Pandora's Box

Chapter 8

Winter, 2013
Willis Tower, CIASF Main Office
Chicago

"You're applying to be her partner for missions?" Howard raised a brow at Rhys, who now stood in front of his superior's desk, rocking back and forth on his feet like a sheepish five year old. "She hasn't even passed her three month probation period yet, and you're already applying for it? What happened to you doubting she'd be able to do anything?"

"She'll be fine." Rhys replied, a soft smile that had his friend and superior's already raised brow disappear into his hairline.

"And what brought about this change in attitude?" he couldn't help asking.

"Oh shove off. You trusted me to be her commanding officer, now would you just trust me when I tell you she'll be fine." Rhys grumbled, finally flashing a glare at Howard.

His friend laughed, before leaning back. The late afternoon sun gleamed off his neatly combed hair as Howard leaned forward to toss a folder in front of Rhys. "You came at the perfect time, anyway. I've passed Anthony his case files, and this will be yours. There's two this time. Evan and Kya will need to go to Sri Lanka. Let Tricia stay here for ground work. I'm sending Dora with you to Ibiza."

His eyes popped, as he grabbed the folder and opened it. The usual profile and case reports were arrayed within the manilla sleeves, along with a picture of an obese and overweight looking dark headed male. He groaned. "Why must they always be obese?"

Howard shrugged, chuckling. "His wife reports that he's had a history of infidelity, and he goes to Ibiza with his friends way too often for her to be comfortable with. Plus, she suspects he takes drugs."

"I wouldn't be surprised. How does he keep up with all the alcohol and food he takes?" Rhys made a face, leaning in to take a closer look at the mug shots he had been provided with, sniggering when he saw the height and weight stated in the profile. Howard shook his head at the smug comments.

"Watch your words, Jarett." he warned, grabbing two tickets and handing it over to Rhys. "Here, your flights are heading out next week. Brief her well, this is going to be her first case out. It's fairly simple, but make sure she's up to date."

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  Winter, 2013
O'Hare International Airport
Chicago

"Considering the weather, I'm sure as hell glad we're heading for a case in the islands." Kya muttered, as the four of them lined up at the Starbucks in the departure terminal. While Kya and Evan were headed for Terminal 3, Rhys and Pandora were heading towards Terminal 15. Both the flights were scheduled to take off in another hour or so, but the early hours had negated the need for food and instead made them head straight for the caffeine.

Pandora had been excited for her first case, but now a sense of worry was beginning to set in to her face. Unable to help noticing the rather downtrodden look the blonde wore, Rhys frowned. He had gotten used to her sunshine personality, and found himself worried when her eyes studied her fidgeting feet. Nudging her with her shoulder, he gave a small smile when she looked up. "What's the matter?" he asked beneath his breathe, hoping that Kya and Evan in front of him wouldn't hear.

"I... How long do cases like this usually take?" she asked.

He raised a brow. "Are you in a hurry to get back already? I thought you were excited." he tried to tease. They had fallen into easy banter ever since Rhys had sent her back on his bike, and he had done so again a couple more times. Pandora had apparently discovered a new love for riding pillion on a speeding super bike. But this time, his teasing words failed to get a smile out of her, much to his personal horror.