“It means I’m handling it.”
“Handling what?” Noah asks.
“Doesn’t concern you.”
“The hell it doesn’t,” Luca snaps. “You think we’re fucking idiots? Missions fail, you vanish, you’re cold as ice, and now you want us to believe you’re just ‘handling it’?”
I turn away from them. “Move out.”
I open the driver’s door to the van and get in. I turn and see Luca and Noah haven’t moved.
“No, not until you tell us what’s going on.” Luca crosses his arms, planting his feet.
I run my hand down my face, exhaling hard.
“It’s too dangerous to know.” My voice is quiet.
“Dangerous how?” Noah takes a step forward.
“Just keep your distance, follow orders. Don’t ask questions.”
Luca rushes to the car and grabs the door before I can pull it shut. “You can’t expect us to just?—”
“You’re going to have to trust me,” I cut in. “Or walk away.”
Luca’s jaw works, anger and confusion twisting in his eyes. I can see the two battling, trying to see which will come out on top. Luca hesitantly steps back, and I shut the door.
True to mynature as of late, I slip away to Gideon’s office. It’s quiet. Forcing me to hear the sound of my own heartbeat. Dim lights. He’s at his desk reading a file. He doesn’t look up when I enter.
He never does, not until he’s ready.
I stand in front of his desk, hands behind my back, and wait.
“Mission report,” his voice is smooth.
“Failed.”
“Your assessment?”
“Unavoidable.”
He looks up, a faint smile on his face.
“Good.” He leans back in his chair, studying me.
“Any questions raised?”
“Luca questioned my call, Noah stayed neutral.”
Gideon’s lips curve, “Luca has always been a passionate one. And Noah... has always been a follower.” His eyes move to his screen.
I don’t respond or react. My silence is expected, appropriate for the role I’m supposed to play.
“How did you feel about it?” Gideon steeples his fingers.
“I don’t feel anything. I did what needed to be done.”
“Did you hesitate?”
