Stealth when I’m about to take out a mark?
Easy, it’s assisted by that darkness that drenches over me.
Prowling their hideout to get a feel of their surroundings?
Well, this is my first time.
A car honks loudly, Regina cursing in my ear. I almost lose my footing again as I batter across the yard, sticks and rocks stabbing at the pads of my feet until I can get deep enough into the treeline.
I’m panting by the time I get deep enough into camouflage to get my sneakers back on, wiping off the nature that’s decided to tangle itself within the material of my socks.
Instead of walking, I jog the rest of the way, coming out just slightly down from where I entered. “Where are you?” I ask her breathlessly, checking the road before I slip down the verge and landing on my feet.
“About a mile down. I’ll turn and grab you.”
Shoving my hands in my pockets, I leisurely make my way towards her as I fight to control my breathing, only a single car passing until the familiar registration plate comes into view.
My hand reaches for the door as I hop inside, Regina already hitting the gas.
“Did he see you?” I ask her, clicking my belt into place.
“No, he came up behind me. Pretended I was on a call with my hazards on the entire time.”
She doesn’t slow as we near the driveway, and I glance up to try to get a view of the vehicle. “Did you notice the kid?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t risk checking my visor, only the side mirror. Couldn’t see from that angle.”
I mutter a curse; we were at least hoping we could go back to Victoria with an update on her little boy.
But I didn’t notice any evidence of toys lying around, causing a chill to creep down my spine.
We zip through the winding roads, and I glance over to see her looking at me, worry still lingering in the edges. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to this kid; we’re his only hope. And I’ll never bypass a chance to take one of those assholes out.
Closing my eyes, I let my head fall back against the seat rest.
“Well, I guess now we play the waiting game.”
12
Indie
Fade Into You - Mazzy Star
Age Twenty-One
Ilovecomingouthere; it allows me to clear my head.
When school got too much, when Dad’s death would force tears so hard I couldn’t see straight, I’d camp out here.
A secret slice of peace.
My bedroom opens up to a wide flat roof, and I often come out here to indulge in the utter silence of the night. I drag my mattress protector out, throw the bed sheets and pillows on it, and just watch the stars glitter in the sky.
This is where I found my love for stargazing when I was young, and when my brain isn’t jammed with studying for my business degree, I like to dip into astronomy.
There’s a light breeze tonight, the forest around my house gently swaying in the wind, the leaves brushing against each other.
It’s perfect.
