Ian took me by the hand and led me into the shower. Our clothes were left in a pile on the floor. He kissed me in the shower, his hands sliding over my curves with the suds. It didn’t go any further, but the intimacy was almost too much.
ChapterTwenty
Ian
The following morning, I turned out to be relieved Jane left to have coffee with Thea when I got a call from the FBI office in DC.
“We're moving fast on this investigation, so you're going to see some news. Lay low and keep it quiet. We're not going to reveal your name to the press, but you might want to brace yourself for calls. There will be two arrests today,” the agent explained.
“Fuck,” I muttered as I leaned back into the couch cushions.
I had my laptop open and was working on some monthly reports. “It's Saturday,” I replied.
“The news is quieter on the weekend,” the agent replied matter-of-factly.
“They're going to assume it’s me who blew the whistle,” I replied.
“Probably. There are thirteen companies in the consortium, so you're one of thirteen people they're going to suspect.”
“Are there other people who have given you information?” I asked. I’d asked this before, but thought maybe they’d finally answer.
“Yes, but we're not disclosing names right now.”
“I understand, but it's a relief to know I'm not alone. Thanks for telling me that. Can I ask you something else?”
Chet, the agent who’d been working with me since the beginning and my main point of contact on the team, replied, “You can always ask. Doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”
“Does my brother Dallas know anything about this?”
“He will this morning. If you want to talk to anybody, you can talk to him after we make the arrests.”
I took a breath, letting it out in a slow sigh. “All right. Good to know.”
“Being a whistleblower can feel lonely,” Chet offered.
“No shit,” I replied dryly. “How long do you think it'll be before I can talk to anyone other than my brother?”
“We'll let you know as soon as we think that’s safe. The more people that know, the harder it gets to protect the information and to protect you from the fallout.”
“I know, I get it.”
After I got off the phone, I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “Fuck.”
I was relieved but also stressed because I knew this part of the investigation would be the most touch-and-go. There was nothing for me to do but wait it out. There would be news reports, and I didn't like keeping anything from Jane. Keeping it from my family was easier than from her.
I knew I’d fallen for her. I wanted to be able to tell her everything. There were so many unknowns right now, and I couldn't make any moves officially until this damned investigation was further along and I didn't have to worry about my involvement.
Standing, I slid my laptop onto the coffee table. I walked into the kitchen and was eyeing the almost empty coffeepot when my phone vibrated with a text.
Jane:Should I bring a coffee home for you? This place also has yummy pastries. Do you want something sweet or something savory?
I smiled as I looked at her text and tapped out a reply.
Me:I'd love a coffee. Make it a strong one. I'll take sweet and savory. You pick.
Jane:Okay, see you in about 15 minutes. Thea says hi.
Me:Give her a hug for me.