Page 90 of Hidden Chance

“So what happened?”

“I fought it for a while, but eventually, I couldn’t deny that I had fallen in love with her. Fear got in the way of the job. I started making decisions based on protecting her instead of what was right for the mission.”

“You think I’m keeping Hannah back at base because I’m in love with her?”

“No. I know why she stayed back. But don’t limit her because of your own fear.”

“I’m not afraid. And I’m not in love with her.”

“But you’re falling?”

“A topic for another time. We’re coming up on the building now.”

Peter chuckled. “Good. That will give you time to process your thoughts and come up with a suitable response.”

“There’s nothing to process.”

“I’m just saying.”

“Well stop. We’ve got work to do.”

Hannah watched the displays, focusing on any movement that appeared and checking each angle they had.

“Sitting that close to the screens will give you a headache,” Jemi said. She was lying on her cot, reading a book.

Hannah scooted back but kept looking. They had multiple views of the front of the building, but that was all. It would have been too dangerous for Su Su to set up surveillance from the back. Her fingers fidgeted with the mouse cord, and her leg jiggled, bouncing the screen.

Jemi tossed her book aside and sat beside her, resting a hand on her knee.

“Don’t say it,” Hannah said.

“Say what?”

“That everything will be okay.”

“I would never say that. I know all too well that it’s not true. What I was going to say is, you won’t see them on the screen if they do their jobs properly.”

Hannah grimaced, then said, “I would rather keep an eye on anyone else coming and going. That’s what weneed to keep an eye on, right?” She looked up at Jemi and balked. “What? What’s with the smile?”

“You were hoping to see him.”

“Not if he shouldn’t be seen.”

“Have you known Robby long?”

“Not very. Why?”

“It’s hard in these extreme situations not to grow attached. He can protect you. That creates a strong pull.”

“I’m not growing attached. I care about these kids who are being harmed, and Robby is doing his best to save them. I appreciate what he’s doing. That’s all.”

“Can I give you some advice?”

“I’m tempted to say no.”

“Don’t try to pretend. It will only wear you out.”

“I’m not pretending anything.”

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