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"No worries, I totally get it," Thomas said, reaching for a menu. "I figured this place would be a nice spot to keep things casual." He winked, which made Morgan's nerves rise. Thomas was a good-looking man, but this was business. Not personal. It wasn't her style to use a man's feelings for her to get closer to him or get him to do something for her, but in this case, she was sort of desperate.
Couples and families chatted happily around them, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for their carefree lives.
As they perused the menu, Morgan found herself struggling to focus on the conversation. Her mind kept drifting back to the case, to Derik's possible involvement, and to her own guilt at using Thomas.
"So... where do you come from, Thomas?" Morgan asked, wanting to keep things light at first. She had to admit, she was curious about him. "I've never seen you here in Dallas before, so did you transfer?"
Thomas chuckled. "I actually grew up here in Dallas, but I left for a while and just recently came back. I've done a lot of cyber security work for more than just the FBI."
The mention of cyber security reminded Morgan why she was really here. Her thoughts drifted. Could she really ask this of Thomas?
"Is everything okay?" Thomas asked, noticing her distant expression.
Morgan shook her head, trying to clear away the thoughts. "Sorry, just a lot on my mind."
"Want to talk about it?" Thomas offered, setting down his menu.
Morgan hesitated, but as she looked into his kind eyes, she felt some of her tension ease. She needed to get to the point--the real reason why she'd asked him to come.
Just then, the waitress trotted up, cutting Morgan off before she could ask.
"What can I get for you two?" the waitress asked, smiling warmly.
Morgan glanced at the menu, her mind still racing. She didn't even know what she wanted. She needed to focus. She decided to keep it simple. "I'll have a burger and fries, please."
"Sure thing. And for you, sir?" the waitress asked, turning to Thomas.
"I'll have the steak sandwich," Thomas said, handing back the menu.
The waitress nodded before disappearing into the kitchen.
Morgan took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Thomas, I need to ask you for a favor," she said, getting straight to the point.
"Anything, Morgan," Thomas replied, his eyes locking onto hers.
"Look, I can't give you all the details," Morgan began, her voice low and urgent. "But there's a database I need access to. A database containing names. Names that might help me crack a really important case wide open."
"What case?" Thomas asked cautiously. "The one we're on now?"
"No, a different one," Morgan said. "It's... personal. And I know it's a lot to ask, but I need you to trust me on this one, Thomas. I can't tell you more than that."
Thomas's expression became guarded, and Morgan could see the cogs turning in his head. She knew this was a lot to ask, and she had no idea if he would agree to it. But she had to take the risk.
"I understand that you can't give me all the details, Morgan," Thomas said carefully. "And I want to help you, I really do. But accessing a database like that could put my job at risk. And I can't just do that on a whim."
Morgan nodded, feeling the disappointment wash over her. She knew it was a long shot, but she had to try.
"I get it," she said, glancing down at her lap. "I'm sorry for even asking."
Thomas reached out and touched her hand gently. Morgan's instincts told her to pull away, but for some reason, she stayed, allowing his fingertips to graze her skin. "But... I want to help you. I know we only just met, but..." He pulled away. "It sounds like you're asking me to do something illegal."
Morgan's heart sank. She knew it was a long shot, but she had hoped that Thomas would be willing to help her. She couldn't blame him for being cautious, though. He was a good guy, and he didn't want to get involved in anything that could harm his reputation.
"I know it's a lot to ask," Morgan said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm running out of options here. I can't do this alone, and I don't know who else to turn to. I wouldn't ask a virtual stranger if it wasn't important. I'm sure you know that."
Thomas studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "Okay," he finally said. "I'll see what I can do. But you're going to have to give me something to go on. I need to know more about what you're looking for."
Morgan felt a wave of relief wash over her. She knew she was taking a risk by involving Thomas, but she didn't have any other choice. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "I just need names. I can send you more details."
