the embodiment of them."
"Point, Laine." He sighed as though the weight of the world were on those broad shoulders of his. "I'm going to give you an address, it's a club in town, the auditions are there tonight."
"Okay." I nodded.
"You ready for this?"
"As ready as one can possibly be."
"You'll meet me afterwards."
"Typical."
"I need to know you're safe and haven't been compromised."
"I am aware."
"Good."
"Good."
"Welcome to the team, Laine." He held out a slip of paper.
"See you later, Stone." I replied taking the slip and walking out.
A/N Another new story I've been fiddling with for a few weeks. Tell me what you think!!! Vote, Comment, Fan!! xoxoxoxo Luxie </pre>
