Free Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace

heritage, yes?”
    Maria stopped walking and faced Mr. Perkins. “Is that a problem?”
    “No. Not at all. You’ll fit right in with our multicultural studentbody.” He offered a wide grin. “Except for the weaponry of course.” Perkins started back toward the main office.
    Why some men couldn’t handle a woman with a gun still riled her. She was a natural-born American, had excelled at every one of her performance ratings during training at Glynco, and had conducted herself with complete professionalism during the meetings with Hope Ridge staff.
    One hundred and eighty degrees from the vice principal’s behavior.
    As she hurried in the opposite direction of the main office, Maria thought back to Perkins’s interaction with his mother, the headmistress. Okay, maybe unprofessional was a tad harsh. He’d been perfectly poised at every point except for his tense jawline when Mrs. Hall spoke. Family baggage must run deep.
    Knocking on the first-grade classroom door, she watched Gracie jump. Maria smiled. She’d liked Gracie Lang from their first handshake. Even if the sparks between Gracie and Agent Kessler made the green-eyed monster come alive in her thoughts.
    “Do you have a minute, Mrs. Lang?”
    Gracie held a hand to her heart. “Maria. I mean. Agent Grivens. I’m so glad it’s you.”
    “Maria is fine. But wouldn’t you rather it were Agent Kessler at your door?”
    Gracie’s face turned bright red. “Was I that obvious?” She sat on a plastic chair and motioned for Maria to join her. “I feel like a schoolgirl. Especially considering the gravity of what brings you all to Hope Ridge. I’m so sorry.”
    “I don’t think any of the men noticed.” Maria lowered herself into a chair and shielded her paperwork on her lap. “And I can relate. From what I’ve heard on the Bureau grapevine. Agent Kessler has that effect on most females.”
    “You too?”
    “Yes, but it came to nothing.” Maria laughed. “First time Imet Agent Kessler, one of my partners told him I was new to DC and could use a tour guide.”
    Gracie’s eyes grew wide.
    “I stammered on about not having time to date, and he just smiled.” Maria wondered if getting this personal was a good idea. But Gracie’s open communication style drew her. She could use a trustworthy female friend not on Secret Service’s payroll. Besides, being comfortable around each other would make her classroom assignment more pleasant.
    “So my off-the-wall questions and dropping my notebook at the meeting today didn’t make your boss wish he’d chosen a different school? Or at least a different teacher?”
    Maria shook her head. “You’re fine, Gracie. Agent Adams is very pleased with everything concerning Hope Ridge.”
    “Will you be here often preparing for the first day of school? Maybe we could grab some lunch one day.” Gracie glanced around the room. “I’ll be here for a little while most days, getting the room and my lessons ready.”
    “While I can’t discuss protection details beyond what Agent Adams covered, it’s safe to say I’ll be seeing you here a good bit in August.”
    A male cough made them both turn toward the door.
    “If I’m interrupting a meeting, I can come back later.” Agent Kessler’s megawatt smile still made Maria pull in her abdominal muscles. At least Gracie hadn’t mentioned wanting to sleep with Steven like other agents Maria’d had the misfortune of overhearing.
    “No, you’re not. Mrs. Lang and I were just getting better acquainted.” Maria and Gracie stood at the same time. “But I need to finish my schematics and meet with Agent Adams soon.”
    She smiled at Gracie. “I look forward to working with you.”
    “See you soon, Maria. And thanks.” Gracie smoothed her straight tan skirt and white blouse, slipping a shy glance at Steven as she spoke.
    Maria chuckled to herself and closed the classroom door onher way out. Someone needed to have a little fun during this assignment.
    “Hello, Agent