"Absolutely" Bette smiled confidently, secretly looking forward to getting to know Tina Kennard.

"In that case, here are your files" Peggy handed the women a copy of the file on Tina Kennard "Ladies, don’t forget the importance of regular communication, and remember that nothing is insignificant. And lastly" the agents all turned to look at her "good luck"

*********************************************************************************************************

It was with a slight air of anticipation that Bette approached the address in the file that she’d been given earlier that morning, which surprised her, as normally she was the epitome of calm. She chastised herself for the shakes in her hand as she rang the doorbell.

"Hi" Tina half smiled, but the fear in her eyes was evident.

"Hi, I’m Bette Porter, or Bette Tyler as I guess you’d better call me" Bette extended her hand.

"Tina. Tina Kennard" she shook Bette’s hand warmly "Come in, I don’t want to leave you on the doorstep" Tina smiled again.

"Thanks" Bette followed Tina into the house, and was suitably impressed "You have a nice place here. The artworks really something"

"Thank you" there was that smile again, sending Bette weak at the knees "I’m no expert, I just like the way they look"

"Well you obviously have great taste" Bette flashed Tina a million-dollar smile.

"Let me show you to your room"

Bette followed Tina up the stairs, and unsuccessfully tried to avoid staring at Tina’s arse. She felt herself getting flustered, and had to shake herself out of it. Behave, Porter, she thought to herself, your on a job, and besides, this girls straight. And you’re here to protect her. Don’t take advantage of that situation.

"This is it. I’m sorry it’s not much…"

"It’s perfect" Bette gave Tina a grateful smile, and put her bag down in the homely room.

"The bathrooms down the hall. I’ll be downstairs" Tina left the room, and already Bette wished she was was with her. There was just something about her that made Bette want to get to know her better. The attraction was instant. She went to the bathroom and splashed her face with cold water, before heading downstairs.

"If you’re ready, we should go over what we know so far" Bette approached Tina.

"Sure" God, that smile just sent Bette’s head spinning every time.

"Right" Bette laid her papers down on the table and tried to pull herself together "So other than you and my team, noone else can now who I am or why am I here. Not even your boyfriend" Bette looked up at Tina.

"So what do I tell people?" Tina’s eyes were focused on Bette.

"Ok, well the story has to be different depending on the person. For your boyfriend…Eric is it? We don’t want him to know that I’m anything to do with your job, so we have to tell him that I’m an old friend who’s had a messy break up with an ex, and doesn’t want anyone to know I’m here"

"I guess that’s ok. I mean, I don’t like lying to him…"

"Your security is my top priority here. I’m afraid the less people that know about the operation, the better"

"I understand"

"Now, at work, I’m your colleague from Washington. I’m considering a move to work for the government up here, but want some…hands on experience…" Bette bit her lip and hoped that Tina wouldn’t back away at her choice of words.

"Wow, you guys really thought this all out didn’t you?!" Tina just looked impressed.

"That’s our job"

Tina let out a small laugh "Well, I do feel safer already with you around"

"You’re in good hands" Bette smiled and patted Tina on the arm.

"The best, so I hear" the two women maintained eye contact for a few seconds.

"On that note, shall we head to your office? I’m sure we’ve kept you away from there for long enough already. We can discuss the finer details of the stories on the way" Bette took control of the situation.

"Sounds like a good plan"

The two women walked to Tina’s car. Bette smiled. She loved her work, there was never any doubt of that, but she felt that this job she was going to enjoy more than most.