The Recruit(75)

‘So you’re the boss.’ Of all the things she wanted to say and ask, she came out with that first. Damn it, where was her head.

‘Yes, like my father and his father before him. A real family affair. I was actually an agent like you, so was my sister. But when my dad got sick I left the field work and came to run the office side of things.’ James glanced away and Jaz felt a sadness wash over him.

‘So there are a few girls that do this job?’

‘Oh yes, Jaz. Some of them are our best agents. My sister was one of them.’ His sadness returned and Jaz picked up on the ‘was’ part. ‘She died but it wasn’t on duty,’ he added.

‘Oh, I’m sorry.’

James smiled. ‘Don’t get me wrong, this can be a dangerous job but so is being in Afghanistan with the army or surfing with sharks.’

‘I hear you.’ Jaz liked this James guy. He was easy to talk to and not full of self-importance. The fact that he sat beside her and not behind the desk reassured her he was different.

James glanced at his watch and then apologised. ‘I’m sorry, Jaz. I don’t have much time as I have an interview. I would love to spend more time talking with you but I don’t want to pressure you either. You understand that in this business we have to keep up appearances, so if you do decide to join us we will have a cover job organised.’

‘Much like Ryan’s?’

‘Yes. He mentioned about the job we could use you for?’ She nodded. ‘Again, we don’t want to pressure you. But Ryan believes you will be a great asset to us and he’s already told me what you did for him. You will be paid well for this job. Also, you know our guru guy Pax?’

‘Oh yes.’ Jaz laughed. ‘It makes so much sense now. He was always disappearing on us.’

‘So you’ve seen our building. There is not much here, we try to keep a paperless trail and in the basement is where the guys train sometimes, but we just try to keep everyone going about their normal lives. We prefer a one-on-one training. Secret is the key here, Jaz. We don’t want to draw unwanted attention so everything is kept low key. If people come through this building it has to be and look like what it is, therefore we don’t have official training rooms. Training is done out on the streets.’

As he stood up, so did Jaz. He held out his hand so she shook it. ‘Thanks for coming by. Any questions you have, you know you can ask Ryan. He’s one of our best. He wouldn’t have brought you to us unless he thought you were something special.’

‘Thanks.’ She didn’t know what else to say.

Jaz picked up her bag and headed for the door as James followed.

‘Bye,’ she said turning the knob. Ryan was waiting for her on the other side, just like he said. She felt relieved and safe.

‘Bye, Jaz.’ James watched her leave before calling in a boy that was also sitting by the door. He looked no older than Jaz.

‘Who was that boy?’ Jaz asked Ryan as they headed to the elevator.

‘A recruit who has said yes to joining; now he’s off to his interview.’

‘Really, so if I said yes I’d still have to do this interview too?’ she asked as they rode the elevator down. Ryan nodded. ‘Would it be with James?’

‘Yes, and maybe the group commander. I could be sitting in too if you wanted.’

Yeah, she would want that. Jaz realised her thoughts were leaning towards accepting. She knew deep down she wanted to, but on the surface, she was scared. Scared to say goodbye to the simple schoolgirl and hello to an agent who was trained to kill if needed. But what else was she going to do with her life? The Ring? Not now, not when she knew about stuff like this. Meeting Ryan had changed her, that’s for sure.

They had the quietest trip back, and she didn’t even realise that Ryan was dropping her off at The Ring.

‘I’ll see you tomorrow before I leave, okay,’ said Ryan. His eyes again held her in a spell.

‘Cool, I’ll see you at ten. You can have my answer then.’ She gave him the address to where the ball was being held down by the river and climbed out.

She watched him drive off and wondered what she’d be thinking about if Ryan had never stepped foot into The Ring.

Turning around she went to find Pax. She couldn’t give Ryan her answer until she’d talked to Pax. She couldn’t talk to Anna, or even her mum about her future, but she could talk openly with Pax. His opinion counted.

Bags was down the back, busy giving lessons to a woman in her thirties. She could hear his deep voice cheering the lady with each punch. Her jabs were real sloppy. She hoped Bags didn’t push her too hard or else she might not come back.