"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.
«»
I arrived back home, turning to shut the door and lock it. Two of my father's men were just outside, and another pair were in the backyard. They were told to escort me home, which never happens unless I was in grave danger-- which I am.
I felt my lip tremble as I scanned the living room with slightly blurred vision, my heart falling to the pads of my feet as I realized that my mother's sewing kit was gone. It had always been placed on the table by the television, always at the left side of the potted plant. Shaky breaths left my nose as I decided to head upstairs, pushing her door open to see that it was empty. The closet was ajar, and through it I could see that no piece of clothing was left behind. Her dresser was also cleaned down to the last drawer.
My lips parted, an uneven exhale escaping me. Tears threatened to slide down my rough cheeks, but I whisked them away with a flutter of the eye. She was gone. She was really gone. Relocated to the other side of the world; to Australia to live in one of my father's many concealed mansions. I knew why she didn't have the opportunity to say a temporary goodbye, but it still hurt. Real bad, too.
I jumped as a knock came from the door, causing me to shriek in surprise. I cleared my throat, wiping underneath my eyes in a hurried manner. I turned to see Niall enter, his face looking solemn and flustered.
He stretched his arms wide open, urging for me to come in between them. I didn't, though, and stood on where I was. I sniffed, wiping away any traces of dripping sadness. Niall took a few steps closer, his eyes on my blotchy face, slowly wrapping his arms around my smaller frame and waited for me to push him away. I didn't.
I pressed my cheek against his chest, sighing in discontent. Niall gently ran his hands through my mass of curls, swaying us from side to side. I felt him press his cheek against my head, sighing as if to sympathize.
"I'm sorry, Bri," he muttered, his voice causing vibrations to creep down my neck.
"It's just--" I allowed Niall to guide me to the bed, letting me sit on his lap as he continued to cradle me. "I just want to get away. It's getting worse, Niall."
"Shh," he mumbled. I closed my eyes, listening to the calming rhythm against Niall's chest. I silently sobbed into his shirt, suddenly angry that I was getting too emotional. I was lucky to have him as my best friend. I was also lucky that he'd managed to put up with me. I'd probably drive myself insane. The kids at school already think that I am.
"I have to go," he said after about ten minutes. "I was given strict orders to proceed with the mission in Canada. They only gave me a few minutes to see you."
I frowned, following him out the door. I wanted to complain. To argue that I wanted to help him, but fatigue made itself noticeable after we stood on our feet. "When will I see you again?" I asked, as he bent down to put his shoes on.
"I'm not sure. For the meantime, it's best for you to go to London. Harry will be here soon."
"Harry?"
"Yes, Harry Styles. He was assigned to escort you to London, and accompany you until this shit ends. Don't worry, though. He's one of, if not, the best man your father has. He wanted to ensure that you'd be safe. You know, with your inability to--"
"A fucking bodyguard?" I chuckled humorlessly, interrupting him while shaking my head in disbelief. "I don't need a fucking old twat to follow me wherever I go!"
"Brinley," Niall said, exhaustion lacing his tone. "Please. Your father just wants you to be safe. Plus I thought you already knew? I mean, you did sign those contracts earlier with your father."
"The only thing I'll sign is your waiver if you don't fu--"
"Bri, seriously? You signed those fucking papers without reading them?" He questioned, shaking his head in disbelief. "It states that you'll have a bodyguard, and for the meantime, he'll be in charge of you. Your father has given him permission to do anything but to hurt you while under his care. It also states that you are prohibited from telling him of your position in the agency. If you break these terms, then they will have no choice but to execute him. As far as everyone knows, you're no longer an assassin to begin with. You're the boss' daughter, and that's that."
"What the fuck!?" I began pacing around the room, tugging on my strands in agitation. So I was supposed to act stupid? But why?
"You know that telling people would destroy the sole purpose of your job. You've been allowed to be let free, unless you agree to the terms. Which you did. We proceed with private executions that are kept secret from the rest of the agency. If they knew, then that'd break the purpose of the anonymous kills." He paused, glancing at his watch. "I really have to go. The guards will stay until Harry comes. Be safe." He leaned down to plant a kiss on my forehead, then he exited the house, me following him downstairs until he disappeared through the door.
As soon as he left, the burning feeling of loss erupted in my chest. Niall's gone endangering his life when I was supposed to help him. And a bodyguard was supposed to arrive in a few minutes. Plus, I wouldn't even be able to make it to my graduation day. Which was tomorrow. Not to mention that Mom is most likely on a plane to Australia. I sighed, rubbing my eyes to rid it from the tears that were once again appearing. I sat on the floor, scooting over to the wall adjacent to the front door. I was fine with being called down once in a while. But now that people from all over the world are dead set on finding out my identity, it was too much. I left the full-time job for a reason, and now it's coming back and slapping me across the face.
I cupped my cheeks, staring down at the ground in thought. I felt numb, which I was actually glad for. At least the unpleasant feelings were tolerable.
I was too deep in thought to even notice the front door opening and closing, until a pair of black boots appeared in my peripheral. I jumped in surprise, pressing my hand against my racing heart. I tilted my head to look up at the stranger, eyes landing on a pair of beautiful, forest green ones.
// New story! Hopefully someone reads this. :) //