Chapter Ten

Jane caught at the banister and hung on until the dizziness passed.  Ever since they’d come home from Congressman Kelly’s dinner party, she hadn’t been feeling well.  Dazedly, she thought that something wasn’t right.  When she’d gotten out of the car, everything spun, and many-colored stars danced in her vision.  She’d climbed the stairs slowly, and not bothered with saying goodnight.  She needed to sleep.

Jane let go of the handrail and walked carefully down the hall, keeping close to a wall and steadying herself with one hand.  The world spun, and the icy feeling of anxiety inched its way up the back of her neck.  The stars appeared again, and a knot in her stomach tightened until she could hardly breath.

“Jane, are you alright?”

She spun around, then caught at the wall.  A black suited figure appeared in front of her.  “Agent Knight.”

The agent stepped closer.  “Jane, what’s the matter?”  His voice was tight, and worry furrowed his brow.  He peered into her eyes.  They were scared.

Chapter Seven

Jane stopped by the kitchen for a snack on the way to her room.  As she entered the room quietly, she noticed Agent Rook,  sitting alone at the small table.  She held her cell phone loosely in one hand, staring blankly at the black screen.  Jane stopped, feeling like an intruder.  Obviously something personal was troubling the agent.

A large tear landed on the table, and Jane turned away.  This was none of her business.  Best to leave now and give the woman some privacy. 

Despite her efforts to forget the scene, though, Jane couldn’t get it out of her head.  For the rest of the day she felt disturbed, noticing a gravity among the agents that was out of the ordinary.

Seeing Agent Knight walking down the hall, Jane hurried after him.  “Agent Knight!”  Despite their recent differences, she was the most comfortable asking him what the matter was.

He turned and Jane saw that his face was a little more serious than it usually was.

“Did something happen to Agent Rook?”

“Why do you ask?”  He replied as if surprised.

Jane peered at him closely.  “Am I not supposed to know?  Because I can tell something is wrong.”

He sighed.  She was not fooled.  “Agent Rook’s father has just passed away.  She is trying to get a couple of days off for the funeral, but so far, she hasn’t been successful.  Some of us are offering to take her duties, hopefully that will get her some vacation.”

Jane felt tears threaten.  “If it’s ok, will you tell her I’m sorry?”

“I will.  She’ll appreciate it.”  Agent Knight said kindly.

“Thanks.  If…” Jane hesitated.  “If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”  She hoped Agent Knight wouldn’t take this as a polite nothing.  She really meant it.

He nodded quickly, and Jane knew he didn’t believe her.  “If she can’t get off I want to know, will you tell me?”

As Agent Knight hesitated,  Jane continued.  “Maybe Daddy could talk to her supervisor, or something.”

“That would probably just get her in trouble, Jane.”  Agent Knight hated to discourage her, but it was better to tell her the truth.

Jane frowned.  “Is your supervisor that mean?”  She asked, a little put out.

He couldn’t help the laugh that slipped past his lips.  She had no idea.  If she ever met Black she would understand.  Agent Knight imagined her awkwardness in front of his stern superior.

Jane flushed hotly, but stuck to her point.  “You tell me if Agent Rook can’t get off.”  She ordered.

Agent Knight almost bristled under the commanding way she said it, but Jane didn’t care.  He shouldn’t have laughed at her.  She turned and walked away.

Chapter Four

Christmas was strange in the new house, with a few agents watching the proceedings.  But after the new year, Jane looked forward to a promised visit from Cassidy.

“Jane!”  Cassidy slammed into Jane and wrapped her arms around her tightly.  Jane squeezed back and blinked at the tears of joy that threatened.  She wasn’t going to cry in front of Agent Knight.  Again.  The girls hurried to the car and jumped in.  As Agent Knight put the car in gear, Cassidy turned to Jane.  “Tell me everything that has been going on, Jane!”

Jane cast a hesitant glance into the front of the car.  Does Cassidy not notice this stranger?  She wondered.

Cassidy followed her glance and understood.  She changed the subject.  “My flight was pretty good, I don’t care for all that security, though.  The poor lady sitting across from me was sick the whole way, I thought she was going to throw up.”  She chattered on until they arrived at the house, then Jane took her straight up to her room for a heart to heart talk.  Without anyone listening.

“What was the matter, Jane?”  Cassidy asked as soon as the door was shut.