Spies

Chapter 2

"Ms Andino. I don't think you've met my new assistant, Ms Johnson." Mr Matthias said, presenting the woman who was standing next to him. He then proceeded to take files from her hand and sit down in his chair.

"No, sir," I replied, looking at her. I then reached out to shake her hand, which she ignored with a look of disgust.

"Alright then," my boss said, cutting the thick tense air that suddenly pervaded the room. "We have some things to discuss. Some changes have been made while you were in France."

I then decided to take the calm and reserved approach into dealing with the changes I knew about already. "Okay. Proceed," I replied.

"Firstly there is the matter of taking on a new partner. I know about your reservations about the topic," he said as my facial structure contorted to express my distaste. "But this is mandated by very high-powered people that all field agents take on a new partner."

"But-"

"There is no buts about it," he interrupted me. "I know your reservations on the subject, as well as many others, but for now, this is how it has to be."

Instead of complaining, I did what I always did in situations that left me in a corner - put on a smile and move forward. "Okay, sir. I'm sure I'll adjust."

He looked at me, confused for a few seconds, then moved on, "Alright then. " He averted his attention to one of his drawers and pulled out a file and gave it to me. "These are a few of the other alterations that took place in your absence. I hope you become familiar with them by the end of the week." Uggghhhhhhh.

He gave me a thick folder, eyes saying good luck. "Thank you, sir. If there is nothing else," I say, getting up from my seat and proceeding to the door.

"No. Nothing," he said, getting up. We exchanged pleasantries and then I left. Before I walked out the door,I looked at Nyx, who was standing in the corner doing what I have come to know her for - glaring at me.

I began looking through the file as I walked back to the elevator. All the unnecessary information bombarded me, like changes to the uniform and the exams I may have to take for the privileges I have now. Who really mandated this? I asked myself for the umpteenth time today.

It was then I bumped into someone, sending all my loose pages scattered to the ground along with their cell phone. Great. I keep my head down as I descend to pick up the pages.

"Oh, ouch! Looks like I'm going to need your name and number for insurance purposes," the person says with a deep flirty baritone.

"What," I said, looking up at the guy who was smiling.

Seeing what I thought I saw had to be a trick. The guy looking down at me was, cliche as it may be, a Greek God. Strong jawline, white skin, green eyes, cute smile, pink lips....all in a dark grey suit with a crisp white shirt and grey tie. To say he looked sexy would be an understatement.

Then, I finally registered what he said and blushed, something normally uncommon in black women. I quickly gathered the papers, with some help from him, and stood up.

"Ummm..." I started. " Don't worry about it." He looked at me confusedly and I took that as an opportunity to run.

I get in the elevator, looking down at my papers. In the corner of my eye, I could still see him staring at me, even as the metal doors closed.

Hopefully I won't have to see him again, I thought embarrassed.

I get back to my desk, reading the files. My thoughts then wander to who my new partner might be, if I even get one, and to the sexy mystery man I bumped into.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Gaia said, popping up with coffee for both of us. She had changed her outfit from the classy business suit she had to casual jeans and a shirt. Looks like she has a field assignment today.

I took it from her, shaking off the question. "It's nothing."

"Well, I have to get going on a case. My partner should be waiting on me," she said, smiling and looking over her shoulder.

"Really, who is it?" I said, sipping the hot coffee.

"You haven't met her yet but here she comes," she said, gazing at someone behind me.

"Gaia, you ready to go?" asks a woman behind me. "Oh, hi. Sorry if I was interrupting."

"Oh, no. You're not interrupting," I answered. "Go ahead, Gaia. We'll talk later."

Gaia just giggles at me, and proceeds to introduce us. "Chara, this is my antisocial friend, Callie. Callie, this is Chara, my partner for the last few weeks."

I look at her, setting down my coffee mug to shake her outstretched hand, "Hi."

She was a beautiful average-built girl of African descent. Her curly hair was in a huge puff at the top of her head and her hazel eyes held varying emotions. Like my friend, she too was dressed casually with light makeup.

"Hi," she replied with a bright smile. "From what Gaia tells me, you don't have a reason for being shy."

"Not shy, just not trusting with new people."

"Same here," she replies. "Hopefully I don't get on your bad side then, she jokes and we all laugh.

"We should get going," Gaia says after a while.

"Well, I'll see you guys later," I told them.

After they walked away, I looked through the papers and saw the name of my future partner - Alessandro Diakos. Sexy name.

"How are you doing, partner?" said a familiar deep baritone behind me.

I spun around in my chair, to come face to face with the guy who bumped into me.

Oh Lord Jesus. Why me?!?