Free Betrayal by Nancy Ann Healy Page B

Cassidy chuckled.
    “What?” Alex asked as Cassidy crossed the hallway to the room that they were sharing.
    “You are up to something,” Cassidy called back.
    Alex just shrugged. “Maybe I am,” she laughed quietly.
    “No maybes. You are.”
    “Just get comfortable,” Alex laughed. It felt like the right time for a conversation the agent knew they needed to have.It made no sense to put it off any longer. This was her family. More now than ever, it felt like it was time to embrace that.

    “Mr. President,” Assistant FBI Director Tate said as he took the seat he was offered.
    “Sorry, Joshua…about the hour,” Lawrence Strickland replied.
    “Not at all, Sir.”
    “Joshua, I have been reading over some of John’s notes. Where do we stand with Agent Toles?” the president asked.
    “How do you mean, Sir?” Tate asked.
    The president cleared his throat. “Her reinstatement is what I am referring to.”
    “Well, there is a mandatory two week suspension period.”
    “Wave it,” the president replied.
    “Sir, I thought that with….”
    President Strickland licked his lips and considered the man before him. “There are times to think Assistant Director and there are times to act. Begin the process. I want Alexis Toles reinstated by the end of the week.”
    “And what would you like me to do about her transfer?” Tate asked.
    “I don’t think that will be a concern for you,” Strickland said.
    “Why is that?” Tate asked curiously.
    “I have it on good authority that your agent will be returning to her roots.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “She’s going back to the NSA, Joshua,” the president explained.
    “How could you….”
    The president laughed. “Joshua. Think.”
    “And you
want
her to go back to the NSA?” Tate was confused.
    “More control at the NSA. More military presence, so the answer is yes, I do.”
    “No disrespect, Sir, but…May I speak freely?”
    “You may,” Strickland replied.
    “President Merrow considered Michael Taylor and Alexis Toles a dangerous combination for some reason.”
    “I am aware,” Strickland said. “They are, from what I understand.” Joshua Tate’s eyes conveyed all of his questions. “I have put a piece in play. A new pawn to move across the board. I suspect that attention will be focused in that direction shortly,” the president offered with satisfaction.
    “A smoke screen?”
    “Not exactly, no. A person that Alex Toles will want to follow and a different direction to lead her; at least for now. A direction that will keep them occupied while matters are settled,” Strickland explained.
    “You are the Commander in Chief,” Tate responded indicating that he would comply.
    “Yes,” Strickland gloated. “I am.”

    “Hey, feel better?” Alex asked as Cassidy walked toward her.
    “I do, actually.”
    The fire was already crackling and Alex had placed some pillows on the floor against the couch for the pair to comfortably sit together. Cassidy plopped down onto the floor and closed her eyes momentarily as she stretched out. As she opened them, she caught sight of Alex making her way over and marveled at the way the glow of the fire highlighted the agent’s skin and hair. Alexis Toles was nothing short of a breathtaking sight. Cassidy smiled at the realization that her lover was every bit asbeautiful in a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt and she had been earlier in her uniform. “What are you smiling at?” Alex asked.
    “Nothing, really,” Cassidy said. “I’m just glad to relax, and you know I am curious what this is all about,” she raised her brow.
    “You? Curious?” Alex joked. The teacher’s response was a light slap of the agent’s thigh. “It’s been a hell of a few weeks, Cass.” Cassidy sighed. “I mean…it feels like years some days, you know?’
    “I do,” Cassidy admitted. Alex rubbed her temple and closed her eyes. “Alex, maybe we should just relax. Just enjoy the fire and rest. We don’t have to