Page 17 of Omega Stained

Then I realize I have a tail.

He follows me through the alleys and toward the brothels, past a few tattoo parlors that look like they may have once been Enclave bases. He's tall and lean, with dark hair that's pushed back from his forehead. I catch sight of him in mirrors and shop windows: five o'clock shadow, dark circles under his eyes, a scar over his eyebrow. I don't recognize him.

He's ACB.

Gotta be.

Which means I have to divert course so thathedoesn't catch her instead.

My heart is pounding in my chest as I move quickly through the crowded streets of the Red Light District. I can feel the ACB agent's eyes on me, watching my every move. I can't afford to lead him to Kendra; I have to find a way to lose him.

As I glance over my shoulder, I see him gaining on me. His dark eyes are fixed on me, and I know that he won't give up until he captures Kendra.

I duck into an alleyway, hoping to shake him off my tail. I run down the narrow, dimly lit path, my breath coming in short gasps.

Suddenly, I hear a rustling noise behind me, and I know that the agent is getting closer. I turn around and face him, lifting my hands in the universal sign of surrender.

"Hey man," I say, trying to stay level. "I don't want any trouble."

"Neither do I," he says. "You Enclave?"

I gape at him, my brows rising. "Seriously?"

His eyes narrow. "Seriously."

He doesn't have a weapon--or at least, he hasn't drawn a weapon on me. That doesn't mean he won't draw a gun, though, and I keep my eyes glued to his hands.

"You're obviously ACB," I say. "And I just want to reiterate--Idon't want any trouble."

"Trouble seems to find people like you, no matter what you want," he chuckles. "And I think we might have similar priorities."

"What's that?"

"You looking for Kendra Morrison?" he asks.

I stop dead.

"What's it to you?" I scowl.

"I know where she is."

My heart races with hope and suspicion. "What's your angle?" I ask.

"I've been tasked with bringing her in," he says, "but I don't agree with the ACB's methods. I want to help her escape--and help you take down the ACB while we're at it."

I eye him warily, but something in his expression tells me he's telling the truth. "Why?" I ask.

"I have my reasons," he says evasively. "But that's not important right now. The important thing is that we get Kendra out of the city."

I nod slowly, my mind racing. This could be a trap, but it feels like my only option. I don't trust the ACB, but I also need to find this girl.

And he's got me cornered.

So...what's the harm?

If he's legit, he could be a valuable asset.

"Okay," I say finally. "What's the plan?"

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