Alluring » h.s

01

"Niall, what're you doing here?" I asked. I hadn't seen him for two months-- the last time I was called down for a mission. He was leaning against one of the trees outside the front of the building. Creases decorated his unblemished skin, a deep frown fixed on his lips. He stood properly on his feet once I neared him.

"I'm sorry, but your father has sent me here to tell you that we have another mission. I know it's the day before your graduation, and I apologize for the inconvenience, but it's urgent."

"How urgent? And why can't you just use your phone?" I narrowed my eyes in wonder, gripping his wrist and pulling him toward my car.

"Communication lines have been cut due to increased risk of exposure with our devices. As for the other matter, one of our men was sent to Canada to assassinate their Governor who was causing havoc amongst the provinces. Turns out, the Governor was working with one of our assassins and spreading rumours to the Prime Minister and the whole Canadian government about our agency. They have evidence of our existence, and is threatening to release the information." Niall picked at his nails as if it were nothing, then turned the ignition on.

"I'm not trying to side with the criminals or anything, but why the Canadian government? The U.S. has more ties globally, so..."

"That I'm not sure of. But our target is the Governor--if you hadn't caught on-- named Lewis Geyner, and one of our men, Walter Evans."

I shook my head in disappointment. I didn't know who Walter was, since I had never come across him at the agency, but it was foolish of him to be such a lying rat.

"The jet's already waiting. We have to go straight to the airport."

«»

As we arrived at the underground portion of the airport, two security guards allowed us to enter after Niall tugged on the neckline of his shirt, and flashed them the tattoo that every member had. They already knew who I was, so I didn't have to do anything. Plus, they probably thought I was only here to talk to my father.

But before I could fully pass the two men, one of them spoke. I stopped in my tracks, turning my head to give them my attention.

"Good afternoon, Miss Caverly. Your father had told us to inform you to meet him at the east wing." I furrowed my eyebrows, glancing at Niall who shrugged nonchalantly, throwing an arm around my neck. My wide eyes caused him to curse under his breath, retrieving his arm and keeping a comfortable distance as we walked.

"Oh, all right. Thanks Kevin," I called back, Niall and I strolling down the dimly lit hallways, and turning to the east wing.

"Ooh, little missy's in trouble." Niall snickered, gently nudging my elbow with his. I ignored his words, rolling my eyes at his childishness and focused on which way we were headed.

We turn left at one of the maze-like halls, stopping in our step as we spotted my father speaking to one of the security guards. He turned at the sounds of our footsteps, uttering something into his headset before nearing us. Niall distanced himself from me, giving my father access to envelop me in a tight embrace. I froze in his arms, looking over at Niall who stared back with worried eyes.

"Brinley, I'm glad you're okay," he said, retracting from the hug. I released a sigh, then inhaled deeply to calm my erratic heart. He signalled for both Niall and the guard to leave, to which they did.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, looking up at him. I felt claustrophobic within the narrow hallways of the underground passages. Plus, the neutral colours made my stomach churn. I always hated to be down here, but it was a must.

My dad released a tired sigh, rubbing his temple in exhaustion. "You won't be happy to hear about this."

"I'm never happy to be back here, Dad. You know that," I said, releasing a heavy breath.