Page 45 of Body and Soul

A sharp pull, deep within me, snapped the last thread of calm.

The world shifted.

Suddenly, I was falling into a black void, away from my body. The edges of my vision darkened, and as the blackness swallowed me up, I realized what’d happened. Someone else had decided to take over.

I sat rigidly inShepherd's office chair, back straight, hands folded neatly in my lap. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed faintly, casting a harsh glare on the diplomas and certifications adorning the walls. Across from me, Agent Valentine slouched in his seat, his silver hair mussed and his jacket rumpled. He eyed me skeptically, his weathered face etched with lines of exhaustion and cynicism.

“Agent Valentine,” I said, my voice smoother, controlled, and devoid of the emotional turmoil that had been simmering moments ago. “This conversation needs to be steered carefully. You’re treading on dangerous ground.”

Valentine tilted his head, eyes narrowing in subtle recognition. He knew something had changed, but he had no idea that he was no longer speaking to Shepherd. If I did my job correctly, he’dneverknow, and we could get through this without further trauma to Shepherd’s psyche.

“I’m just trying to understand the situation better,” Valentine replied, his tone cautious, but still probing. “You know these people in ways we can’t even begin to comprehend.”

I gave a cold, measured nod, leaning forward slightly. “Understanding is one thing. Engaging with it is another. The Children of the Light are a cancer. Ezekiel thrives on the decay of those around him—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. If you intend to confront him, you’ll need more than knowledge. You’ll need resolve.”

“You still haven’t told me anything about what we’re up against,” Valentine pressed, determined to regain control of the conversation. “The FBI needs more than cryptic warnings.”

My gaze sharpened, locking on him with an intensity that held no warmth, only precision. “Ezekiel knows the system inside and out. He’s built his own infrastructure, a network that spans across state lines. The Children are more than followers; they’re his shield. You won’t find anything concrete unless you’re prepared to dismantle his entire web.”

Valentine leaned back, running a hand through his hair as he considered my words. “So what you're saying is, we can't touch him through official channels. Not without a hell of a lot of collateral damage.”

“Precisely.” I steepled my fingers. “Ezekiel has insulated himself too well. Any direct assault will only end in disaster, for the FBI and for the innocents caught in the crossfire.”

“Then what do you suggest, Doc?” Valentine's tone carried a hint of frustration, but also a grudging respect.

“By understanding that sometimes, the only way to beat a monster is to become one yourself. Ezekiel operates outside the law. To take him down, you may need to do the same.”

A heavy silence settled between us as Valentine digested my words. I could see the wheels turning behind his eyes, theinternal struggle between his duty as an agent and his desire for justice.

“That’s not how the FBI operates,” he said firmly.

“What about how you operate, Agent Valentine?”

Valentine's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching beneath the weathered skin. “I took an oath to uphold the law, Doctor Laskin. And that’s what I intend to do.”

I shrugged. “Then Ezekiel wins and you lose the same way your agency lost at Jonestown and at Waco. And that, Agent Valentine, will be on you. Not me.”

Valentine's face hardened, and he stood. “I didn't come here for a lecture on morality, Laskin. I came here for information. If you can't give me that, then we're done here.”

I stood and gestured towards the door, my expression impassive. “Then by all means, Agent Valentine, don't let me keep you.”

Valentine hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching mine as if trying to discern some hidden truth. But I had perfected the art of concealment long ago, and my mask remained firmly in place. With a curt nod, he turned and strode out of the office.

I followed. As we reached the reception area, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the polished glass of the framed art. Shepherd's face stared back at me, but the eyes were all wrong, utterly devoid of the warmth and compassion that usually resided there.

Valentine paused at the door, his hand on the knob. He looked back at me over his shoulder, a flicker of uncertainty in his grizzled features. “One more thing. There have been indications that the Children of the Light have been preparing for something big. They’ve been selling off a lot of their larger assets. Some of my superiors think it might mean they’re preparing to relocate. They’ve been difficult to track domestically, but if they leave the country…”

I frowned, making a mental note to write that in our journal for Shepherd. “When do you think they’ll move?”

He shrugged. “Hard to say. Could be weeks. Could be months. We don’t even know if that’s what they’re planning. Either way, I know you have family inside. I thought you should know.”

“I appreciate your concern, Agent Valentine.”

Valentine's brow furrowed, a shadow of suspicion darkening his eyes. “Right. Well, thanks for your time, Dr. Laskin. I'll be in touch if we need anything else.”

With that, he pushed through the door and disappeared into the hallway, leaving me alone in the reception area. I stood there for a moment, savoring the stillness, the quiet hum of the air conditioning the only sound.

Slowly, I turned and made my way back to Shepherd's office, each step measured and deliberate. As I closed the door behind me, I felt a sense of satisfaction settle over me. I had successfully navigated the treacherous waters of Valentine's interrogation, protecting Shepherd and the others from further damage.

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