“Ms. Shiver,” the eldest one spoke. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us. I’m Special Agent Spears, this is Special Agent Parks, and Special Agent Green.” He pointed to the other two as he stated their names.

She took a seat before anyone else, her legs threatening to buckle. “I’m kind of surprised,” she admitted. “I’m clueless why I’m here.”

It was much worse than the time she’d been pulled over by a cop and given a speeding ticket when she’d been in her late teens. The three agents sat across from her, still looking stern. Her nerves made her regret eating as her belly seemed to do a flip. True sat next to her while Fury took a seat on the other side. Justice and Tim leaned against the wall behind the agents. One of the agents looked back, frowned, but said nothing as he faced her again.

“We’ve been running an investigation of criminal activity that may have helped fund Cornas Research. We’re hoping you can help us.” Special Agent Spears leaned in. “You were the accountant there and we’re hoping you can answer our questions.”

She remembered to glance at Justice. He frowned at her and nodded.

“I wasn’t an accountant. I suck at math, actually. I’m the last person who should be in charge of money. I can barely balance my checkbook.”

Special Agent Spears frowned. “Our information states that was your job title.”

“It wasn’t.”

“Jeanie was a medical technician,” True confirmed.

“The technical term is a phlebotomist,” Jeanie explained. “I took blood samples.”

“Our informant says otherwise.”

She glanced at Justice, seeing his frown. He didn’t nod or shake his head so she stared into the agent’s eyes. “I don’t know who told you that but it isn’t true. You can check my tax records. My occupation is listed and I never fudged on them. You can also look up the courses I took in college. It’s no secret. I have certifications that are up to date. You can check those too.”

“You’re saying our informant lied?” Special Agent Green frowned.

“Obviously, since no one in their right mind would let me near their money. Hell, look at my bank statements for the past few years. I get fined regularly for not paying attention to my bank balance.” She halted, blushed, and wished she hadn’t said that. “I don’t write bad checks on purpose. I pay for overdraft protection and it’s never more than like thirty bucks over. I always pay it back and pay the fees for the bank having to cover it when I go over. That’s why I have overdraft protection. I’m just going to shut up now before I put my foot deeper into my mouth.”

“I see.” Special Agent Spears frowned. “We’ll have to speak to our informant again on this matter. We need to know where to reach you.” He dug inside his jacket and withdrew an electronic device. “I need a number and an address where you can be reached.”

Justice pushed away from the wall. “You can contact her through Homeland.”

“I don’t think you understand the importance of our investigation. I need access to her.”

“I don’t think you understand that she’s New Species.”

“She looks human to me,” Special Agent Green muttered.

“She’s a mate and therefore she is Species. That means you need to go through proper channels to contact Species Jeanie.” Fury crossed his arms over his chest, looking intimidating as he glared at them. “That would be the main office at Homeland. You don’t need direct contact with her via phone or a physical address since she lives at Homeland.”

“What if she moves to Reservation? We’re aware that it’s impossible to keep track of your people between both locations. You don’t exactly keep DMV records or file flight plans or passenger lists with the FAA.” Agent Spears glanced at her, then Justice. “Can you at least keep her here so we can interview her again soon?”

Justice’s eyes narrowed. “Possibly, but I make no promises.”

Special Agent Spears stood. “Cornas Research has been linked to a mob-backed organization. They might have used the company to launder money. If she was the accountant and can prove they were transferring funds to and from there, it could put her in danger. I think you should agree to allow us to put her in protective custody.”

True stood. “Never. Jeanie goes nowhere.”

Justice rounded the table, stopping behind Jeanie. “Species Jeanie remains at Homeland. She’s safe here.”

“We’re talking about organized crime, Mr. North. These aren’t going to be a bunch of idiots with an agenda to cause a media stir to gain attention for whatever cause they’ve decided to back by launching some half-assed attack at your gates. We’re talking about highly skilled killers who may or may not decide to silence her if she could possibly link them to Cornas. Last year they took out a public figure with a large security detail after he refused to allow them to buy up a large quantity of property they wanted to use to start a gambling monopoly.”

“We’re organized and prepared to handle any situation. She’s not leaving with you. She wasn’t an accountant and True has firsthand knowledge that she spoke the truth since she used to take his blood samples. I can get you dozens of statements from other Species who will tell you the same since she took their blood too. Your informant is wrong.” Justice nailed them with a stern look. “You’ve wasted your time coming here, gentlemen.”