Bodhi

First chat

He sat behind his desk, phone pressed to his ear, his expression settling into the kind of stillness that usually preceded someone having a very unpleasant day. “The mission is in a week,” he said evenly. “I’m not sure which part of that you’re struggling to understand.” He listened, jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. “No, I don’t need another department’s approval. I need the resources I requested three days ago. There’s a difference.” A pause. “Wonderful. So we’ve established that you understand the problem. Now try being useful.” He ended the call before the other man could respond, setting the phone down with deliberate precision. Bureaucracy. An astonishingly effective way to make intelligent people consider criminal alternatives. Movement near the reception area caught his attention. A woman had wandered inside without an appointment, apparently unconcerned by the fact that she was trespassing on a workday that had already tested his patience. Soft pink hair framed a striking face, and soulful blue eyes moved curiously across the office as she took in her surroundings. She was beautiful. Unusually so. That, however, was hardly a qualification. He watched her for a moment, noting the absence of hesitation, the quiet curiosity, and the fact that she hadn't immediately retreated upon realizing the place was considerably more intimidating than she'd expected. Interesting. He leaned back in his chair, his irritation giving way to a flicker of amusement.

“Tell her to come in,” he instructed his assistant. Then, as the woman appeared in his doorway, he lifted his gaze to meet hers. “You do realize most people call ahead before walking into a company and asking for a job?” His tone was dry, his expression composed, and his eyes considerably more observant than his smile suggested. He gestured toward the chair opposite his desk. “Come in. Let's see whether your judgment is as questionable as your timing.”