This was the reason I fought so hard to stay away from Isaac initially, but once I had him, there was no chance I could give him up. The only thing I'd change if I could go back in time is to tell Isaac the truth from the very beginning.
“Once we confirm their investigation is unwarranted, I’ll accept you back onto my team, Isabelle, but for the time being, you need to gather your belongings and leave the office immediately,” he informs me as his blue eyes stare into mine.
Plastering the worst fake smile I can conjure onto my face, I stand from my seat and head for the door. Grasping the stainless-steel handle, I crank my neck back to Alex. He is watching me cautiously but remains quiet.
“Isaac isn’t the man you think he is.” I exit his office, denying him the opportunity to reply.
Several agents’ eyes follow me as I briskly stride across the room to my desk, which is spotlessly clean. Other than my satchel, phone, and FBI-issued revolver, I don’t have any other personal belongings, so my packing is completed within mere seconds.
After placing my gun into my satchel, my gaze lifts and locks with Theresa. She has a condescending smirk plastered over her stern face. Hiding the snarl formed on my lips, I return her glare before roaming my eyes around the room. A few agents are watching me. Several faces are masked with confusion, whereas a handful are surprisingly amused by my situation.Obviously, gossip in a team this size spreads like wildfire.
“I’ll walk you out,” offers Brandon, startling me as I didn’t notice him leaning his thigh on my desk.
“It’s okay, Brandon. I don’t want to throw you under the bus with me,” I mumble, my gaze once again flicking around the room.
Brandon follows my gaze. “Pfft, do you think I care what they think? You’re my friend, Izzy, and until you are proven guilty, which will never happen, I’ll have your back.”
The first genuine smile stretches across my face in days. “Thank you, Brandon.” I nudge him with my hip.
Brandon walks me right down to the sidewalk at the front of the brick and mortar building our office is in. My eyes have to adjust to the blinding sunlight. When you sit in an office all day, you forget how bright the midday sun is. In the coolness of the day, my cheeks appreciate the warmth of the sun beaming on them.
“Thank you for your help, Brandon.” I curl my arms around his broad shoulders.
Brandon returns my hug with just as much enthusiasm. As I am about to pull out of our embrace, he mutters in my ear, “Stay quiet and under the radar, Izzy. Once I have any information, I’ll bring it straight to you.” His tone relays his genuine concern.
“I will, and thank you.” I pull back from his embrace. Even in the brisk, cold weather, Brandon’s cheeks still give off a pink hue from our embrace.
The second smile forms on my face for the day. Brandon is a real sweetheart. I’m so grateful he has come into my life.
“I’ll see you around,” I say cheekily, hoping to diminish the concerned in Brandon’s usually sparkling eyes.
“You’ll be back here filing and scanning documents before you know it,” he jests playfully, his plump lips curving into a grin.
I chuckle and roll my eyes. “Don’t forget, gathering the coffees.”
His loud laugh rumbles right through my chest and heats my heart. After waving goodbye to Brandon, I pace down the quiet sidewalk. I don’t turn back around, but I know his eyes remain on me until I turn the corner.
I stand frozen at the corner of First Avenue and Welsh Boulevard. I’m a little perplexed about what to do with my now bucket-loads of spare time. Roaming my eyes up and down the street, my gaze focuses in on Harlow’s bakery at the end. My gaze shoots down to my watch to discover it is only 11:20 AM. It is probably a little too early for lunch.
But sighting Harlow’s bakery does spur on my next decision. Stepping onto the curb, I fling my arm out to signal for a taxi. Because of the peculiar time, the first taxi that drives past halts in front of me only seconds later. I scamper into the back seat, removing my wool coat in the process. The cab driver has the heat up so high, the interior of the cab is muggy and hot.
“Where to?” he asks as his illustrious blue eyes seek my gaze in the rearview mirror.
“Destiny Records in Hopeton.” I latch my seatbelt into place.
A short time later, when I notice that the taxi hasn’t started its journey, my gaze lifts to seek the driver. He swivels his head, eyeing me with caution. “That is an hour journey from here.”
Oh, shit.I’ve lived in Ravenshoe for over six months, but I’ve never ventured far enough to realize the distance between towns.
“How much will that fare be?” I ask while my mind tries to recall the last time I checked my online bank balance. Alex did state I’m on leave without pay, so I need to be more cautious of my spending the next few weeks.
“You are looking around $150 each way.”
“Crap,” I mumble under my breath.
After expelling a large puff of air, I hand the driver a few notes from my purse before stepping out of his taxi, ensuring that I grab my wool coat on the way out. I can’t afford over three hundred dollars in cab fares when I just lost my job.
I’m standing at the bus stop checking the timetables for buses departing to Hopeton when a rumbling voice sounds at my side. “Where are you going, Izzy?”
