One-Knight Stand (White Knights #3) - Julie Moffett Page 0,17

but still had a few missing pieces. It would be worth going over Ethan’s previous communications again and digging a little more deeply regarding his work at the NSA. More background information on Isaac Remington would also be helpful, as well as knowing who else was around that had known Ethan fourteen years ago.

She was making a list when her desk phone rang.

Though the NSA was at the pinnacle of electronic technology, the desk phone was still part of the way they did business. In fact, she had several different-colored phones on her desk, reflecting the differing levels of security that could be communicated over them. It was far easier to secure a wired, isolated phone network than it was any sort of mobile network. Any mobile network—with the right skill, technology, and time—could be penetrated.

The phone ringing was red, so she knew the caller could talk with her at the highest security classification level.

“Candace Kim,” she answered.

Before three words were out of his mouth, she recognized Isaac Remington’s condescending tone. Wasn’t it interesting that he’d chosen this exact moment to call?

“Hello, Candace,” he said. “This is Isaac. I’m following up with you regarding former NSA employee Ethan Sinclair, aka the Hidden Avenger. Have you heard from him again? I’d like to help you jump-start that investigation.”

She considered his request and the tone of his voice. He sounded like his usual brusque self, but there was a hint of urgency in his voice she hadn’t noticed before. Or was it concern, or maybe even fear? It was hard to be sure with Isaac, since his motives were often opaque.

“Hello, Isaac. I’m working on it, but Sinclair has gone silent since the attempted kidnapping of his daughter.”

Isaac snorted, indicating obvious displeasure with her answer. “That sounds more like an excuse than a solution. What exactly are you doing to reestablish communications? Surely you can be more proactive than just waiting for him to contact you.”

As a woman in a male-dominated field, she was used to such comments, but it still ticked her off, particularly when someone questioned her competence. But for the sake of drawing out more information, she kept the irritation out of her voice when she responded. “We’re trying to earn his trust, Isaac. Forcing him, at this point, would be counterproductive.”

“Would it? I’m beginning to doubt that you’re up to the task of bringing him in,” Isaac said. “It requires someone with a bit more imagination and an ability to get things done.”

He was pushing all her buttons, trying to get her upset. But instead, it was having the opposite effect, making her wonder why he’d become so invested.

“I suppose you think you’re that person?” she asked, unable to help herself.

“I’m certain that if you give me all the notes and communications you have gathered on him, I’ll have the problem solved within a couple of days.”

She didn’t like the eagerness or the demands she heard in his voice. She decided to needle him a bit and figure out what was driving him. “What’s the urgency? We’re better off taking a patient approach with him. Let him come to us when he’s ready to trust us. I agree, it’s important to get the back door as soon as possible, but it is not worth the risk of losing it altogether.”

“At least let me help you.” He’d softened his voice, but he still sounded condescending. “Send me all the information you’ve compiled on how to contact him, and I will ask my researchers to look into it and try and find the best way to reach out to him. If I contact him, I’ll bring you back in the loop so you can help bring it closure. This way, we’ll both benefit from getting our hands on the back door as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Isaac. I appreciate the offer and your input, but since I’ve been assigned to head this investigation, I’ve decided to err on the side of caution. Certainly, if your staff has any ideas on how to contact him, I will be glad to review the information in case I decide to change our tactics. But, right now, it’s my judgment that it isn’t worth risking the relationship by trying to force him to respond. A few days, or even a few weeks, won’t materially change anything, especially not after we’ve waited fourteen years. So, unless, you have something you’re willing to share with me explaining why we have an immediate need to contact him,