Page 29 of The Divide that Binds Us

“Fine.We’ll go.What’s the best way to get there?”I ask.The twins finally stand up after having a quiet conversation.They nod together and chuck the paper bag of broccolini into a bush behind the gazebo.I rub my temples, hoping we’ll make it through this mission alive.

“Rio’s lightning can bolt us there,” Derrick replies.He tucks his book in his armpit.

“That attracts too much attention.If people see a lightning bolt zigzagging through the island, they will know it is Rio,” Lynn says.

“It’s sunny out, so if we stay high in the sky, no one should pay too much attention, right?”Eric suggests with raised brows.“AmIright?”

“I don’t understand why we just don’t ask those Elite members for directions,” says Derrick.“We’re all mature, right?It never becomes an all-out battle when org members see each other.Besides, this is our mission.Why we actin’ all scared now?”

Well, not all of us are mature.

The train comes back, spitting out more passengers to go about their way.An Elite member descends the stairs and does a fist bump with Rachel and Robert.She’s wearing a backpack and has blood-orange hair.

“Natasha!You made it; are you checking out that gem today?”Rachel asks.

“Yup!I’m having a wheelbarrow sent over there now,” Natasha replies.

Robert places a hand on his hip.“Mmm.Must be exciting.Where is it?”

“Up north, near the terrace rice fields,” Natasha says.“I’m renting an electric car.”

Oh no.

Lynn and the twins turn to look at me, but I waste no time with their sharp stares.I take out my phone, keeping my eyes on Natasha as she continues her conversation with her teammates.I dial Cedric’s number, and he answers on the first ring.

“Commander.”Master Cedric immediately addresses me.

“M-Master Cedric!I’m at Emerald with agent Wu and the Fincher agents.I...think our mission with the gem conflicts with Elite.Please confirm.”

Cedric doesn’t miss a beat.“See if they need assistance with the excavation.If not, return to base.”

Despite him hanging up on me, I can’t move the phone from my ear.My eyes focus on Natasha leaving while the burning need to fulfill the mission stings the tip of my fingers.This is a great opportunity for Ultima in many ways.Most importantly, continuous public appeal and versatility.

I meet the wary stars of my team.“We’re going to help her.”

“And if she refuses our help?”Lynn questions.“Elites are not quite nice.”

“She won’t refuse, trust me.”

The plan to subtly stalk Natasha is one of caution, in the chance she runs before we get directions to the gem.It’s hard not to look suspicious and watch her from afar.With the twins stepping on the back of my heel every five steps, it’s nearly impossible.Lynn strays far from us, looking at ease and casually browsing the farmer’s market.

“Idiots,” she scoffs at us.She grabs an apple and leaves a coin on the food stand, all in one swift motion as we’re meandering the small market.More sellers are opening their food stands, shouting to see their crops, freshly squeezed juices, and milk.It’s a perfect setup for capturing patrons right when they exit the train.The rest of the island is a rigid mixture of city and farmland.

After snaking through a few more rows of signs, stands, and chickens roaming about, the market ends, leading us off the dirt path and perfectly across the city street from a rental building.It’s a small, square building with only five tagged cars available.

Natasha looks both ways before crossing and heading inside.The twins and I stay put while Lynn waits and crosses the street, takes out her violin, and plants her case on the ground.She settles the violin into position, whips out her bow, and gently drags it across the strings.The melody from her wooden companion is soft and thin, matching the everyday hardworking vibe as a burly woman with a green bandana around her head rolls a giant barrel down the street.

Traffic is light enough that people cross and transport goods on foot, carts, and wagons.Citizens rush across the street to give Lynn generous tips while the twins and I watch from afar.

Natasha finally emerges from the rental building and jets over to one of the parked cars up front.We run across while I pray this all looks normal.A few bystanders clap as Lynn continues playing, but she gives me a rushed grimace.

“Hi.Natasha, is it?”I ask.

She turns to me just as she opens the car door, fiery hair swishing to the subtle movement of her head.Her smile is soft, pink, and pretty.Her badge reveals her full name, Natasha Redly.

“Oh, h-hello?Do I know you?”Her eyes flicker at my attire, and her smile shifts into an ugly scowl.“What do you want?”

Happens every time.

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