THIRTY MINUTES LATER Kelly and Bernice had been assigned visitor’s badges and were stepping out of the elevator at the eighth floor.
“Right this way, ladies,” Nathan gestured toward the smaller of the two conference rooms.
“You don’t understand, Agent Thomas,” Bernice said, laying her hand on his forearm. “I need to speak with you, and only you. Privately, please.”
She turned to Kelly. “Would you mind waiting out here, dear?”
“Not at all,” Kelly responded, and smiled.
“Would either of you like something to drink?” he asked. “There’s a breakroom right here, with a coffeemaker and tons of supplies.”
“I’ll grab a coffee. Bernice, would you like one?”
“I’m fine at the moment, Kelly. But thanks. This shouldn’t take long.”
***
* * * *
KELLY WANDERED INTO the breakroom as Nathan and Ber
