opposite. He was much younger; with thick, black hair that he wore just a little too long to be considered a ‘nice’ boy. He hadn’t removed his dark sunglasses, but Claire could tell his eyes would be mesmerizing when he did so.
She let her gaze travel the length of his body as she guessed his height to be similar to that of Brian’s – 6’2” give or take an inch.
Neither man smiled or gave any sense of being easy to get along with. The older man asked for her by name and her ever-efficient help all turned and looked directly at her.
Claire stood a little taller before speaking, “I’m Claire Helmsworth.”
“Ma’am, is there someplace where we could speak in private for a few minutes?” The older man had spoken and she guessed he was in charge.
The other workers were looking on with avid curiosity.No doubt all of their friends and family would hear about the mystery visitors before too long. Claire gave them both her best boss glare and stepped out from behind the counter.
“If you’ll follow me,” Claire told them, turning and walking at a sedate pace towards her office.
After reaching her office, she entered and took refuge behind a large mahogany desk, noticing that Jenna and Brian had added two chairs to the room.
Hey, sis, we’ve got you covered. Whatever these two goons are after, we’ll deal with it.
Thanks Brian.
Claire turned her attention back to her guests as they both sat down. “Gentlemen, how can I help you? I must say this is all very mysterious.”
The men looked at Jenna and Brian before the older man spoke up again, “Claire, may I call you Claire?”
She nodded her assent and he continued, “I really think it would be best if we spoke in private. I’m sure your brother and sister wouldn’t mind waiting outside.”
“Actually, we would mind. We’re not going anywhere.” Brian was using his most intimidating voice and Claire smiled knowing that he was trying to find a way into their thoughts.
The men looked at each other before the older one spoke again, “Very well. My name is Ken Harding and this is my partner Seth Anderson.” He pulled an I.D. badge from his jacket and handed it across the desk to Claire, “We are with the FBI office out of Denver.”
Chapter 3
“FBI? Why are two FBI agents visiting me?” Claire handed him back the I.D. badge, curious as to his answer.
“When was the last time you spoke with your parents?”
Claire looked at both Brian and Jenna before answering, “Two weeks ago.” The fact that they were supposed to have called the night before struck her as being a little too coincidental for this visit.
The younger of the two men leaned over and whispered in the older man’s ear before looking at Claire, and asking, “Weren’t they supposed to call in last night?”
Claire had heard enough. These men knew way too much about her and her family! She pushed her chair back and jumped to her feet and slammed her hands down on the desk, “Look, I don’t know what this is about but I’m a little tired of the games here. Say what you have to say or ask your questions.”
“Please, sit back down. Did your parents call in last night?”
“No! But you already knew that before asking didn’t you?”
“I’m afraid so. We’ve been monitoring your parents and you kids for years now. We got a distress signal late last night from your dad. Before we could attempt to contact him, he and your mother’s locators went dead.”
“Locators’? Man, what are you talking about?” Brian asked, with anger evident in his voice.
“Yes, please explain what you’re talking about. And while you’re at it, explain to me why you have been keeping tabs on me and my family for years.”
Easy, sis, Let the men talk. They are really concerned about mom and dad right now.
Jenna was the empathic one of our little trio, and she had the ability to read people’s emotions, most of the time without them ever knowing she had been in their
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