Page 58 of Reverence

“She’s fine, it was a gash to the leg. She should be returning to work in about a week or two.” He leaned back in his chair, a dark expression on his face.

“Which hospital is she at?”

“Kingsbury,”

Asher answered before Nick could. “If you’re planning on visiting, you’ll have to go together. While both of your partners are recovering, the two of you will be working together. I want both of you to be careful. Until we know who the mole is, we won’t be able to let our guards down.”

Nicolas shifted in his seat, only nodding in agreement.

We worked together prior to this, so I knew that wouldn’t be a problem. “There’s something that’s been on my mind since, Valiente showed up at my doorstep this morning.”

“We’re all ears, Rivera,” Asher said and I blinked slowly, looking out of the window for a brief moment. Then—

“How trustworthy are the people in that bullpen?”

I asked and all three of us looked towards the door. Catching a glimpse of agents a few feet away, engrossed in work.

“Incredibly trustworthy.” Our superior confirmed.

“I interviewed every one of them myself. Conducted thorough research and background checks and have tested their loyalty on multiple occasions.”

He answered. “Why? Do you have any reason to doubt them?”

The question should’ve been sarcastic or rhetorical but that wasn’t Asher’s character.

The man prided himself on honesty, integrity, and accountability.

“I’m not doubting them, I’m just finding it difficult to trust anyone at the moment. Our partners were injured and we don’t know where the threats are coming from. It’s like we’re in a maze, trying to find the exit but we keep going in circles. Running into new obstacles that appear out of nowhere.”

“I completely understand your point of view and I can understand the frustration.”

He said supportively. “This is why we’ll rely on each other. In moments like this, our enemies are trying to break us from the inside out, and what better way to do so than to sever our trust?”

I shoved my hands into my jacket pocket, the blood that stained them earlier long gone but it still felt like the thick crimson liquid had never been washed away.

“We’re going to uncover this organisation and who’s in charge of the operation but all we need is an open mind from our agents. We know it’s a difficult time, especially when one of our own has been caught in the crossfire.”

Nicolas finally spoke after minutes of silence. “Ares was there for me when I needed him most, especially in the moments where I never thought I’d catch Antonio. Best believe, we’ll find whoever did this. Even if it’s the last thing I do.”

Ares and I weren’t friends but we were building a relationship of mutual respect—or somewhat trying to, so I could second what Nicolas was saying.

Not only because I patched up his wound when he nearly bled out on my couch but because this is the reason why I joined the Bureau in the first place.

There were many organisations like this that thrived on the fear of people who were helpless against them.

In our case, we were able to make a positive change and to stop the chaos from spiralling out of control.

Still, even after this conversation there was something gnawing at my subconscious.

Asher never had a reason to lie to me, so I doubt he’d start now but there was uncertainty and in this organisation—when your trust started to waver, it became extremely difficult to find people you could wholeheartedly rely on.

Seventeen

Ares

My head spun due to the painkillers and the influx of memories that surrounded her.

I could still feel her touch lingering on my skin and the worst part was—I didn’t hate it.