Page 9 of Beautiful Unity

“It’s a pleasure to formally meet you, Darcie.”

“How the fuck do you know her name?” Grayson shouted, moving me behind him.

“You’re Agent Bones,” I said, knowing I was right. Grayson whipped around, but I held the agent’s eyes.

He nodded, smiling at me like a proud teacher. I narrowed my gaze. Why was he here, and why was he so interested in me?

“Perhaps we should head inside and join the rest of your group? Though, I suppose they should be leaving any second?” He glanced at his wrist despite not wearing a watch.

I opened my mouth to argue, but the door opened, and the sound blared out ahead of Maddox, Brooks, and Waylon. Their eyes landed on me first, searching me to ensure I wasn’t hurt. Agent Bones looked over his shoulder and nodded, dropping his hand.

“Right on time, Maddox.” Maddox’s head shot up, and he stiffened at the sight of the man standing before me.

“Agent Bones. I don’t remember having a meeting.”

“That’s because you’ve been ignoring me. So I had to take matters into my own hands.” He turned, smiling that non-smile at Maddox. “You undersold your protege. Darcie clocked me before I could introduce myself.”

Maddox’s face hardened, and he stood next to me. “She’s not part of the deal.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. She’s the whole reason you have one.”

“Fuck that,” Waylon growled.

“Maybe we should move this conversation before we draw too much attention,” I suggested, much to the dismay of the men around me. Brooks had come to stand behind me, meaning I was surrounded by three guys, with Bubba blocking the agent’s path.

“Great idea. We could head to the diner around the corner. I’m famished.” He patted his stomach, smiling as if we were old friends deciding where to grab a bite to eat.

“Lead the way,” Bubba urged.

The agent laughed, shoved his hands into his pockets, and whistled as he led us away from the bar. I glanced back at it with longing. So much for a nice night out.

Diary #3

Dear Dad,

One of the best things you ever did for me was to treat me like an actual member of the club despite my gender. Going through the MCD program taught me so many things, which I’m thankful for. There were a few years when it felt like it didn’t matter, that I knew people would hurt me no matter what. And while that is true in the sense that some people will hurt others regardless of how smart, strong, or prepared they are, it doesn’t mean I can’t protect myself.

It’s not an all-or-nothing situation. I’m not either prepared and safe or unprepared and unsafe. Life doesn’t work like that. I can only control what I can, and usually, that’s just me. And I’m going to choose to be prepared and as knowledgeable as I can, regardless of the outcome, which brings me back to the point of this letter.

Tonight, I felt like the version of myself I want to be.

Strong and carefree.

Respected and loved.

Determined and passionate.

Trusting and optimistic.

The four men in my life show me the best parts of myself, and if only for that reason, I hope you accept them because I’m not giving them up.

You gave me the courage to be who I am, and I’m finally taking it.

See you soon, Dad.

Love,

Darcie

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