Page 36 of Reverence

Ares frowned, arms crossed over his chest. His intimidating demeanor intensified.

“We’ll need to conduct a background check, complete facial recognition, and run his fingerprints through the system. If we’re still unable to find anything on this guy, then this creates a larger problem for us because we don’t know who he is or who he’s working for.”

“Agreed.” Asher nodded.

“A few members of the tech team are currently working overtime. We’ll have them check any devices and electronics on his person. I’ve contacted the analysts, they’ll search for facial recognition while we do fingerprints.”

Then he paused before speaking again.

“The Deputy SAC and SSA have already been briefed and they’ll be here shortly. The headquarters are now on lockdown, nobody comes in or out without my permission. All external staff members are to be thoroughly checked and security is reviewing footage as we speak. This is a security breach and we don’t know if this man is working alone or not.”

Life always remained unpredictable.

One minute I complained about being stuck in an admin office and the next I found myself dealing with what could potentially be a major threat to the Bureau.

ARES

“You and Rivera, head home. You’ve been here longer than you need to. We’re not going to get through to this guy tonight. Get some rest, recuperate. You’ll pick up where you left off, first thing in the morning.”

“Sir, let me question him again. He’s bound to crack under pressure.” I argued.

“That wasn’t a suggestion, Valiente. That was an order. Drop Amala off, you know her situation.”

My jaw ticked and I watched him walk away, approaching the Director who seemed both pissed and concerned.

I spun around, looking for the witch who’d been forced into my orbit yet again.

“Rivera,” I called out, immediately ceasing her conversation with the tech team. I signalled for her to come over and albeit reluctant, she obliged, walking toward me with a deadly glare on her face.

“Did you miss the part where I was in the middle of a conversation?”

I ignored her antics. “Grab your belongings, I’m taking you home.” I braced myself for the resistance and the defiant attitude.

“You’re not taking me anywhere. I came here by myself and I’ll leave by myself.” She frowned like a petulant child.

“Boss’ orders.”

When I said that her demeanor shifted, her irritation still present. “I’m assuming Braun knows about your incident, that’s why he asked me to drop you off. I don’t want you in my car in any case.”

She looked at me in disbelief. “Screw you.”

“I’m sure you’d love that.” She got under my skin so easily, so I needed to reciprocate that energy.

“I’d rather chew on barbed wire.” She said casually. “If you’re done wasting my time, may we leave now?”

She didn’t wait for me to respond and walked away, uttering something to Asher before exiting the building. I followed suit, bidding everyone goodnight.

“You’ll have to pick me up tomorrow too.” I raised an eyebrow, wanting to ask why when I realised her car would remain at headquarters overnight.

“You’re a grown woman, you can call a cab.” I countered.

“No. Seeing that you’re so eager to follow your boss’ instructions, you’ll pick me up and I will report you if you don’t.”

“This is your fault. I’m not the one who’s unable to drive at night.”

“That happened once.” I clicked the button on my car key to unlock the doors. “Why you even know about that, is beyond me.”

We climbed into my vehicle, the passenger door closing with a loud slam.