The Delivery Girl

29. Exclusive

Julie

I reenter the elevator after dropping off the folder. I didn't need to look inside to know it was probably full of nonsense; Callen just needed an excuse to get me out of the room. He's been hiding the more sensitive parts of his life from me. It wasn't unusual for him to act like that before we started dating – being closed off. Maybe I was stupid to think things would change. The thought stings, but I let it go.

As the elevator ascends, I replay my brief interaction with Eliza. She was stressing me out, interrogating me like I was nothing but a criminal. I think about it, trying to pinpoint why she seemed to dislike me so much. I could tell she was much smarter than she let on.

I suddenly realize what an idiot I am.

She knows.

Of course she wouldn't want her brother to be dating his assistant, probably doesn't think I'm worth his time or affection.

I decide to worry about this later as I return to the office. To my relief, Eliza is already gone. In her place is Jacob, and a small man, dressed in a long tweed coat. They and Callen are crowded around his desk.

"Er, hello, I'm Julie," I greet the strange man warily. Is he a client? I've never seen one who looks like this before. Callen is notoriously selective when it comes to accepting clients. Something about the company's image.

"James, this is Julie," Callen introduces us. "Julie, this is James, or...detective Carne, I suppose. He's working on the threat case."

James comes over and enthusiastically shakes my hand. "Ah, so this is the lovely girlfriend!"

The look in Callen's eyes darken and he takes a few steps closer to us. "I'm counting on you to solve this, James," he says, his voice low and sharp. "If anything happens to Julie because of the case, you're going to fucking regret it."

He gulps, his confidence falters as he returns to Callen's desk. Despite trying to keep my expression neutral, I find myself blushing. There's something about Callen's protectiveness – simply the way he says my name – that turns my insides to mush.

Curious, I approach Callen's desk as well to see what they're looking at. Sealed in a clear plastic bag is a photo with one corner burnt off. It's ominous enough to send a chill down my spine.

"What is that?" I ask nervously.

"Someone mailed this to me. Hayley's trying to get a hold of the original to see what's missing," Callen explains.

I think for a moment. Who's unstable enough to send something like this? "Could it be Maddie?" I ask. "She seemed pretty upset at you."

"Maddie?" James asks, pulling out a small notepad.

Callen frowns a bit but briefly explains their situation. I try not to feel guilty for bringing her up, seeing the discomfort it brings him.

James scratches some messy notes down. "I'll look into that," he mumbles.

I listen quietly as the three of them speak a bit more about the case. It's clear that Callen is skeptical of James and his competence. Why in the world did he hire him?

"Anyways, that's it," Callen says, handing the photo to James. "Keep me posted. I'll see you next time."

"Will do!" James says with a thumbs up. His cheerfulness is jarring in the context of the situation. "Nice meeting you, Julie." He shakes my hand again and begins to dig through one of his many pockets. "Let me give you my business card."