Learning to Love You

2. Depths of Deception

Ava Hayes sat in the dimly lit office of Nathan Brooks, the private investigator whose presence had cast a shadow of uncertainty over her ambitions and the career of Captain Roberts. The office smelled of paper mixed with a faint musky scent. She wore her hair down with a casual green dress. Across from her, Nathan leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on Ava with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. His dark blonde hair seemed messier than the last time he met Ava. His shirt seemed crinkled and matched his eyes. He had left the sleeves rolled up, leaving his forearms bare.

"What brings you here, Miss Hayes?" Nathan asked, his voice tinged with an undercurrent of wariness as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Ava took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. She flipped her hair gently behind her shoulder. "Please call me Ava. I need to know what you're investigating Captain Roberts for."

Nathan's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he didn't betray any other emotion. "I'm afraid that's confidential information. Client privilege and all that. Although, I am curious how you found out about it."

Ava leaned forward, her hazel eyes locking with Nathan's grey-blue in a silent challenge. His face was expressionless as he waited for her to respond. His eyes were as silent and deep as the sea.

"I know you're a private investigator, Nathan. But I also know you're not working for just anyone. Who hired you to investigate him?"

"And why would I tell you that?"

"Because you have not solved the case yet and might need my help."

For a moment, Nathan regarded her with a calculating gaze, as if weighing the risks of divulging the truth. Smiling slightly, he crossed his arms.

"Why would I need your help?" Ava's mind began to race as she searched for a believable answer. She knew he would interrogate her before giving anything away. He was a private investigator, after all. Maintaining their eye contact, Ava sat back in her chair and tried to hide her inner struggle as she answered his question.

"I can be resourceful from the inside." Nathan tilted his head as he observed her face. His eyes lingered on her lips for a brief moment before returning to her eyes again.

"Why do you want to assist me?" Ava shrugged her shoulders and spoke as naturally as possible.

"I want to prove Roberts innocent so I can get promoted." It was the truth.

"And what if he is not?" Nathan examined her as her breath hitched, and she shifted in her seat. The abstract phoenix tattoo on her right forearm could be seen under the yellow light.

"I will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did not sabotage his career." An unintentional chuckle left Nathan's lips.

"Why would I do that? It is my job to find the truth." Ava held her head high and leaned forward.

"Too much is at risk here. I will not take any chances. Besides, I know your identity now. You scratch my back, and I will scratch yours." Nathan licked his lips.

"How do I know you are not in on this with Marcus Roberts? If he is proven guilty, you will face dire consequences for it." Ava bit her bottom lip while searching for the right words.

"I am a respected first officer, and if I will support a guilty colleague, my work ethic will be at stake, too. I have worked hard to get where I am today. I will not risk it for anything." Sighing, Ava sat back in her seat again. "You and I want the same thing, Nathan. Wouldn't it be better if we worked together and uncovered the facts as soon as possible? I am sure you need a reliable source inside who can provide you with information."

For the first time since Ava had walked into the room, Nathan showed signs of desperation. Ava knew her offer was tempting, and Nathan had to consider it for his sake. There was a reason he had shown up on the flight. He was desperate and nearing a dead end. Hiding her anticipation, Ava sat in silence. With a resigned sigh, he relented.

"Fine. But, if you get caught misleading the investigation, I will not be responsible for the outcome."

Ava raised her hands in the air. Nathan eyed her as he continued.

"I work for the airline," Nathan admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "They hired me to look into allegations of misconduct against Captain Roberts. They're considering disciplinary action, possibly even termination."

Ava's heart sank at the revelation, a knot of dread coiling in the pit of her stomach. She had hoped Nathan's investigation was nothing more than a vendetta or a misunderstanding, but the truth was far more damning. If the airline had hired Nathan, they would have provided him with the intel. So why did it look like his investigation was not going well?

"What kind of misconduct?" Ava pressed her voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. "I can't say for certain. But I've uncovered financial irregularities, falsified records... things that could put the safety of passengers at risk."

Ava's mind raced with the implications of Nathan's words. If Captain Roberts was blameworthy of such crimes, her dreams of becoming a captain would be shattered beyond repair. But if he was innocent...

"I will work with you," Ava said, her voice tinged with desperation. "I need to know the truth, whatever it may be."

Nathan regarded her with a mixture of surprise and admiration as if seeing her in a new light. "I'll give you what I have. But be warned—you are part of a secret investigation now. Anything discussed between us has to remain so."

"Understood, loud and clear. Now, how can I help you?" Ava looked at Nathan expectantly as she crossed her arms.

"We might have to do a little digging before we go on our first mission. Do you think you are up for roleplaying?" Ava creased her brows.

"What kind of role?" Nathan smirked at Ava as he relaxed into his seat. His investigation was about to get exciting.