Page 89 of High Treason
Dare she reveal so much? “What’s the interest?”
“Collecting data.”
“Okay. Although the youngest, spoiled, and the recipient of beauty contest awards—” She gave him a feigned scowl. “Don’t even go there. Anyway, I also had an interest in economics, world politics, US security. Earned a scholarship at Ohio State, and I’m officially a loyal Buckeye fan. Upon graduation, a CIA recruiter approached me. After praying through the opportunity, I accepted.”
“What did you tell your family?”
“Needed to find myself, which took care of my stint in DC.When asked to work in Houston on a few assignments, I told my family about a desire to learn the coffee business.”
“How long will you be here?”
“Didn’t think I’d be in Houston this long. The city’s diversity, the shipping channel, Mexico, and continued growth makes it a hotbed of activity. But it could change at any time.”
“Ever thought of resigning?”
Liam sandblasted her mind. They’d planned to open a coffeehouse in Paris to ensure their cover. “Despite what happened, it’s the only thing I know. I suppose I’ll quit when I’m too old to keep the pace.”
“Does the secrecy bother you?”
She allowed a hint of her to slip. “Sometimes. But it’s where I’m supposed to be.”
“It still can be lonely,” he said.
Where was he going with this? “It’s a choice we make.”
“The God factor is the hardest for me to understand,” he said. “I’m trying there too.”
“Searching?”
He chuckled. “Let’s say hoping a God is real. Whenever humans are in charge, greed takes over.”
“I think for take-charge people like us, admitting faith in something we can’t see is the hardest decision we can make. But we’re not invisible to God.”
“Why are you a believer?”
How could she explain God when at times she had her own doubts? “I felt an unexplainable tug to follow Him. Deep. Personal. Intimate. Undeniable.” She struggled for words. “Kord, ask God to show Himself to you.”
“I have to believe to ask.”
“Think about it.”
He shrugged.
“Tell me, what about your family?”
“We were raised to be independent. Once we left home for college, that was it. Mom and Dad travel. And I have a brother.”
Sounded cold. “Are you close to them?”
“Talk to my brother quarterly. Have a calendar reminder to buzz me when it’s time. Haven’t seen him in over a year.”
“Someone special?”
In the shadows, she saw a grin. “Are you asking for yourself?”
“No thanks. I have Ali if I choose to go that route.”
“Right now my attention is on a mission, but I really like my partner.”
