Nikon’s eyes shift over my shoulder to the one-way glass on the wall behind me.
Yep, I’m sure my boss is back there, too. Narrowing my eyes, I watch him open and close his mouth. Does that mean there’s something he’s not saying?
“Do you want to brief me more on the way over? We’re going to Mannvit first, correct?” Standing, I shift from leg to leg, still uncomfortable being around him. Is this a test from my boss, Aron?
I’m sure I’ve never come across as someone who couldn’t deal with anything thrown at them. In fact, during the last year, I’ve had plenty of time to go over and over all the interactions during the two years I worked in this office as a detective. My only conclusion was that someone felt threatened by how competent I was.
“Correct. Do you mind driving? Aron said that shouldn’t be an issue … that you receive some kind of compensation for using your vehicle?” Nikon stands across from me, and I’m overwhelmed again by the sheer size of him.
I hesitate briefly before answering him slowly, “Sure.”
He’s not going to like my car. The thought brings a little smile to my lips which he immediately notices. At my side instantly, he grins down at me. Despite my bravado, my heart accelerates, and when he cups my elbow with his large hand, the shock that goes up and into my shoulder reminds me of the feeling of hitting my funny bone.
Bracing myself, I refuse to pull away, instead looking up at him with a questioning look. “I’m sure you’re a better driver than me,” he breathes, leaning into my space.
I can’t take it! I pull away, frustrated he managed to get to me. Swallowing hard, I fist my hands tight enough to dig my nails into my palms. Focus!
Ignoring him, I open the door, leading them out and through the myriad of cubicles where the rest of the personnel are working. “Headed out?” Aron pops out from one of the conference rooms near the end, cutting us off.
“Yes, thank you for your time.” Nikon’s formal reply is dismissive, and he passes us both, essentially racing for the exit.
“Keep me updated,” Aron demands, turning to move away into another room where I can feel curious eyes watching our interaction.
“Of course, sir,” I reply, not turning or bothering to make sure he heard me. Both Alisha and I are now following Nikon. “What’s his hurry?”
Alisha doesn’t have a chance to say anything before one of the younger junior investigators pops out of the ladies’ room next to the elevator. “Oh, Nikon! Wait … what’s going on? Are you guys leaving?” Her eyes shift over to Alisha. “I didn’t know you were here … I can be ready in two minutes.”
My eyes narrow, and for the first time, I look Julia over. She’s attractive, and it looks like she’s gotten in better shape over the last year. Instead of looking chunky, she looks curvaceous. She’s the total opposite of my athletic form.
Nikon’s mouth opens and shuts as he blinks slightly before turning to Alisha and me. Slowing, I wait to see what this is all about. Alisha doesn’t stop until she’s within an arm’s length of Julia, and she says, “There’s no reason to hurry. You’ve been replaced by Lilibeth.”
Alisha gestures over to me, and I just shrug. I don’t know exactly why Aron replaced her, but I’m just doing what I’m told. Julia’s smile dims, but she says, “Hey, Lilibeth. Good to see you’re back.” She sounds less than enthusiastic, but it’s nice of her to lie, anyway.
Julia turns and clutches Nikon’s arm as he stands by the elevator doors. I cringe. Practically draping herself over his arm, her large breasts press against him. “You could talk to my boss. I’m not sure why he put Lilibeth on this, but she just got back from Ísafjörður. She doesn’t know what’s going on—”
The elevator doors open with a soft ding, and instead of Nikon addressing her like I expect, it’s Alisha who steps between them as he steps inside. I follow him, trying not to listen in, but it’s kind of hard when they’re right there.
“I’m sorry, Julia. I requested a replacement for you due to your inadequate knowledge and skill level.”
I turn around right as Alisha finishes, shocked at her abrupt candor. Harsh. But there’s no expression on her face as she steps into the car next to me and turns to look at Julia, who’s now standing