Remember Jamie Baker (Jamie Baker #3)(32)

Trying to tune out their stares, I focused on our conversation. “We are the government, yes,” Major Wilks was saying. He had no problem ignoring people. “But we’re a just one. We have a moral code of honor. Gray areas do exist. It’s an unfortunate reality, but we try our best to always do what is right and in the best interest of this country. In my entire career, there have not been many times where my ethics were tested. What can I do to prove to you that we are not corrupt?”

Major Wilks led me toward the stack of trays and plates. I’d known from the second we opened the doors that I wouldn’t be eating much from this cafeteria, but I took a plate anyway. As Major Wilks began to fill his tray with food, I followed him down the line and tried not to sigh too dramatically as I picked through the measly selection for something that I could suffer putting in my mouth. I wasn’t hopeful. It looked like I’d be going out for something to eat later.

“It’s not a question of being corrupt. It’s a matter of handing over my power to others. My abilities are dangerous, and I’m to blame for what happens when I use them. I’m the one who has to live with the consequences. I won’t go on missions that I don’t choose to be a part of, and I won’t use my powers unless I feel it’s okay.”

Major Wilks sighed again and turned to go find a table. Thankfully he sat us at an empty one, but there were a few people within eavesdropping distance. Oh, well. I was going to have to get used to being on display. At least, for a while. “I can be a useful ally, Major, and a great friend to have. If I can trust you, you can always ask for my help. But I doubt I’ll ever be an official part of the team. I’m just too powerful. I can’t risk putting myself in anyone’s control. I’m sorry.”

As we sat, he finally noticed my tray. The lone apple on it derailed his focus. “I thought you were hungry?”

Twisting the apple in my hands, I glanced back at the buffet line we’d just gone through and wrinkled my nose. “Superpowers can have their drawbacks.” I had to elaborate. “I have amplified senses. A heightened sense of smell and taste generally equates to world’s pickiest eater. Great food is pure bliss. But mediocre food is awful, and terrible food is just inedible. No offense to your staff. It’s not their fault my taste buds are in overdrive. But don’t worry. I’ll just go out for something later.”

“No need, Angel!” Tyson chirped, appearing at my side with a wide grin. “Hey, Major. Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to bring this to Jamie before it got cold.”

He sat down across from us and pushed an insulated bag in front of me. It was warm and smelled divine. “What is it?”

“Well, we had the day off this morning, and I remembered Ryan talking about the supertaste thing, and I know the cafeteria food here is crap—” His eyes snapped to Major Wilks, and the tips of his ears turned red. “Sorry, Major.”

Major Wilks pursed his lips at the kid, but I think it was only to hide a smile.

“Anyway, I didn’t want you to starve, so Abiodun drove me in to Colorado Springs this morning and we did some shopping. Ryan gave us a list of foods you like, and we found more of that tea that’s your favorite. Abiodun’s taking it to your room right now, along with a new mini fridge we got for you. But I knew you’d be extra hungry when you woke up, so I brought you some tortellini from the best restaurant in town. Do you like mushrooms? I hope you like mushrooms. I ordered it because it’s my favorite, but I forgot to ask Ryan if you like mushrooms.”

He finally stopped, probably because he needed to take a breath. I would have said thanks, but I couldn’t get any words out. I was shocked. And touched. I had to swallow back a lump of emotion. After clearing my throat, I pulled a white Styrofoam box from the bag and held it up to my face, making a show of examining the food.

Tyson chewed his lip as he watched the display, and his leg bounced beneath the table. Slowly, I opened the lid, examined the food, and took a bite. I would have told Tyson it was the best thing I’d ever eaten, even if it was terrible. I couldn’t break the kid’s heart after he’d tried so hard. But I didn’t have to fake it. The mushroom tortellini was to die for. Groaning, I shut my eyes and savored the first bite. After I swallowed, I opened my eyes and grinned at Tyson. “You, my invisible friend, are my new hero.”

Tyson exhaled a giant breath and beamed a smile at me that showed all his teeth.

Two of the men I recognized from the day before sat down on either side of Tyson. “Uh-oh,” one of them teased. “Looks like Romeo’s got some competition.”

“I’m certainly not going to be the one to break it to him,” the other said.

The cute Hawaiian appeared next, boldly taking the empty seat beside mine and grinned at me. “Let him down easy, Angel.”

I rolled my eyes, but I appreciated the friendly jest. With all the stares from the other people in the room, their playful teasing was comforting.

None of the men had food. It seemed they’d all just come to say hello, and they were a lot more relaxed than they had been the day before.

After eating another bite of my delicious pasta, I turned to the guy next to me and finally asked a question I’d been dying to know. “Eyes?”

He laughed and batted his lashes at me. “My name is Maka Nani. It means ‘beautiful eyes’ in Hawaiian.”