reason. Gathering information to help others influence government suited her well. Those out front got the attention and the intense media scrutiny that resulted.
Talia dropped her briefcase onto her desk and sat down. Instead of following her routine of checkingvoice mail and e-mail messages, she sat staring out of the window.
Just what would happen between her and Derrick? Theyâd talked about old times, that much was true. She couldnât lie to herself. There was a strange chemistry between them. Derrick inspired a sense of safety with his solid, muscular presence. Not that Talia needed protection. The scared, lonely little girl was gone. Still she admitted that it felt good to know that he had her back covered. For years sheâd relied only on her own survival skills. Just as he had when they were children, Derrick made her know she wasnât alone after all.
His appearance had awakened other memories. She remembered the strong, lithe body of the seventeen-year-old boy. Theyâd discovered the pleasure of lovemaking. Derrick had made up for a lack of experience with passion.
âAs if you would have known the difference.â She smiled to herself.
Theyâd talked about every aspect of taking the big step. Derrick had planned their first time down to the last detail and made sure she didnât feel pressured. His assured tender caresses had helped her relax immediately. After the first time, sheâd been eager to repeat the experience. Then one bright summer day Talia experienced true ecstasy.
Talia let out a long shaky sigh at the potency of her memory. Somehow sheâd have to fend off that feeling. Twisted up with that seductive dream was a ghastly nightmare.
âKnock, knock.â Bill walked in with a smile.
She jumped at the sound of his voice. âGeez, Bill! You scared the crap out of me.â
âSorry, kiddo.â His jovial expression faded as he studied her. âYou okay?â
âYeah, fine. Whatâs up?â Talia took several deep breaths to shake Derrickâs influence. She put on a smile.
Bill carried a thick folder under one arm. He sat down in one of two chairs in front of her desk. âYou sure? You look rattled.â
âIâm sure.â Talia forced her smile wider. âJust deep in thought on how to kick legislative butt.â
âUh-huh. I was just talking to Pete about this Louisiana thing.â He watched her closely.
Talia got up and took off her jacket to cover any reaction. âSurprisingly we might be making headway. Jarrod tells me there are some in the Justice Department who realize the problems.â
âI know. Iâve been talking to a few folks myself. A pal of mine pretty high up feels itâs a waste, too.â Bill propped an ankle on his knee.
âHey, Iâm back.â Jasmine strolled in with a can of diet cola in one hand.
âHi,â Talia said.
âThanks for the help on that auto industry assignment, cowboy.â She slapped Billâs shoulder and dropped down into the chair next to him. âYour buddy Ken knows his stuff, and weâve got a date.â
âSure, Iâm here to help your love life,â Bill drawled.
âKen Worthington? Wow, you reeled in the big one, Jas,â Talia said with a grin. Ken Worthington was not only from an old-money Washington, D.C., family, he was a top Justice Department official with a bright future.
âPlease! Heâs a nice brother, intelligent, and no cheesy come-on lines.â Jasmine flipped a manicured hand at her.
âKeep him then,â Talia quipped.
âWeâll see,â Jasmine said, with a sassy toss of her head. âBack to biz. Here are some notes I did last nighton mandatory sentencing. Thank me for my unwavering dedication later.â
Talia read the outline. âNice job.â
âJust making sure you keep that handsome hometown guy of yours happy.â Jasmine grinned
Carol Durand, Summer Prescott