Page 62 of Reverence

“We found articles dated back to November, 2006. The disappearance of an entire military unit has caused unrest amongst civilians.” I read the article aloud. “You’re telling me that Dominion led this operation and his entire task force was wiped out. Now he’s back?”

The agents in the bullpen looked at me, others working in the background, some entering and exiting.

Stephanie and Asher looked at me with laser focus. “That doesn’t make any sense. It’s been twenty years since this article was released. Is it just him? Did anybody else survive? What happened to that task force?”

“These are questions that we’ve been trying to find the answer to, Amala,” Nicolas said, rubbing his temples.

“What were the names of the Italian brothers?” I asked, despite knowing the answer.

“Enzo and Ian?” Nicolas answered, leaning against the desk with his arms folded across his chest.

“Yes, their surnames are Rossi, correct?”

“Yes,” Asher spoke, his tone wasn’t harsh but it was firm. My eyes flicked to his and I nodded.

“What’s the Director’s name?” I enquired, shoving my hands into the pockets of my jacket.

“Which director?” Asher asked, raising an eyebrow.

He stepped forward, standing at his full height now. No longer leaning against anything.

“The director of this department.”

Stephanie and Asher glanced at each other for a brief moment before looking at me again.

“Giovanni?”

“Giovanni who?” They shook their heads, the agents standing stiffly in their spots. Nobody moving or breathing.

“Giovanni Rossi.” The silence was loud in the bullpen, with the sounds of somebody typing on a keyboard in the background.

“What are you insinuating, Amala? If you’re going to make accusations about a director you’ll need to have evidence and your facts straight.” Asher said.

“I’m not making any accusations but that surely can’t be coincidental.”

I huffed. “We’ve all concluded that there’s a leak from the inside. Are you telling me the Rossi’s aren’t connected or related?”

“He’s been working for the Bureau for years, Amala,” Stephanie said, looking poised and composed as always. “We have no reason to believe that he has any involvement in this.”

“Unless proven otherwise.”

I retorted swiftly. My tone was still graceful and respectful but she’d no doubt deem it passive-aggressive.

“Rivera,” Asher warned and my eyes snapped to him. “My office. Now.”

I blinked slowly, releasing a soft breath through my nose but complied.

Following Asher to his office. He gestured for me to enter first and then closed the door with a soft click.

“You’re out of line.” He placed his hands on his hips, looking at me with a serious expression.

“I haven’t done or said anything wrong.”

He sighed, rubbing a palm over his face. “You might not have said anything but you’re being passive-aggressive.”

“Respectfully sir, I disagree. I’m simply making my observations.”

I challenged and his eyes narrowed. “Look me in my eye and tell me this doesn’t seem coincidental. I saw the way you and Stephanie looked at each other. Surely this exact thought has crossed your mind.”