Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) by Gerald Greene Page B

Joy but didn’t like the feeling I had now.
    Maybe I didn’t love Amanda after all. Joy’s sweet kisses and jamming body planted seeds of doubt. I get a boner thinking of Joy’s eager love making Friday night.
    Monday, I was eager to get to the office. Over the weekend Amanda was not pleasant company. She must have intuitive powers of the first order as she kept questioning my whereabouts Friday evening. I had no choice but to lie. I may be many wicked things, but I’m not a good liar. I’m sure she sensed my discomfort as I told her lies about where I had dinner, and what I did afterwards.
    Joy was her normal cheerful self. “Good morning, Jay. Ready for another exciting week?”
    Nothing to raise suspicions right? She had to be talking about only markets.
    “Hi Joy. Have a good weekend?”
    “Friday night was terrific. And Saturday morning even better. Can’t say the same for Saturday afternoon and Sunday. “
    “The same for me. We’ll have to work on that.”
    The phone rang. Joy answered. “Jay, a man says he’s Special Agent Samuel Cooper from the FBI. Wants to talk to you.”
    My heart leaped into my throat as my stomach turned a few flips. Definitely not how I wanted to start my week. I took the phone worried about the FBI calling. It couldn’t be good.
    A business like smooth voice said, “Mr. Gunner? Jay Gunner? Good. I’m FBI Special Agent Samuel Cooper. My partner and I would like to set up an appointment as soon as possible. Say this afternoon?” 
    “What’s this about Mr. Cooper?”
    “Just want to ask you a few questions. It’s no big deal. We think you may have some information about someone we’re interested in. Shouldn’t take long.”
    “I see. Hope I can help with whatever you’re after. This afternoon will be fine. Say at 4:00.”
    “We’ll see you at four. That’s suite 8852 HKSH building right?”
    “Yes Sir. That’s it. See you at four.”
    Joy overheard the FBI part. In a near panic, she said, “OMG must be about Brian Andrews. Why did I ever speak to that man?”
    “Joy, they want to speak with me. They must know I had a couple of meetings with Brian. Shouldn’t be a problem.”
    “Jay, I should have spoken sooner, but I didn’t think the FBI would be calling you. Special Agent Cooper came to see me a few days ago. Wanted to know how I knew Brian.”
    “Damn Joy. Wish you’d told me. What did you say?”
    “I said I didn’t know Brian well. Only dated a few times. Told him I thought Brian a liar and decided not to see him. Didn’t believe he used to work for NSA. That seemed to be all Agent Cooper wanted to know. Haven’t heard from him since.”
    “That should be OK. If asked, I’ll back up your story.”
    The day passed in a blur. I felt ill. I knew it a serious crime to lie to federal officials, especially the FBI. People go to prison for that. As four o’clock drew near I still didn’t know what to do. I had no idea how they made the connection.
    Had a hotel surveillance camera recorded our meeting? Maybe they had knowledge of the restaurant date. If so, it was important Joy’s story and mine match. From what she just told me, we seem to be on the same page.
    My God, what if they knew about the computer and briefcase transfer? I was sweating. I must calm down. Finally, I decided to say as little as possible. Only to acknowledge I’d met Brian because he was dating my best friend trading assistant. I merely wanted to know more about him. I did a few deep breathing exercises trying to stay in balance.
    “Jay, are you OK?”
    “I’m trying to calm down. I’ve never talked to FBI agents. Can’t say I’m comfortable with it. “
    “Just tell the truth. You only met him because of me. I'll back that up. Brian wasn’t your friend. Only saw him once right?”
    At four o’clock, two special agents approached the receptionist’s desk. “A Mr. Cooper and Mr. Bright to see you Jay.” Our receptionist had the nicest voice to be bringing such