“How’d your phone calls go?” Jason picked up the menu. The food was old-school coffee shop. Soups, hot and cold sandwiches, and a few classics like pot roast and meat loaf.
“Productive.” Kennedy added, “The food’s decent. I’ve stayed here before.”
Jason glanced up from his menu. “It sounds like you’re on the road a lot. I thought that wasn’t standard procedure for the Behavioral Analysis Units.”
“It’s not.” That sounded like a full stop, but Kennedy lowered his menu. Cast Jason a direct look. “I’m a skin-in-the-game kind of guy.”
Jason nodded. He could see that. Kennedy was not someone to stand on the sidelines. He would not be content with reading over other people’s reports, but being on the scene must make it harder to stay completely impersonal, which was one of the keys to successful behavioral analysis. On the other hand, remaining completely impersonal was the challenge for all law enforcement.
The waitress arrived, and Kennedy ordered a whisky sour and the grilled salmon. Jason ordered the fried chicken salad and a kamikaze.
“Kamikaze?” Kennedy asked as the waitress moved off. “Planning on drowning your troubles tonight?”
“I had a rough day.”
He was sort of joking, sort of not, but the level look Kennedy directed at him made Jason feel self-conscious.
He was disconcerted when Kennedy said, “I know you did. That was good work this afternoon.”
“That remains to be seen.”
Kennedy smiled faintly. He was still studying Jason with that steady blue regard that was just a little…unsettling. Yes, it was unsettling to have Kennedy’s complete and unwavering attention.
Jesus, his eyes were blue.
Happily their drinks arrived, and Jason was able to break free of the tractor beam.
“Why the Art Crime Team?” Kennedy asked.
It took Jason a second to collect his thoughts. “Because I had a Masters in Art History and I realized I didn’t want to teach. I wanted action and adventure.” He grinned with self-mockery. “I wanted to be Indiana Jones.”
“I thought Indiana Jones was an archeologist?”
“By then it was too late to change my major.”
Kennedy snorted. “So you decided to join the FBI.”
“Hey, people come to the FBI from all kinds of professional and academic backgrounds. It’s not just law enforcement or military.”
“I know.”
“Did you know the original FBI agents were all accountants and bookkeepers?”
“Yes. Everyone who’s made it through the academy knows that.” Kennedy gave Jas
on another of those concentrated stares. “You’re the youngest member of the Art Crimes Team. Agents have to have at least five years field experience to be considered for ACT. You had three when you were assigned.”
Jason shrugged. “Maybe I have connections.”
Kennedy’s eyes narrowed. “Do you?”
Once again it was almost impossible to drag his gaze away from Kennedy’s. Why did he feel like Kennedy was probing for more than just the obvious answer?
Jason replied, “I earned my position on the team.”
“Hm.” Kennedy said with a hint of mockery, “People certainly seem to hold high hopes for you.”
“And I have every intention of living up to those expectations.”