Entangled ✔️

Chapter 11

In Which Our Hero and Heroine witness Sad reality of life

The next morning Ahana got a very important phone call that the Slum- case girls were ready for their interview. They went into her office, and Adam sat on one of the rolling chairs, going over his interview notes. His journalistic senses were telling him this story was much bigger than she was letting on, and for the first time, Adam was nervous before an interview. Ahana smile reassuringly at him and adjusted his tie.

“Remember what I said. Don’t look them in the eye, and if they don’t want to answer a question, move on.”
Adam was a little miffed about her advice. “I know how to do my job.” He tried to hide the irritation in his voice, but his tone was clipped nonetheless.

He was surprised when she replied curtly, “So do I, and these are my country people and most importantly some innocent girls . It’s my job to protect them, so you need to listen to me, Adam Connor, and agree to my terms or the interview’s off. And that’s regardless of any other contractual obligations we have. Do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled, embracing her. “Don’t worry. I got this.”

“I know. Like I said, I would have given this interview to you anyway. Just remember the article can’t have my name in it.”

“Seriously, you’re not going to take any credit for this case? You know it’s a matter of public record, right?”

“So let the public find it themselves. I don’t want it advertised.” She went back to her chair, which was a good thing because Adam had an urge to kiss her.

Her assistant came in, carrying two foil-wrapped items. Ahana introduced her to Adam. “Your lunch,” Kaira announced, tossing both on Ahana’s desk.

Ahana looked at her watch and back at Adam. “Want to have lunch with me? I have a free lecture.We still have some time.”

“Sure, what’s on the menu?”
Ahana’s assistant answered, shaking her head, “What she has every day…hot dogs.”

“You eat a hot dog for lunch every day?” Adam asked, wondering at the health risks of such a choice.

In typical Ahana fashion, she shrugged. “Yeah, why? You don’t like hot dogs?”

“No, I can go for a hot dog.”

“Really, Ahana, you should take better care of yourself,” Kaira muttered, clearing some files from Ahana’s desk.

“Do you have my Lab schedule yet, Kaira?” Ahana replied.

“Don’t worry. You’ll get it.”

“I’d really appreciate if you could work on that.”

Kaira nodded and walked out of the room. Adam wondered if Ahana enjoyed being mistreated by others. He had heard of those women before, ones who didn’t mind if the world stepped on them. Yet Ahana was different. She didn’t quite fit that mold. In fact, Ahana didn’t fit any mold as far as Adam could see.

They sat across from each other and ate. Ahana took a few bites while working on her computer and typing back-to-back . Adam realized she probably stuck to hot dogs because they were easy to hold with one hand. This girl knew how to multitask. What’s more, she was very assertive with the other Professors who peeked into her office and the people on the phone. It was strange how this didn’t carry over into her personal relationships.

Jason stuck his head in. “Hey, Adam . Hi, Ahana. They’re in conference room A. Ready to walk down?”

“Sure. Thanks, Jason,” Ahana replied and threw away the majority of her lunch.