She looks at me, then back to Maggie. “Working undercover, finding ways to tell the truth while lying, and finding out people’s secrets in subtle ways are skills that are very difficult to teach. Most field agents in the FBI will go through quite a few training courses and never be able to do them effectively. Wouldn’t you agree, Shane?”
I nod, knowing that most FBI agents are products of their bureaucracy. They can grind, they can use the FBI like a bludgeon, but very few can do what I do. “Not many. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Seeing possible solutions beyond the scope of the usual point-to-point way of thinking is also exceedingly rare,” Maria says, turning her attention back to Maggie. “It seems you do well with both of these. In short, you impressed me, Miss Postland. And I don’t impress easily.”
Maggie gulps beside me, and I squeeze her hand. “See? I’m not the only one.”
Maggie blushes more deeply, but smiles. “Thank you.”
“The FBI has a very straightforward system for becoming an agent,” Maria says, toying with the paper in her hands. “But, there is considerably more flexibility when it comes to being a consultant. Especially when you’re a relatively minor field office like this one. So I’d like to offer you a job with my team. Very entry-level to see how you do, an internship, if you will. But an opportunity beyond anything you’ve ever considered before.”
Maggie looks at me, shock clearly written across her face as Maria slides the paper across her desk. “Me? Working for the FBI?”
I smile, encouraging her. “It’s your call, Maggie. You’re free to do anything you want now. If this sounds interesting, go for it.”
“Can I become an agent too?” she asks, looking at Maria. She picks up the paperwork, flipping through it for a moment. “I mean, what does a consultant do?”
“Basically, you’d be able to do all the grunt work, but you can’t carry a gun or arrest people,” Maria says. “But if you want, well, I could set you up on the path for that. I’d discourage it, though. Consultants don’t have to worry about rank or getting reassigned away from their . . . significant others.”
Maggie nods, then grins at me. It’s so beautiful I want to kiss her, right here and now, but I manage to refrain.
For now.
“That does sound interesting,” Maggie says, setting the papers back down on Maria’s desk. “I accept, but can I have one request? That I work with Shane and Chucky as I get my feet wet. I trust them and want to learn from them.”
Maria stands, offering her hand. “Already planned, although you’ll get some oversight and training from me too. See you two on Monday then. Get out of here for now.”
Just as we reach the door, Maria speaks up again. “Oh, and Shane, I need that report. Today.”
I grin, knowing that I can get it done and still be able to take Maggie out for a little celebration later. “Sure thing.”
We walk out hand-in-hand, ready for the next beginning. Together.
Epilogue
Maggie
Walking into the apartment, I can immediately tell something is off and I go on high alert. Quietly opening my purse, I reach for my pistol. I scan the living room for anything amiss, keeping my back towards the door I just cleared.
Seeing nothing but trusting my instincts, I walk heel-toe further into the apartment, looking into the kitchen to make sure no one is ducked down to take advantage of the blind spot. Clear. Other than a couple of dirty dishes in the sink, everything looks just like it normally does.
Silently steadying my breath, I breach the bedroom doorway. Before I can fully scan, an arm pops down across mine, knocking my weapon to the floor and continuing the maneuver to twist my arms up behind me.
I’m yanked against a hard body, male, judging by the impressive bulge pressing against me, and a lot taller than me, considering the bulge is pressed to my back, not my ass.
“You forgot to check your blind spot first,” a deep voice growls in my ear. “You know what happens now.
My training kicks in, and in one smooth motion, I pop my hips back to knock my attacker off-balance, pull forward in a twisting motion, and dive into a front roll to get space between us.
I grab my gun from the floor, standing in perfect stance with my attacker three feet away with his hands up in surrender. “On your knees.”
My voice is hard, projecting power, something Maria’s had me work on in training. He lowers to his knees, a smirk on his face as I step closer. “Usually, I’d prefer for you to be on your knees, sucking me off. But this works too. Come here and let me lick you, Angel.”