Divisions

Part 1 - Chapter 2

"Evening... Michael..." she responded, the word playing on her lips.

"You're awfully young to know Mr. Jeffries like that," Jarred said, watching her gaze. She schooled her face a second too late to hide the indignation that flashed across her face.

"Well," she said, curtly. "You can assume all you want about the type of woman I am, but I... refuse to be called a gold-digger. It was good to make your acquaintance...but shouldn't you be somewhere else?" she turned away, preparing to leave.

Jarred gently grabbed her arm and held her with her back against him, his grip tightened slightly, ever so slightly.

"Listen," he whispered. "You're not Mr. Jeffries's "guest". Clearly, I think we both know what you are. You're an agent, aren't you?"

She turned to face him, wanting to protest, but decided to think against it.

"And that makes you what, James Bond? Announcing his presence to every girl pretty enough to catch his eye?" she retorted, her voice low.

Jarred was silent.

"So, I think it's only fair that we stay out of each other's business," she concluded, her chin up as she met his gaze. She was fiery, her hair auburn, her eyes challenging.

"What if you are my business?" he probed, his voice hushed.

It was her turn to glare in silence.

"Well, you're certainly not mine... Mathew was it?"

"Michael."

"Michael. I am not here for you. Just the fact that I am speaking to you jeopardizes my reason for being here." She shook her head, taunting, as they locked eyes.

"Maybe that's why I'm here, Ms. Rachel Marshal, to jeopardize your purpose." Jarred replied, grinning. This game was becoming rather amusing to him.

She looked down, and her face changed. She moved away immediately.

"I think it would be appropriate if I returned to Mr. Jeffries," she said, curtly. "He's coming this way,"

Sure as day, Mr. Jeffries was walking towards them.

"Ah, Rachel" he grinned at her, his expression predatory. "I came to collect you... and who is this?" he asked, looking at Jarryd's IDA badge.

"Michael. Michael Rodham." he nodded, extending his hand and returning a firm handshake.

He grinned. "Very strong arm you have there. If you ever need to transfer to the NIF, I'll keep you in mind."

He kept my face still. "I'll keep be sure to remember that, sir,"

"Call me Harrison," Mr. Jeffries responded, his smile fixed in place. "I hope you wouldn't mind if I collect my Rachel here,"

The way he said "my Rachel" caused the young woman to bristle slightly, Jarred noticed.

"That will be fine, Harrison," she said to him sweetly. "It was nice to meet you, Mr. Rodham," she added, nodding in his direction, her face triumphant.

She had won, the both knew. She now had new information to tell her handlers. Whilst he did not, well, not anything of substances.

"A pleasure, Ms. Marshall," he responded, walking away, when he noticed that Rachel had dropped a piece of jewelry on the ground, which he picked up,

But, before he could hand it back to her, his Cinderella was already gone.

~~~

1 hour later