Lethal Exposure

“I think I can handle that,” said Craig, glancing at Paige.

“And one more thing. A representative from the State Department will escort you to the Indian consulate tomorrow afternoon. India is making a formal apology for Mr. Chandrawalia’s behavior and wants to officially distance themselves from his radical Liberty for All party. They’re taking the unprecedented step of waiving Chandrawalia’s diplomatic immunity, and they intend to cut off the clandestine weapons work going on in Bangalore, so they’re pulling out all the stops for you. They’re even bringing out a Dr. Punjab, director of the Sikander Lodi Research Institute, to testify that Bretti was involved in smuggling p-bars into India for weapons research.

“And since you were the arresting agent, their Ambassador is flying from D.C. to Chicago tomorrow to give his personal thanks.” June paused and added dryly. “I don’t know how you do it, Craig, but between the Russians and the Indians, you’re making quite the splash internationally. Just be on your best behavior.”

Craig gri

Hanging up the phone, he glanced up at Paige, who looked entirely curious, impatient, but hopeful. He gestured for her to join him out in the hall. As an orderly shuffled by, and an intercom a

Paige crossed her arms, waiting for him. “Well?”

Craig drew a deep breath. “Got any plans for the next few years?” Then he explained June’s offer.

She stepped close, so that her blue, blue eyes were within inches of his face. He could feel her breath lightly on him. She swept strands of her blond hair over her shoulder. As she was bringing back her hand, Paige rested it lightly on his lapel. “I always thought we should be working together,” she said, finally breaking the silence. “Who says the government can’t do things right?”

“Given enough time,” Craig said.

“I saw you saying goodbye to Trish,” she said, fishing. “It looked permanent.”

“It was something I had to do.” Craig’s eyes focused on the elevators down the hall. “She was an important part of my life, but that’s over now. It’s time to move on.”

Paige pressed her lips together, nodding. “You know, I think I feel the same way about Fermilab. After what happened last year with Uncle Mike, I couldn’t bear to go back to Livermore -there were just too many memories for me to deal with. But after living here in the Midwest for a year, and now after all this with Nels and Dumenco and Bretti, I think I’m ready to go back.” She ran a hand through her hair and smiled. “But as teammates with you this time.”

Craig nodded and tried to keep his broad grin from making him look like an idiot. “The Bureau is big on partners. June wants me to stick around here for a couple of days to relax before I head back-maybe we can talk about a few… details? We’re going to be plowing new ground, setting a standard for interagency teams.”

Paige looked up at him. She put a hand on his lapel. “Then maybe we should try to set a new way partners work with each other-starting this weekend. What do you think? You’ve got a lot to see around Chicago, and this may be my last chance to do some of the important sights. They don’t dress up as much in the west, either.”

Craig flushed, then laughed at his own embarrassment. He thought he was really going to enjoy this new assignment… no matter how things turned out. “Yes, ma’am, whatever you say. And speaking of dressing up, got any plans for tomorrow afternoon? There’s an Embassy function I’d like you to attend. You might find it interesting.”

Paige’s eyes grew wide. “Sounds exciting, Special Agent Kreident,” she murmured. “I’ve never been in an Embassy before. You must be an important man.”

Craig shrugged, more to shake off the giddiness he felt from her presence than anything else. “It’s not that big of a deal. I’ll fill you in on the details on the way over tomorrow afternoon.”

Paige looked up with her blue eyes. Her voice was so soft Craig had to strain to hear the words. “If you’re not busy, why don’t we start tonight?”