The Security Office

The trio eventually tied up their takeout and got back to work. After the other two left, Roland leaned back in his chair and let out a long, deep sigh.

'There's no use avoiding it, I should probably start now.'

His fingers flew over the keyboard as tapping sounds filled his office. His usual calm demeanor was replaced with a sharp, violent aura, as he were a savage beast. This was how he became once he got serious at his computer, when he was facing off against a formidable expert.

'Before, I didn't have a reason to track down Nightingale. Sure, they had attacked the company a few times, but they never stole or broke anything; it was like they were doing it just to show they could, to show they are the best.'

His brows furrowed.

'That changed when they went after Anna. However, I didn't pursue it even then; it would have taken too much time and effort for little to no pay off.

'Things are different now. Now, I need to prove to the others, and to myself to some extent, that Veronica is innocent.'

His head gradually inched closer to the screen, at a pace not dissimilar to a coastline receding from erosion.

…

The security office was similar in its layout to Roland's floor, except on a smaller scale, and Carter, the boss, didn't have a separate office. Instead of the office, they had an isolation room, to separate troublemakers and for serious interviews, which bordered on interrogations at times.

When Carter entered the office, he saw Anna and a few of the other members of the department chatting.

Acting as if she'd been doing something she shouldn't, like a kid caught talking in class, Anna sheepishly said, "Oh, Carter, you're back. I was just asking them about some things; I didn't want to make a mistake on the paperwork."

Chuckling, Carter waved his hand dismissively. "I don't have any issues with how you spend your time, provided you get your work done on time."

Anna blushed slightly at being seen right through.

"Anyhow, let's go into the other room, I want to ask you about the matter we discussed yesterday."

He walked straight into the isolation room, holding the door and staring at her, waiting for her to enter.

Anna shuffled over nervously.

'I still haven't made a decision. Do I need to stick my neck out for someone who sees me as a stranger? On one hand, my heart wants to help, but on the other, my brain says that's stupid.

'Argh, I don't know how I'll answer when he asks me.

'I'll just answer instantly, saying whatever first comes to mind.'

They sat down on opposite sides of the table from each other.

"You know what I'm going to ask you," Carter said, getting straight to the point. "Regarding Miss. Gilen, are you will to help me uncover the truth and find evidence? Even if we find out she's innocent, there'll no longer be any doubts. This is something we need to do. Will you help me?"

He'd prepared a whole speech to try to persuade her, but Anna replied, almost instantly, "Yes."