Chapter 6

At NIA headquarter, a young brunette seen rolling down the small corridor on her wheelchair toward the corner office. She came to a stop and knocked a few times.
“Yes?” A woman’s voice called out.

“Leigh Ostin ma’am,” the brunette announced and waited.

“Come in.” A welcoming response followed by a door quickly click opened. Max was behind the door, keeping it wide opened to allow Leigh easier passage.

“Thank you Ms. Grey,” Leigh politely responded to the gesture before wheeling herself inside the room.

“Leigh…please relax…we’re not conducting official business, call me Max.”

“Yes ma’am…” Max arched her brows hearing Leigh slip of tongue.

“Sorry, force of habit.” Leigh bashfully clarified. The older woman smiled graciously and invited herself to a sit across from Leigh. She laid her hands out waiting for Leigh’s. Leigh hesitated at first, but complied seeing the pleading look in the woman’s eyes.

“How are you dear? I heard you’ve made great progress with therapy. I was going to visit you this weekend but you’re already here. Is it okay for you to be out and about?” Leigh’s eyes were getting misty hearing the caring and concerned tone of the older woman.

“Ma’am…Ms. Grey…I mean Max” Leigh fumbling with her choice of greeting. She has always held this woman with such admiration and respect that it was difficult to address her name casually.

“I’m doing great, actually better then great. I’ve regained some feelings back in my feet. The accommodations you ordered have helped tremendously, that’s why I want to personally show you how much I’ve progress.” Leigh’s eyes brimmed with pride and voice resonated with enthusiasm that delighted the older woman.

“I owed you my life and hope to repay your kindness some day.” Leigh held on tightly to Max’s hands and conveyed her wish. The older woman shook her head in disagreement and corrected Leigh’s misconception with compelling honesty.

“It’s you that we owed a debt of gratitude for meritorious service rendered. That’s the least we can do for your suffering in the line of duty. You did a great service by eliminating the mole that infiltrated our organization and help saved innocent lives from peril.”

It was an ironic blessing in disguise for Max and the agency once details of the explosion were revealed. The secondary team assigned to remove Elizabeth from the house failed in their attempt but succeeded in an unexpected way.  Paige Sobel and Leigh Ostin arrived at the house within minutes apart from Tina’s encountered with the others.