Page 2 of Breaking Bailey

A quick beep from the nightstand drew my attention to a sleek black phone resting on top. It wasn’t my cell phone, but I picked it up anyway. I had too many questions to overthink how I might get those answers.

The long message that came in had me sitting down and taking in a jagged breath.No… this can’t be happening.

Tears blurred my eyes, but I forced myself to take in every damn word on the screen. It seemed my life would depend on it.

* * *

Hello,Bailey Soren, and welcome to the Underground Omega Syndicate.

You have been chosen for a very important project based on your particular set of unique skills and/or connections. We’ve taken the liberty of relocating you to North Harbor, which will serve as the starting point for your new role within our organization.

There are three rules you must abide by:

Keep this phone with you at all times. It is your sole source of funding and anything else you may need to be successful in your mission.

Follow any orders given, within the time frame provided. If an issue arises, reach out to this number immediately.

Never discuss the Syndicate or your affiliation with the Syndicate.

Follow these instructions, and you will be able to earn your freedom. Should you choose to ignore or deviate from these guidelines, the penalties will be swift and severe. Any attempt to expose our organization will immediately activate Termination Protocol which includes (but is not limited to) release of damaging evidence relating to a certain night in Clarksville, immediate termination of funding and available resources, and potential loss of life.

Further instructions will follow shortly. Remember, we are always watching…for your safety and ours. For now, please make use of the snacks and beverages provided. You’ll need to regain your strength for what lies ahead.

We are glad to have you here, helping to further our cause of putting omegas in positions of power globally. Together, we will strive for equality and a better, safer, and more prosperous tomorrow for all designations.

U.O.S.

* * *

My chest tightened,and my breathing sped up to the point my head swam. How could they know about Clarksville? It had happened three years ago, and I’d thought the nightmare was over when they closed the case.

Memories pulled at my mind until the familiar feeling of guilt gnawed at my insides, sharper than it had been in months.

Another text came in. This one was much shorter but no less horrifying than the last, but it was followed by several more.

Would this nightmare ever end?

* * *

Your name is Bailey Soren.A new position has been assigned to you. You are now one of the top campaign managers for the Foundation. Having worked in political offices, I’m sure you have heard of Henry Burke’s platform and the anti-omega movements he’s facilitated.

Tread carefully. He’s easily one of the most influential men in North Harbor. You will be paid handsomely for your work and will receive a bonus upon completion, which will allow you to go back to your former life. Banking details and basic info to come.

Learn the role, research the campaign, fit in. You will do whatever it takes to ruin his campaign. Be creative but discreet.

Your job requires you to pay penance and use your skills for our purpose. You were chosen for a reason, Bailey. I suggest you think long and hard before you turn this offer down because, in that case, jail would be the least of your worries.

* * *

Whoever they were,I knew they were right. They’d chosen all too well when they’d picked me. My career had been built on my reputation. I’d done internships under politicians for years and even worked in the office of our current governor.

How would they explain my absence to the governor’s office?

Then again, when I thought about it, having no real family or friends probably made the disappearance pretty painless on their end. I was the perfect omega to use as their tool.

The longer I sat, the more reality sunk in. This campaign would be full of alphas that would treat me like I was a second-class citizen. My mind, my thoughts, my words would mean nothing.

Would it be worth it?

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