Page 72 of Pretend
“He was the one that did that to Daegan’s face…his body.” I go from holding my gun tight to letting my hand relax, and my eyes widen. A strong wave of sympathy washes over me, and my gaze softens when I see Daegan. I look for him through the crowd of other service members, and he towers over a blushing, cheerful Guerra with his combat boots planted in the ground, wearing his navy blue shirt on top of his camo pants. His arms are crossed over his chest, his sleeve tattoo on display, and his sweat glistens from the sun’s rays.
This must frustrate him, being assigned to me while the others search for the one who tortured him.
“Show me more tomorrow. I want to know more.” I clear my throat, and Winter shrugs her shoulders. I spot Daegan again, and this time, he takes out a cigarette as a group of soldiers and sailors surround him like he’s some sort of celebrity. Bellowing questions at him, he lifts his mask up just enough to place it between his lips and take a hit.
“I have to keep you on track, anyways. I’m in charge of you, and more information has rolled in. They go out on another mission soon, and you get to be the one that informs Rooker.”
Great.
“Hey, I have to ask for a favor,” I whisper.
Winter’s eyes light up in curiosity. She takes a can of tobacco out and opens it. She lifts a chunk of it and places it in her mouth. “What’s up, my padawan?” She taps my head playfully with her fingers. Winters is taller than me at 5’11.
I roll my eyes and giggle softly at her Star Wars reference.
“You’re more experienced, right? You have connections with people that do top-secret squirrel stuff and people that have access to programs that we don’t, right?” I ask, hoping I’m not stepping over any boundaries.
“Like what? Where are you going with this?” She arches her dark brows, concerned.
I look around to make sure no one can hear me. But with the sounds of rifles being shot and chatter, I grow more comfortable opening up about my stalker.
“I need you to take a look at my phone. I’ve been receiving weird texts. Is there any way you can get into contact with someone who can find the trace?”
“What kind of texts?”
“I’ll fill you in later.”
She smiles in a way that makes me feel warm. She brushes the sweat off her forehead and nods.
“I know someone that may be able to help.” She admits before returning to her station. I take one glance at Daegan, and he’s still surrounded by a lot of people.
I put the rifle back into place against my shoulder and readjust myself into the same position Daegan taught me to be in when I shoot. I relax my body, and the last thing I see before I look into my scope is Daegan winking at me.
26
ALESSIA
It took everything in me.It took every single cell in my body not to react to such gruesome videos, photos, and texts detailing why these high-value targets were being pursued.
There was a video of Damon Hawk’s video being burnt alive through Akana’s and Lopez’s bodycams.
There were photos of Violet’s injuries.
And then…there were videos of beheadings.
I could feel Daegans eyes behind me burning holes through my back as he watched on without a word as I was filled in.
“I’m going to excuse myself, sir,” I tell my superior, holding back tears, bile, and a boil of emotions in my throat.
I rush out of the conference room, walking fast, and Daegan swings the door open for me before I can get a chance to touch it. I nod at him, and our eyes lockonce more. His face deadpans completely like stone. But his eyes soften like a cloud.
He knows me, even when I don’t want him to. He knows I’m not okay and rushes after me as I run towards the women’s restrooms.
I push the door open fast, and it hits the wall with a thud.
“Don’t,” I glare at him over my shoulder, ordering him away from me, and he halts his movements. I don’t bother to see if my cold shoulder bothered him.
I run to the nearest stall, swinging the dull grey-colored metal door open, and let the vomit spill out of me. After seeing those images and stories, something unwelcoming settles into my spirit. Fear I didn’t know I had comes full circle in my head.
