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He glanced down and saw a spider crawling across the floor. He felt his heart race, but he knew that this was it. His chance to face one of his fears and liberate himself. Taking a deep breath, he slowly reached out and picked up the spider, bringing it close to his face. He felt the fear rise within him, but he remained calm, focusing on his breathing as he looked into the spider’s eyes.
He didn’t know why, but something about that moment connected him to the spider in a way he could never explain or understand. It was like they were both experiencing fear together; fear of the unknown and fear of being taken advantage of.
He let out a sigh of relief as he set the spider back down onto the ground and watched it scurry away into safety. He had done it; faced one of his fears head-on without backing down or running away from it. He now had one less fear to overcome before taking on bigger challenges and helping others who were struggling with their own fears.
He had earned the right to help someone else.
And help them, he would.
CHAPTER NINE
Jake had seen Fiona nervous before, but not like this. As they stepped into the greenhouse, she kept fidgeting with her hands and hair.
The greenhouse was filled with lush leafy plants and vibrant blooms. Sunlight poured in through the windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The damp smell of earth and growing life filled the air, mingled with fragrant roses, sweet jasmine, and an earthy scent from the soil.
Jake hadn’t been to a place like this in some time. On top of being a greenhouse, this facility operated as a research center. Jake spotted a reception desk up the hall and headed there, Fiona at his side. The gentle trickle of water into the garden’s reservoir combined with the buzz of insects and the occasional rustle of a leaf gave the greenhouse a peaceful ambience.
The reception desk was in a building built away from the greenhouse, so the lighting dimmed and the air became cooler as they stepped into it. A young woman looked up from the desk.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
Jake flashed his FBI badge. “I’m looking for Theo Grayson—is he in today?”
The woman nodded. “He’s in his office. Down the hall, second door on the right.”
“Thanks,” Jake said.
He and Fiona made their way down the hall, each step bringing them closer to the answer. The door was closed, but Jake could make out the sound of typing coming from inside. He knocked on the door.
“Come in,” a voice from inside said.
Theo sat in his office, typing away on a laptop. He was a tall, skinny guy, around Fiona’s age—mid- to late twenties—with oily brown hair and a thin face. His office immediately gave Jake the creeps—the walls were decorated with fossilized bugs that had been set into stone. There were moths, flies, spiders, beetles, some arranged in intricate patterns and others just scattered around. A pungent, earthy odor permeated the office—the smell of old stone, along with the subtle aroma of decaying plant matter. Jake couldn’t help but imagine the taste of dead bugs, an unpleasant thought that lingered on his tongue like an old penny.
Theo looked over at them. “Can I help—”
When he saw Fiona, he froze.
So did she.
Jake watched as the recognition fluttered across Theo’s face, and his expression turned from curious to serious and hardened. He had a hateful look now, and when Jake glanced at Fiona, he saw the same darkness on her face.
Wow. These two really did hate each other.
“Theo,” Fiona said coldly.
“Well, Fiona Red,” Theo said, standing. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I—”
Jake held up his FBI badge, cutting whatever banter they had short. “FBI,” he declared. “I’m Special Agent Jake Tucker, and I need to ask you a few questions.”
Theo looked past Jake—and his badge—at Fiona. “Sure, if you getherout of here.”
“Ms. Red is with me,” Jake said. He didn’t have time for these childish games. “I’d really appreciate your cooperation.”
Theo sighed and motioned to the chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat,” he said, his tone still tinged with hostility.
Fiona hesitated before sitting down, but Jake knew that they needed to get some answers out of Theo if they were going to make any progress on this case. He pulled out one of the chairs and sat down, gesturing for Fiona to do the same.
