Page 6

As the sounds of Anita Baker flowed through my home speakers, I stood over the stove and mixed my infamous Alfredo sauce. Nate was coming over tonight for dinner, and I was more than ready to see him. It’d been two weeks since he made me come inside my office at work, and my body hummed in excitement. I know things are moving pretty swiftly with us, but that’s okay. We’re both consenting adults, and I knew what I wanted from Mr. Nate.

After the confrontation with Bryce earlier today, I started to cancel my plans for the night. The more I sat and thought about it, the more I changed my mind. That’s exactly what he wanted me to do. Allowing him to have power over my life wasn’t happening. It was time I had a little fun for once, and if that just so happens to come with a side of dick, so be it.

“Perfection!” I tasted my sauce as I cut the stove down to low. It was a little after seven, and Nate was set to arrive any moment now. Taking the breadsticks from the oven, I looked around and made sure everything was in place. The wine was chilling on ice, the pasta and steaks were done, and the lights were low to set the mood. I may have been doing a lot for a man that wasn’t mine, but the reward would be well worth it. Trekking to my downstairs bathroom, I eyed myself in the mirror to ensure there wasn’t a hair out of place. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile.

“I mean… I would want to fuck me.” I giggled before I turned serious. “Don’t mess this night up, Denim.”

Under my see-through sheer robe was a cherry red two-piece set with a garter belt that I hope Nate appreciates. My toned chocolate skin shimmered under the lights thanks to my body butter, which left my skin soft and delectable. Thanks to Briley, my breasts were firm, my hips were wide, and my ass was fat. All five-foot-seven inches of me was beautiful. I wasn’t a cocky or conceited woman by any means. I just knew I was a baddie.

Pushing my curls from my face, I jumped slightly as my doorbell sounded. I took a deep breath before I strolled up the hallway to the front door. Slowly, I unlatched it, and when Nate came into view, I couldn’t help but smirk. No matter the circumstances, the man was fine. Dressed in a Givenchy t-shirt, distressed Amiri jeans, and some colorful Nike Dunks I’d never seen, I appreciated his look. It showed me that he cared enough to not show up in some loungewear even though this date was inside my house. His one dimple came into view as he held his arms open for me to walk into his embrace. Without a second thought, I did just that. With a deep sniff of his cologne, I was intoxicated before a drop of wine could touch my lips.

“You look good as fuck, baby,” he groaned into my ear as he squeezed my ass tightly in his hands. “Lemme find out you been missing a nigga.”

“Come in. Let’s eat first, and then maybe… I can show you how much that statement is true.” I bit into my bottom lip as I grabbed his hand and locked the door behind us. “You didn’t bring me a gift from your trip?”

“Relax, ma.” He chuckled as he looked around my place. It was his first time here. Nate informed me he was a creature of habit and didn’t like walking into unknown spaces. Usually, when we met up, it was at a restaurant or his condo downtown. “I’m the only gift you need. I told you that I’ll buy you bread, but I’ll never break it. This ain’t that type of party.”

My steps faltered as I listened to his snide comment. I know Nate isn’t my man, and he’s shown me several red flags, letting me know why he never would be. I was only here for a good time, anyway—not a long one. Not bothering to address his comment, I led him into the dining room and pulled his seat out for him. Raising his brow at me, he sat and eyed me like a hawk. Regardless of how rude he was being, I was going to continue to cater to him tonight.

“I hope you like dinner,” I said as I placed his meal before him. “You’re so secretive and selective when it comes to certain things, so I decided to make a meal I’ve seen you order before.”

Nodding, he said thanks and began eating before I could even sit down. He was being weird tonight, and it was starting to throw the mood off. I decided to join in and eat instead of worrying about his silence and awkward behavior. I let it go on for a few minutes before I said fuck it and broke the ice.

“So… how was your trip?” I asked as I dug into the pasta. I must admit, it was probably the best I’ve made. “Did everything go your way?”

“There’s hardly a time it doesn’t.” He sipped his wine and eyed me over the rim of the glass. “Niggas know not to fuck with me.”

“Is that right?” I rolled my eyes as I cut into my steak. “What exactly is it that you do? I mean… it’s been a month, and I still feel like we just met. I know nothing about your family, your job, you… nothing.”

In a sense, you would think that the same thing I went through with Bryce is what I’m going through with Nate, but it’s different. I know what this is with Nate. He may have made me come twice, but I’m more in control of this situation. I know how far I’m willing to go. Bryce manipulated me from hello. Nate has been upfront about his business being his and his alone. He did let me know I wasn’t the only woman he was dealing with, and I never would be. I respected his honesty and the choice to continue whatever this was, but he was going to have to give me more if he planned to do this “dating” part.

“What have I told you about asking me questions about my business, Dee?” He placed his fork down and eyeballed me. “I told you from the jump. I’m a businessman, and I get money. What else do you want to know?”

“I was just making conversation,” I mumbled as I continued eating the food on my plate. “I won’t ask again.”

For a moment, we sat there quietly and allowed the awkwardness to fill the air. Hearing him push his chair from the other side of the table, I looked up and locked eyes with him. Beckoning me to come to him, I took a sip of my wine before doing as he commanded. Once I was in front of him, I hovered over him as his eyes roamed my body. Goosebumps formed as the lust and hunger became evident on his face.

“You look good as fuck, girl.” He licked his bottom lip and pulled the tie from my robe, causing it to slip open. “You wore this shit for me?” Nodding was all I could do as he pushed the fabric from my shoulders and watched it pool to the floor at my feet. “Damn, that pussy is fat.”

Running his finger over the slit of my panties, I shivered as the wetness leaked more than it was prior. Turning me around slowly, he slapped my ass, and I moaned at the impact. His hands roamed my ass and hips before they reached my top. Pushing the straps from my shoulders, he spun me back around as my breasts came into display.

“Nate…” I panted as he pinched my nipples. “Ugh!”

“I’ve had a long two weeks.” He kept his eyes on me as one hand continued the nipple play, and the other caressed my body slowly. “I lost two of my best men to gunfire, so excuse me if I don’t want to talk about it.” Standing, he spun me back around and pushed me toward the table until I was lying on top of it. “Then, I come in here thinking we’re going to spend time together, and you wanna interrogate a nigga.”

“Nate, what are you doing?” He kicked my legs apart as I heard him rattle the belt of his slacks. “I don’t?—”

“You better be glad I don’t think you’re wearing a wire on some fed shit.” He hissed as he groped me. “Being in a man in the business that I’m in, you have to be careful sticking your nose in shit that doesn’t pertain to you.”

“What are you?—”

“You don’t think I know somebody sent you to watch me?” He grabbed ahold of my messy bun and snatched my head back so his mouth was directly by my ear. “You think a bitch as bad as you can pop up in my town and not make waves? I don’t buy that ‘you came into town just to work’ shit.”

“Nate, let me go…” I spoke in a panic as I struggled against him. I was ready for him to leave. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

Ignoring me, he continued to grope and kiss all over me. My heart dropped when I heard his pants fall to the floor. I knew I had to do something to get this man off of me.

“Don’t worry about what’s wrong with me, baby. Just know… you have until the time I bust this nut to tell me what the fuck I wanna know before I paint the walls with your brains.” My eyes bulged at his threat. “I’ve been killing niggas all my life. What’s another body? It doesn’t matter how bad you are.”

Slapping my pussy with his dick, he had no time to penetrate before I elbowed him as hard as I could in his side. Groaning, he stumbled backward from impact, giving me room to slide from under him. Hurriedly, I ran back over to my side of the table. I watched with wide eyes as he caught his bearings and growled my way.

“I’m going to kill you bitch!”

Fumbling under the table, I found what I was looking for right as he was about to lunge my way. “If I were you, I wouldn’t take another step. Don’t come any closer to me.” I walked sideways to the end of the table we were on, my eyes never leaving his.

“What are you going to do with that besides piss me off?” He smirked and continued to walk my way. “If I were you, I’d put that down before I kill you instead of fucking you. Matter of fact?—”

Pow!

“Freeze!”

“What the fuck!” he groaned from the floor as he held his fresh thigh wound. His eyes widened from the uniformed officers swarming into my home. “Bitch! You set me up!”

“As you said… I was sent here to watch you, Nate.”

Picking my robe up from the floor, I watched as a team of federal agents filed into the rented house to apprehend one of the most dangerous men the state of California has seen. From drugs to trafficking to murder, he was as ruthless as they come. It was a shame that a pretty face and a fat ass was the reason his downfall had finally started.

“I ran background checks on you!” He bucked and shouted as they led him out the door. “Who the fuck are you?”

“You will always see only what I want you to see…” I smirked at him right as my superior agent came into the house. He eyed me and my attire before turning his sights to Nate. “You don’t think a federal agent like me knows how to minimize what comes up in databases about me?”

Seething, he watched me with so much hate. “You don’t have shit on me. I’ll be out by morning.”

Smiling, I removed the hairpins and allowed my curls to flow over my shoulders. I shook them loose before removing the pin that held the hidden camera. Upon seeing it, he had to be restrained. “There’s more where this came from, Mr. Nate. You should see the ones I planted in your condo.”

“You’re dead!” he screamed and spit as he was carried outside. “I’m killing you and your family, bitch! Let me go! Let me fuckin’ go!”

His screams and shouts faded as he was escorted from the home, and I breathed the sigh of relief I had been holding for the last few weeks. This was by far my most stressful assignment to date.

“Looks like you were dressed for the occasion, Special Agent Atkins.” Senior Special Agent Roberts looked toward me with disdain. “Was this necessary?”

“I got the job done, didn’t I?” I raised my brow as I pulled the robe tighter against me. “You told me to do what needed to be done to wrap this case up. I did my job and was within my limits. Now, if you’ll excuse me… I’d like to shower so I can prepare to go home to my kid.”

Senior Special Agent Roberts has never liked me, and the feeling was mutual. I was sure he thought my father was the reason I was able to be in this position with the FBI. Being the youngest black female agent with the bureau was a dream I made a reality two years ago, and I will never let anyone discredit me. There were times when the agency used me as bait, and I accepted that role. We all knew a man’s biggest weakness was a beautiful woman with a nice body. I wasn’t above allowing my pretty privilege to assist me when it came to certain cases.

For months, we’d been working on a case against Nate Williams, and nothing had come of it. He was careful and calculated with the things he did in his operation. Once I agreed to pursue him outside the office, I knew my life was on the line. It was why I chose to use my looks and body to get closer to him, and if I hadn’t, we may never have been able to bring him down. Granted, sleeping with suspects isn’t the way to go, and it was never my intention to let it get this far. That day in my office was a surprise I was unprepared for, and I felt sick about it afterward. At the end of the day, this is my job. My reaction to his looks and body wasn’t an act because the man was fine, but that’s what made things work in my favor. I could make men feel things because I was able to use my own inhibitions to coax them. I will never let anyone make me feel less than because of the methods I choose to get the job done. Men have done things since the beginning of time that could be deemed unethical or immoral. I was simply using my own advantages as they had for years.

“Atkins, we’re about to head out. Do you want to come back with us?”

“No,” I spoke over my shoulder when I reached the top of the stairs. “I’m packing my things to leave first thing tomorrow morning. It’s time for me to get back to the Grove.”

* * *

“Mommy! I’ve missed you!”

Dropping my bag on the floor, I crouched down and opened my arms wide in anticipation of my baby. I’ve missed Briley so much. It’s been three long months, and I don’t think I can go that long without seeing my baby ever again.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you, too, my Briley Boo!” I lifted her from the ground as I hugged her tightly. “You’ve grown so much!”

I love my baby down, but she was a replica of her father. From her expressive light brown eyes to her kinky hair and dark hues, she was his twin. As much as I hated that he was her dad, I appreciated him for giving me the most perfect gift.

“I know!” She grinned as she played with the cross hanging around my neck. I gave her one to match it when she was three, and she still wears it to this day. “Papa Joe said I hurt his back every time he picks me up.”

“Where’s the lie?” my dad stated from behind me as he entered the house with the rest of my bags. “You’re not a baby anymore, Bri.”

“Oh hush, Joe,” my mother fussed as she entered the living room, wiping her hands on her apron. “She will always be our baby right along with her mother.” She smiled at me and pulled me into a hug. “Welcome back home, Denim.”

My stay in California was extended by a week, and I was not happy about it. Once Nate was arrested, he made it seem as if I coerced him through sex. His lawyer and the DA had to go before the judge to argue if such enticement was acceptable. With all of the evidence we had against him, my pussy should have been the least of his worries. I was slightly embarrassed when his lawyer mentioned what happened the day he came into my office. It was deemed inadmissible in court, so I didn’t have to worry about his lawyer attempting to use the details of Nate’s and my encounters during the trial.

After I was cleared of any wrongdoing, I was dismissed. Before leaving the courtroom, I locked eyes with Nate. If looks could kill, I would have been dead on sight. The snarl on his face was one I will never forget, but I wasn’t worried about him. I’m trained to kill with my bare hands. Not to mention, he will never see the light of day again.

“It smells good in here, Mom. I came home just in time.” I continued to hold my daughter in my arms as I entered the kitchen. It felt too good to let her down.

“I know you didn’t want to make a fuss about being back and having a family dinner, but I thought it would be nice to cook and eat here.” She glanced over her shoulder as she cut up her vegetables. “Just us… Rome is going to stop by later too.”

My mother knows that anytime our family gets together, drinks fly. I love them, but they were the definition of dysfunction. My female cousins hate me because they feel that I think I’m better than them. How am I any better when we all are single mothers? The only difference is I get up and go to work rather than have government assistance. Jerome, or Rome, is my favorite cousin who just happens to be a gay man. He is the best thing to happen to me outside my daughter and parents. I was more than excited to see him.

“Of course, Rome is fine, Mama. Thank you.” I placed my daughter on the floor as I walked over and stood by her. “Do you need me to help you with anything?”

“No, but thank you.” I glanced to the side of the me and watched as my daughter shot off. I called out to her, but she was long gone. “Girl, she is gone to aggravate her grandfather.” She threw her head toward the freezer, causing me to open it and smile. “Grab that bottle and talk to me. Tell me about your latest case.”

Now that the assignment is over, I could let my mother in on some of the details. Pouring myself a glass, I took a sip and relished in the crispiness. My parents always had the good stuff, and I loved that for me.

“Ma, it was stressful.” I chuckled humorlessly. “That man was so fine, though. I almost messed up the mission.”

Pulling up a stool to the counter, I ran down the events that took place during my last assignment. Pretending to be a clerical administrator at one of our dummy businesses was one of the most boring parts because I really had to do clerical work for the bureau. It made me appreciate being a field agent even more. My mother listened intently as I gave her all the details I could.

“I’m going to need you to get a man if it was that easy for you to fold like a lawn chair.” I gasped at her statement as she continued, “I’m serious, Denim. I don’t like that for you, baby. How long has it been since you had a man in any type of capacity?”

Opening and closing my mouth, I thought her question over. I was embarrassed to admit it’s been years since I’ve had companionship. Between my work and dealing with Bri’s father’s bullshit, I haven’t had the time nor the patience to deal with a man.

“I’m a sad case, Mama.” I huffed as I poured myself another glass of wine. “How could I be this pathetic?”

“No, ma’am! We’re not doing that.” Mama placed the knife on the cutting board and wiped her hand on her apron. “You’re not going to throw yourself a pity party, and I’m damn sure not attending.” She turned and faced me as she placed her hands on her hips. “You’re young, smart, and a damn good mother. There’s no reason why you can’t get out there and date. If you want to throw that twat to a man or two in the process, go ahead.”

“Maaaa!” I squealed and giggled. “Don’t ever say that again.”

Shrugging her shoulders, she went back to cooking. Before long, my father and daughter moseyed into the kitchen, complaining for an afternoon snack. I made a few chicken sliders and enjoyed spending time with them. I missed this quality time and was so happy to be back home to compensate for lost time.

Ding Dong!

“I got it!” I shouted as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I’d just put my baby down for a nap, and I was thinking of taking one myself. Pulling the front door open, I squealed and jumped into my cousin’s arms.

“Rome!” I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “I’ve missed you, cousin.”

Jerome and I have been thick as thieves our entire lives and were raised as siblings. At an early age, he knew he was different, and some of our family members didn’t fool with him. Being a gay black man wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to be, but as long as he had me, he would always have someone in his corner.

“Baby Dee!” He tittered as he squeezed me in his arms. “I’ve missed you, sis.”

Placing me back on the ground, I grabbed his hand and shut the door behind us. I dragged him into the den and pushed him onto the sofa with me sitting beside him. I was so giddy with excitement that I couldn’t contain it.

“I’m so glad you came over here today.” I turned to face him as I sat Indian style. “Mama told me she didn’t invite the rest of the family for dinner, and I’m thankful she didn’t. You know we would have torn this place up.”

Looking my cousin over, I couldn’t help but smile at him. Rome has never been one to care what others think about him, and it shows each and every time you’re graced by his presence. His feminine energy exuded from him, and you couldn’t help but gravitate toward him. He was always dressed in the most stylish clothes, his face was forever beaten to the gods, and the hairs on his head and face were never out of place. He was so tall that he could have easily played basketball, but a different set had his attention more. He was a bad bitch trapped in a man’s body but never wanted us to address him as a woman. He was simply Jerome. Gay, straight, or anything in between, he was my everything.

“Girl, I would have turned Unc’s house every which way but loose.” He rolled his eyes and smirked. “Every time I’m around your people, he has the law on standby.”

“That’s crazy. considering my daughter is a federal agent, and I’m a judge.” My father startled us as he walked into the room. He walked over to Rome and hugged him tightly. “How you doing, nephew?”

“I’m good now that my best girl is back in town!” He pulled me into another hug. “I’m going to let you get situated, but I’m not going for you being an old lady and sitting in the house all day. It’s time for you to go outside and shake what your mama gave you!”

Pulling me from the couch, he began twerking to whatever music was playing in his head. Before long, I was dancing with him. My father watched us and laughed before my mama came in to see what all the fuss was about. It didn’t take long before she turned the music on and joined in.

I was in heaven right now, laughing and turning up with my mother and cousin. By the time we’d finished, I was winded. Back seated on the couch, I listened to my father and mother talk about what’s been going on in the family, and my mind replayed what Jerome said about me going out and having a little fun. The more I thought about it, the more he was right. There was nothing wrong with me living a little. The time is now, and I’ll be damned if I continue to get in my own way.

* * *

“Special Agent Atkins. I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”

Looking up from my computer desk, I locked eyes with my supervisor. His beady eyes roamed my office as he stepped inside. I watched him as he placed his hands behind his back and took in all of my accolades plastered along the walls. The only thing I didn’t have hanging were photos of my family, especially my daughter. I never brought her into my work in any capacity. The more I watched him roam and assess my space, the more frustrated I became.

“Agent Roberts, is there something I can help you with?” I pushed my chair back slightly and stood from my desk. “I didn’t know there was a time frame that I needed to stay away. Am I under investigation or something?”

“What? No…” He frowned as he took a seat in one of the office chairs before my desk. He unbuttoned a few buttons on his suit jacket and got comfortable. “Have a seat, and let’s chat for a bit, agent.”

Sighing, I sat as he commanded. He and I didn’t have the best relationship, but I try to keep the lines of respect open. For a moment, we just sat there and eyed each other before he simpered lowly.

“You’ve always been straight to the point.” He shook his head and focused on the glass window in my office that viewed the office floor. Here, there were only a few agents stationed, and we all got along well. The majority stayed to themselves and did the job that was required of them, only engaged when necessary. It was a plus for me that my assigned location just happened to be a few hours from my hometown because I preferred not to engage at all.

“Well, I feel like if there is something that needs to be said, there’s no need to beat around the bush.” I adjusted my suit jacket and continued, “With that being said, I feel like there’s some underlying issues you have with me. Care to share?”

I looked on as his jaw ticked and knew immediately that I was right. Leaning forward in the chair, he observed me sternly and tried his best to intimidate me. I wasn’t easily rattled, though; he should’ve known that by now.

“While the higher-ups applaud you for the work you did bringing down Mr. Williams, I find it deplorable. The way you were dressed when we raided the dummy home?—”

“I was assigned to do a job, and I did that job, sir.” I returned his glare and cut him off. “I’ve been cleared, and nothing I did was unethical. If you have a personal issue, that’s just what it is… personal. The goal was to collect more evidence against him and place him under arrest in federal custody. Is that not where he is?”

It’s been two weeks since I’ve been home and a week since I’ve been back in the office. Upon arrival, the first thing I did was check the status of Nate’s case. He’s being held on federal gun and drug charges with no bond. I’m not sure why the murder charges are pending, but from what I can see, he won’t be coming home anytime soon.

“Be that it may, I still feel like you could have gone about it a different way. I do not believe we will ever agree on this matter. However, we can both agree that a level of professionalism is required as an agent in this bureau, Agent Atkins. If you plan to continue to rise in the ranks, it would be wise to take different routes to secure convictions.” He leaned back in his seat and eyed me before he continued, “Now, as you know… it’s common for audits to be done on agents’ computers to ensure the safety of the agency. We check to make sure no files have been downloaded and uploaded that carry potential threats and viruses.”

“Okay.” I gave him a confused look. “We learned that week one in the academy.”

“Care to share why you’re looking into the Boudreaux family?” He raised his brow at me and awaited my answer. “Is there an upcoming assignment I need to know about?”

As I returned his stare, I thought over how I needed to answer this question. Over the years, informants and officers have gone missing or died once they started giving us intel on the Boudreaux family and their illegal dealings.

“I have reason to believe Boudreaux Enterprises is a front for illegal operations.” I sat straight up with my chest out as I spoke. “Detective Morales was in touch with me about the head of the operation, Rosier, before he was killed.”

“If I’m not mistaken, he was found dead from an overdose at a beach house in the Bahamas.” He cut in as he frowned. “His family gave us the autopsy report—nothing came from his accusations.”

“You don’t find that suspicious?” I stood from my chair and all but shouted. A few agents craned their necks to peep inside my office to see what the commotion was about. I hurriedly walked over and shut the door. “Then there’s Paul Reeves. He oversaw the ports in Miami and was adamant about the drug cargos that were docking. You don’t find it strange how he?—”

“How he had to flee the States because he was under investigation for stealing merchandise from that same port? How he was looking to illegally benefit from extorting merchants?” He scoffed and shook his head in frustration. “I’ve told you time and time again that you’re wasting resources and beating a dead horse by trying to build a case against them.” He stood from his seat and adjusted his jacket. “I don’t know what your aim is or what you’re trying to prove here, but this stops now. If I have to have this conversation with you again, you and I will have a different conversation that will include you no longer being an agent.”

Without so much as a backward glance, Roberts left out of my office and slammed the door behind him. I stood there and stared at where he’d gone before I sank back into my chair. Placing my head in my hands, I gripped my hair and took several deep breaths. Glancing up at my computer screen, I scanned over the photos of the three Boudreaux men: Rosier, Jules, and Andre.

The two brothers and cousin trio were very educated, successful, and philanthropic on paper. I could never sit here and try to take away their achievements and generosity to various businesses, organizations, and people. However, I wouldn’t sit here and pretend that I’m not looking into the face of three handsome drug dealers and murderers. I may be taking a risk, but what’s the point of vowing to protect and serve when I’m hindered from doing my job? Giving away millions and building up the poor doesn’t excuse you from being a menace to society.

Downloading all of the documents to a thumb drive, I placed them in my briefcase, along with photos of the men, my findings on their businesses, and their personal information. Regardless of what Roberts said, I knew there was a case here. I just had to be more discreet about building it.

“Going somewhere?” I looked up as my coworker, Agent Micheals leaned against my threshold. “I was coming to see if you wanted to grab a bite to eat for lunch.”

“Thanks, but I’m going to head out.” I gave him a small smile as I placed my bag strap over my shoulder. The look of disappointment couldn’t be missed, but I wasn’t worried about that. I still chose to be polite. “Maybe next time…”

“Next time, huh?” He chuckled as he straightened up and followed me into the hallway as I locked my door behind me. “It’s always next time with me. I just want to take you for food and conversation, Atkins. Is that too much to ask?”

Turning to face him, he hovered over me slightly. Micheals wasn’t a bad-looking guy. He had a muscular build and a shaved head. His beard was always nice and moisturized, and above it sat a goofy smile. While his face wasn’t what I would typically call attractive, his mannerisms added a charming layer to his overall appeal. He was one of the nicer agents here, and we spoke often. Being rude and standoffish was the last thing I wanted to be because he didn’t deserve that.

“Agent Micheals?—”

“Call me James?—”

“James…” I corrected and adjusted the bag on my shoulders. “I apologize if it seems as if I’m brushing you off. I just have a lot going on these days. I’m headed upstairs to take a leave. How about we link for lunch or something in the next week or so?”

Satisfied with my answer, he nodded and made small talk as he walked me to the elevator. Seconds later, I was stepping off and headed into Human Resources.

“Special Agent Atkins! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Amanda asked as I took a seat. “I never see you up here.”

“You know I’m big on figuring things out myself.” We shared a laugh because, over the years, she’s grown to know my personality. If I needed help, she was my go-to, but that was hardly ever the case. I was a problem-solver. “If possible, I wanted to apply for a mental health leave. Completing these back-to-back assignments, I need to gather myself and regroup.”

“Absolutely!” She turned serious and began to type away at her keyboard. “Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need counseling recommendations?”

One thing I love about the bureau is that they take mental and physical health seriously. In this line of work, you could easily lose yourself with the dangerous assignments and their long-lasting effects. Too often, agents have lost their jobs, families, and even lives due to not being able to handle the stress that comes with being a federal agent.

“No, I don’t need anything but a vacation and a little peace.”

“I understand.” She nodded as she continued to type. “I’m going to get this submitted and signed off on straightaway. I’ll be sure to call you and send an email once it’s completed.”

“Thank you, Amanda.” I extended a hand to her, which she took. “I appreciate you.”

Now that that’s out of the way, it was time for me to get things in order with my personal life. Not only that, but I also wanted to dive deeper into the Boudreaux Enterprises and the family that held the same name. I heard what Roberts said, but what I look into and do on my personal time is my business. There was something more to that family than what meets the eye, and I was going to be the one to find out what.