Indirect Route by Claire Matthews Read Free Book Online Page B

you’re going to tell me.” Her voice was grim.
    “I think you’re using this ‘I don’t want to break the law’ excuse because you’re afraid of what we might find.”  His voice was accusatory, but when he peeked over the top of his laptop screen, she saw understanding in his eyes.
    Janie sighed.  “Maybe you’re right.  Or maybe you’re just trying to make me feel mentally unhinged so you get your way.”
    “That’s possible.  Listen, let’s do this.  From now on, I won’t tell you about any ‘shady’ shenanigans I might employ to get the information I need.  That way, your ignorance keeps you on the right side of the law.”
    “It’s like some kind of mafia pact or something.”  She couldn’t help but grin as Aaron nodded in agreement.
    “Fine, keep me in the dark.  In fact, I don’t even want to see the bogus documents that you’re cooking up.”
    “Then go make yourself useful and get me a coffee from the lobby.”  Janie could hear the laughter in his voice.  Was he being a pig on purpose?
    “Please?”
    “Fine, please.”
    “ Jesus,” she sighed as she left the room.  She could hear his laughter through the closed door, but she wouldn’t let herself crack a smile.

CHAPTER EIGHT
    AARON
     
    By the time Janie returned with his coffee, Aaron had already completed the forms he’d need for the Johnson HR department.  He’d deliberately pissed her off, in the hopes that she’d stay away long enough for him to make a few calls.  His friends in the IT community were quick and reliable when it came to document production.  Within half an hour, he’d compiled the necessary documents to obtain any of the files JPI had concerning Kenneth Brown.
    The door flew open a few minutes after he’d closed his laptop.  “I hope you like sugar,” Janie said without preamble.  “I added six cubes for good measure.”
    “Thanks,” Aaron laughed.
    “Thanks?  Look who discovered manners in our brief time apart.”
    “Well, I figure I owe you one.  Since you brought me that steaming cup of candied coffee.”  He took the cup from her hand and took a tentative sip.  “This is black.”
    “I know.  I couldn’t really ruin your coffee.” 
    Aaron let out a loud guffaw and sat at the edge of her bed.  “Come sit,” he said.
    “You’re so bossy.  And in my face.  You were so shy and awkward when we first met.” She eyed him critically.  “What’s happened to you?”
    “Nothing.  I’m only shy when I first meet people.  If I decide to like them, I tend to loosen up a bit.” 
    “Obviously.”  Her dry delivery made him stop.  Was she really angry?  The possibility didn’t sit well with him.
    “I hope you know I’m just teasing you.  I’m not really an oaf.  I just…I don’t know, I could just tell you were nervous, and I wanted to distract you, try to put you at ease.”  He cleared his throat and looked down into her eyes.  “I’m sorry if that didn’t come through.  Remember, I’m not exactly Mr. Smooth.”
    “You do pretty well.”  She nudged his shoulder with hers, then moved to the desk chair.  Aaron stared at the empty space beside him, feeling inexplicably bereft.
    “What do you want to do now?  We don’t have to leave for another…”  Aaron glanced at his cell phone.  “Two hours.”
    “I say we find some lunch, then grab a nap.”
    “A nap?”  Aaron was incredulous.  No one between the ages of four and eighty took a nap.
    “Sure—good way to recharge the old battery.” Janie flashed him a serene smile.
    “Is that what is says in your AARP magazine?”
    “Laugh if you want, nerd boy.  Napping is a very healthy.  It’s part of a comprehensive self-care plan that I follow religiously.”
    “I don’t know what the hell you’re going on about, but naps are for babies and shift workers.”  He stood and flexed his muscles.  “I’ll have no part of your malingering.”
    “Fine, then take me out and feed me.”
    They