When Claire opened the diner door, the warm chatter inside hit her like a wave, she wasn't ready for.
Claire Morgan, the only daughter of Dr Charles and Camilla Morgan, is now officially an orphan.
After hearing the news of her father's passing, her world crashed, and all her strength left her. This was the last thing she expected to happen right now.
Unconsciously sitting at a quiet corner in the diner, her eyes staring blankly into space lost. Claire clearly was not there; her mind was clearly far gone.
This diner is a place she comes to from time to time and once in a while with her father, because he's mostly busy and doesn't have time for her.
Anytime she manages to get his attention they come here. Claire is also a cyber security analyst who is skilled in ethical hacking and the like.
This is also part of their bonding as father and daughter. Ever since Claire's mom passed. Her Dad has refused to marry and dedicated his time and energy to his work.
This diner and tech which they both love, brings them together on some occasions. A waiter approached her to take her order.
Claire, looking up, didn't recognize this face, probably one of the newbies. She faintly ordered a cup of coffee.
The young waitress, sensing the discomfort and sadness in Claire, didn't push her to order; she left instantly to get the coffee.
Putting the coffee down on the table. All Claire could do was stare at it and get lost again.
Hearing her father was murdered was devastating enough, but what even puzzled her more in the midst of this grief.
Is the marriage contract, like w*f, how could anybody talk about that considering what just happened?
Hearing it's her father's idea is far more disturbing. A man and a lady approached her just as she left the police station a few days back (finishing up on some questioning since they both live together and all, police procedure)
They said they were from the agency and narrated so many things to her, showing her the contract, benefits, conditions, and the like.
They even have a video recording of her father stating and admitting everything.
I can't believe this. Dad hid this from me. How am I supposed to get married to a man I barely knew?
"Ma'am this isn't about the marriage per se, but about your safety, the people who murdered your father.
May decide to come after you, though, of course, we are here to protect you, but your father insisted on this particular Agent and this approach.
We're sure he had his reasons". That was what that agent told me a few days back. It's annoying thinking about it, but I saw Dad's signature which I recognized immediately.
And the other things they showed me. This was definitely my Dad's. So I have to get into a contract marriage for my own protection for 5 years, like witsec (witness protection program).
Oh!! I wish Dad had consulted with me before making this decision.
It's not like I am in any relationship for now, but he should have told me about this.
Reluctantly taking a sip from her coffee. Her mind went blank, filled with grief and shock. Her countenance clearly looked unhappy. Drifted off in thoughts again.
*
*
*
Not bad, not bad at all. Agent Shawn reasoned within himself. With a slight smirk appearing on his face.
From the moment she walked in, his eyes had been on her, studying her composure and observing her.
No wonder Ray brought me here. He knew I would want to assess her firsthand.
To know what I was getting into. It has been a while since I got into any relationship.
"Can I approach her? Shawn asked with a serious look on his face". "No, no, Shawn, just observe, you will be officially introduced later," Ray explained.
"She looks sad and lonely, can't I just say Hi" empathy in his voice. Ray raised a high brow, "Eh!! Lover boy hold your horses, all in good time.
Remember the situation that surrounds her, your duty is to keep her safe and ensure the agency gets their hand on that software program, this is very important.
Her father went through a lot of trouble to keep it hidden and his daughter safe. We're not the only ones after this, and don't know who's involved and who's not for now, but they are enemies for sure.
She may be the only one who knows the whereabouts of this program, regardless of whether she intentionally admits it or not, so get your priorities straight Agent Shawn"
Ray spoke with every bit of seriousness in his voice. Relaxing a bit and taking a bite from his now already cold food.
Shawn sighed heavily, looking at Claire with a lot of unanswered questions on his mind, who was just a few feet away.
Then, he turned back to face Ray, having made up his mind to go and meet her; he wasn't going to wait for any official meeting/introduction.
Then just as he was about to stand up and approach Claire, the door of the diner flung open, a young lady of 23 or thereabout walked in, guessing roughly 5'6".
Her eyes are a striking hazel, pretty sharp and observing, reasonably pretty. She quickly walked to where Claire was and gave her a hug.
"You look so sad, dear. I am so sorry for being late. My work was extra, James (her boyfriend), had me pissed off.
Over some comments I made on his post. Oh!! I am so sorry, dear. I don't want this to be about me. How are you catching up, huh!!"
Anny looked at her best friend, and her heart melted. Claire had called her earlier on, and they had both agreed to meet here.
Anny and Claire are childhood friends, and though they were not always this close, they grew closer over time.
Claire really doesn't have many friends. She is used to the quiet introverted life. Anny is obviously very dear to her.
"It's ok, Anny, just sit with me and let's talk about anything apart from my Dad's".
"Ok dear" Anny gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "I am here for you, it's all going to be ok, Claire"
Smiling back with a face that showed gratitude and grace.
Anny suddenly leaned closer to Claire and whispered, "Considering everything you told me about your father's murder, I don't know if it's me being paranoid or if those men (pointing discreetly and using facial expression).
Looking really interested at our table". Claire looked slightly in the direction Anny pointed, and her eyes connected instantly with those of Agent Shawn.