Don't Tell (Don't 1)

“I’m Agent Kenneth.” He placed two folders on the table. “I thought we could have a conversation. Would you be ok with that?”

I stared at the white diamonds woven into his red tie.

“Miss Charles?”

I nodded. “I suppose. You realize I am attorney.”

He smiled. His lips were almost paper thin. It was an unsettling feeling sitting across from him. “Yes. We know exactly what you do.”

I wrung my hands together in my lap. “Should I ask for counsel before we begin?”

He flipped open the first folder. “You have that right, as you know, but I hope that we can talk a little first. If you cooperate, we are willing to work a deal on your charges. I can do that for you.”

“I was told I would receive a list of charges,” I stated. “What are they exactly?” I hadn’t wrapped my head around any part of this experience. I needed to retreat to the part of me that worked seamlessly no matter the circumstances. The place where I could become emotionless. Logical. The law.

“Conspiracy to commit theft of government information.”

My eyes locked on Agent Kenneth while he spoke. He had a northern accent. I was spending too much time trying to place it, instead of listening to my alleged crimes. Crimes. I hadn’t committed crimes. I shouldn’t be here. I realized there was still the possibility they had arrested the wrong suspect. I debated whether I should threaten the agent with a false accusation suit.

“These are federal charges with penalties that include fines up to a million dollars and over twenty years in prison.” He seemed certain he had the person he wanted in custody.

The roll of nausea lurched in my stomach.

“Oh God.” I jumped from the table and ran to the corner of the room. There was a small waste basket.

“Miss Charles?” The agent waited at the table.

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. I stood, trying to catch my balance. My hands shook.

“This can’t be happening,” I whispered.

The door opened and a hand reached in to remove the trash can. It was immediately replaced with a new one. I felt the embarrassment wash through me.

I sat across from him, encased in humiliation and fear.

When I looked down at the table there was a picture in front of me. A black and white photo of a man.

My fingers touched the corners and I held it toward my face.

It was a man with a distinctive angular jaw. He had dark hair. Dark eyes. And long eyelashes that took my breath away. It was Vaughn.

I looked up at Agent Kenneth. “Why did you hand this to me?”

“Do you know him?”

I stared at Vaughn’s face. I wanted to trace over his full lips. I didn’t know if this meant he was in danger. If something horrible had happened to him. A new sickness whirled through me. What if that was what this was about? Vaughn needed me. He needed my help.

“Y-yes, I do. Is he all right?” I asked quietly.

The agent laughed. “I’d say he’s about five million dollars all right.”

“Excuse me?”

He shook his head. “I apologize. I realize this isn’t a humorous situation.”

“No it’s not.” I pinched my lips together.

He closed one folder and opened another. “Can you please identify the man in the picture?”