"You're sure?" I ask, still trying to wrap my head around it.
She nods. "She's the mole."
A feeling of dread settles in my stomach and my thoughts start to race in every direction in search of a solution.
"Okay," I mumble. "Okay. We need to tell Jack and Leo. Come on."
She sits up, showing her first bit of life. Then she looks down at her legs and back up at me. "You tore my pants."
I glance at her legs, and her shredded leggings, finding a moment to smirk smugly. I grab my discarded pants and hand them to her, saying, "No time. Wear these."
Charlie takes the pants from me and clumsily tries to put them on, her hands shaking slightly. I can feel the tension in the air as we both struggle to process the revelation about Debbie. The room feels smaller, suffocating almost, as doubts and suspicions cloud our thoughts.
After pulling on my shirt and boxers, I reach out a hand to help Charlie to her feet, but as soon as she stands, she stumbles, her balance compromised by the shock still reverberating through her veins. Instinctively, I wrap my arm around her waist, steadying her trembling body. She leans into me, seeking support, and in that moment, our souls intertwine.
I look deep into Charlie's eyes, searching for any emotional wounds inflicted by this betrayal. Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, mirroring the pain hidden within my own heart. "Did I hurt you?" I ask softly, my voice laced with genuine concern.
A flicker of vulnerability passes over her face before a sweet smile graces her lips. "No, Cal, you didn't hurt me."
Cal, my heart repeats with a flutter like I'm some school girl. I hold her gaze, captivated by the way her eyes radiate strength despite the turmoil we find ourselves in. It's as if she's a wildfire, fierce and untamed, yet her touch against my chest feels like a gentle breeze on a summer night.
I lean down and kiss her gently before reassuring her, "We'll be okay."
She nods, resting against my chest for a heartbeat or two. Then she stands straight, all business. "Let's go."
After letting Jackson and Leo know where to meet us, and to do so without letting anyone else know, she and I walk hand in hand through the dimly lit corridor, the sound of our hurried footsteps echoing off the cold, concrete walls. The air feels heavy with anticipation, as if the very atmosphere is aware of the secrets we carry.
As we approach Charlie's room, our senses heighten, attuned to every creak of the floorboards beneath our feet, every whisper of the wind outside the windows. We exchange a glance filled with unspoken understanding before I reach out and turn the doorknob with a sense of purpose.
Inside, Jackson and Leo are waiting for us, their presence a comforting reassurance amidst the chaos surrounding us. They are both seated on Charlie's bed, their expressions a mix of amusement and curiosity as they take in our disheveled appearances.
"About time you two showed up," Jackson smirks, leaning back against the wall.
Leo raises an eyebrow and chuckles softly. "Did you two get caught in a storm?"
Ignoring their teases, I jump right into the point. "Charlie found out who the mole is."
Their expressions immediately harden, becoming more than serious. They turn toward her, waiting expectantly for the reveal.
She clears her throat. "It's Debbie."
Leo's face scrunches in confusion. "Debbie? Like, secretary Debbie?"
Charlie nods, her voice steady as she continues. "Yes, that's right. It seems that Debbie has been accessing the BioCore database using her newly issued ID. And the information she accessed is the same information that recently appeared on the leak site."
Jackson leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "But why would she do that? What does she have to gain?"
Charlie sighs, her fingers unconsciously intertwining with mine. "I'm not entirely sure yet, but I think there's more to Debbie than meets the eye. She's been working here for years, and her loyalty has never been in question. Something must have changed."
Leo's voice is laced with disbelief. "But why would she betray us? What could she possibly gain from leaking confidential information?"
Her voice is steady, her gaze unwavering. "I don't know."
Silence hangs in the air, heavy with unspoken questions and the weight of betrayal. We exchange glances, our thoughts racing with possibilities and the urgency to act swiftly.
I rub my chin thoughtfully. "So, what's our next move?"
A determined glint flickers in Charlie's eyes as she replies, "We need to confront Debbie. But we need to gather evidence before making any accusations." She sighs, shaking her head while she mutters, "We can't afford to get the law involved without concrete proof. And a significant amount of it."