Measuring Up: Searching For Direction

Dr. Michaels walked into my office, his arms loaded with a stack of books stretching from his chin down to his waist. They thudded loudly on my desktop. I looked from them to Dr. Michaels and back to them again. He rested an empty hand atop the stack and grinned.

“Just some light reading to catch you up on our latest mission.” He said.

“Please tell me there is a synopsis somewhere.” I replied.

“I’m afraid not, but I could give you a brief oral summary if you aren’t up to reading.”

“Let’s start with that and then I can better focus my attention.”

“Well basically we are looking for a one of a kind prototype compass designed and manufactured by Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei himself.” He began.

I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes at his use of Galileo’s full name. No doubt I was supposed to be impressed and I might have been had he not butchered the pronunciation with Spanish accents rather than the Italian one’s to which the name belonged.

“So what are we talking about a directional compass or a drawing compass?” I asked.

“Neither. The Galilean compass was a mathematical tool much like a scientific calculator.” Kyra said, entering my office.

“Galileo made many of these compasses throughout his career and in fact the sale of these extremely precise instruments to the military and surveyors kept him with sufficient coin to pursue his many other interests ranging from time keeping to astronomy and astrology. In the early 17th century, circa 1609 he improved upon his design and wrote a pamphlet to accompany the new and improved compasses.” Dr. Michaels said.

I stifled a yawn at his monologue and felt sorry for whatever students had once been unfortunate enough to listen to his ramblings. If his story had a point he was taking the long way to getting to it. Meanwhile, Kyra had sat on the corner of my desk and didn’t feel the need to hide her boredom.

“You did hear Mr. Barker wanted a report today?” She asked, looking right at Dr. Michaels.

“Jack doesn’t need a report. He already knows as much as we know about the compass. She’s the only one that doesn’t.” He replied.

“He’s going to lose his patience with you calling him Jack.” Kyra taunted.

“I’ve been here longer than any of you and I’ll call each of you whatever I damn well please.” He responded.

Watching the two of them I figured out pretty quickly that while they liked to goad each other, there was also a layer of mutual respect and friendship beneath it all. I wondered briefly just how long these two had been working together.

“Like it or not Mr. Barker is the boss now.” Kyra said.

“Not.” Dr. Michaels said.

“He wants a report, he gets a report and personally I don’t fancy trying to explain why she doesn’t have it done on time.” Kyra said.

“I can’t say I would mind watching you try.” He replied.

The glint in his eye and the wicked grin on his face made me wonder just what he meant. Kyra seemed to know if the blush on her cheeks was any indicator.

“Cute. You do know I could have a virus destroy all your historical records?” She said.

“Digital logs are hardly historical.” He said and patted the pile of books he had dropped on my desk. “This stuff is history and your viruses can’t touch them.”

“Maybe not but a fire could.” She replied.

“You wouldn’t dare.” He said.

“Try me.” She said with fluttering eyelashes.

“Hey guys, maybe we could get back to this compass thingamajig? I realize it’s not quite as pressing as your banter but it’s unless I’m mistaken it’s the job.” I said.

“Right then.” He said.

He paced the floor in front of my desk like it was a giant lecture hall. Kyra groaned but after one look from me, decided to keep her mouth shut and listen. I tried to act like I was really interested even though all I was really interested in was finishing the report so I could get on to something that would matter.

“During his career Galileo was first and foremost a mathematician. He was brilliant and his work provided the foundation for much of Newton and Einstein’s discoveries. Unfortunately, he lived in a time when the Catholic church ruled supreme on matters of science and anything which could be vaguely construed to contradict scripture was considered heresy. Galileo was eventually put on trial and convicted for heresy over the publication of a paper discussing the pros and cons of a heliocentric solar system. The work was originally approved by the Pope himself as well as the Inquisition of the day, but politics run amok somehow and it ended badly for Galileo. He was forbidden to publish any further works and spent the remainder of his days under house arrest.” Dr. Michaels continued.

I wanted so badly to ask what all that had to do with the compass we were looking for but between the smug look on his face and Kyra‘s yawning, I elected to remain silent. No need to give them more fuel and start a new round of time wasting banter.

“Sometime during those final days, probably before he went blind, Galileo constructed a final compass which is rumored to include a special chart for marking universal time passage based on the observed orbits of a group of moons orbiting Jupiter, known today as the Galilean Satellites. It is this mathematical basis of marking universal time which makes the compass invaluable and particularly so because any papers he may have wrote explaining the concept were never published. The compass may well be the only surviving record of this scientific breakthrough.” Dr. Michaels finished.

I sat back for a moment and tried to summarize what he had told me. It seemed incredible or rather incredibly ridiculous.

“So what you are saying is we are looking for a compass that might contain a mathematical algorithm for universal time keeping, but we don’t know if the compass or the algorithm actually exist at all?” I said.

Dr. Michaels looked at me for a moment. Then he looked through me as if processing my words and trying to decide if he could respond simply or if a more complicated response was required.

“In essence,” He said. “Yes.”

“See how much easier it could have been said?” Kyra piped in.

I shook my head at her. I thought I had trouble keeping my mouth shut. By the looks of things, Kyra had me beat on that count by miles.

“Do we have clues as to where such a compass might have ended up?” I asked.

“Not much. My best research suggests it might have been passed down to his son Vincenzo. He followed in his father’s footsteps to an extent in mathematics although never quite as successful. It was clear however that he had a fascination with time and actually designed a pendulum based clock although it was never built. Most dismiss the design because it lacks accuracy based on our accepted time keeping, but I’ve theorized the clock might have been designed to keep time on an entirely different scale.”

“So it could be plan for a universal clock of sorts?”

“His theory is crap. The clock is based on a false premise about the swing of a pendulum. He’s just grasping at straws because we already proved his original thoughts on the compass were wrong.” Kyra said.

“It is a possibility, but without Galileo’s formula it is impossible to determine.” Dr. Michaels said, ignoring Kyra entirely.

I decided to follow his lead. She wasn’t really helping us get anything resolved.

“So if Vincenzo got the compass, where would it have gone from there?” I asked.

“That is the question. My theories include Galileo’s tomb in the Basilica of Santa Croce, The Catholic Church, or somewhere in the estate of Sestilia Galilei Bocchineri.”

“And if Vicenzo didn’t get it?” I asked.

“Then it could be anywhere.” Kyra said.

It was the reality regardless but Dr. Michaels didn’t seem to realize it. If the compass existed at all, if it survived the last 400 years, it could be sitting in a museum somewhere with no one knowing what it was worth or worse yet, it could be in someone’s basement collecting dust and long forgotten. One question plagued me; Why were we looking for it now?

“Okay so how do we put this into a report?” I asked.

Kyra bravely rolled her eyes at me. Dr. Michaels chuckled. I looked between the two of them feeling certain I was the joke.

“A little help getting to know how you do things around here is all I’m asking.” I said.

“Yeah, well you better ask Mr. Barker.” Kyra said.

“I thought he told you to help me.” I said.

“He did, but he’s the only one who has ever actually done them before.” She said.

“Do you have an old one?” I asked.

“Nope.” She said.

I closed my eyes and tried to push away the frustration.

“Fine.” I said. “Get out.”

The both looked at me like I’d lost my mind. I didn’t care. If they weren’t there to help I certainly wasn’t going to keep them around to watch. Besides, how hard can it be to make a report? They wisely decided not to test me and left me alone.

I turned on the computer, grabbed the top book from the stack and started reading. Summaries are great when someone knows what is going on, but when everyone’s in the dark a summary is just a shortcut to missing what you are looking for.

It was dark outside when Mr. Barker popped his head into my office. I was not even close to halfway finished, but I wasn’t going to let that scare me. It wasn’t like I’d been wasting time.

“How’s it going?” He asked.

“With all this material I can’t get you a report before tomorrow evening at best.” I said.

He nodded.

“You knew that from the start.” I said.

“I did.”

“Then why ask for the impossible?”

“I wanted to see how you’d handle it.”

“Did I pass?”

He smiled.

“With flying colors. Why don’t you pack it up for the night. It’s time to go home.” He said.

I looked at the stack remaining on my desk and nodded. It would still be there in the morning and wherever the lost compass was resting, it would still be there too. Or so I hoped.

Measuring Up: Coffee & Crumbs

It felt oddly important to see my name on a placard, reserving a parking space. Seeing my car parked in the space was a little more like reality. It’s dull paint, dented fenders and scratched bumpers looked anything but belonging in the garage where it was surrounded by cars whose full tanks of gas would cost more than my car’s bluebook value. Walking away from the embarrassing sight, I smoothed the wrinkles from uniform gray skirt and slipped into the blazer.

I was early but unabashedly eager to arrive at my first day of real work. There were questions to be asked and answers to be given and I was a week passed ready to get down to the business of it all. The lobby was busier than I’d previously seen with at least two dozen people cramming into the main elevators on their way to work. Cathy was standing at her usual station and smiling at me from before I even walked through the front glass doors.

“Good morning Cathy.” I said.

“Good morning Miss Beaumont. Mr. Candle is waiting for you in his office. He’ll be pleased you are early.” Cathy said.

“I’ll head right on up then.” I said.

“Very good Ma’am.” Cathy said. “Umm, I mean Miss Beaumont.”

I smiled at her slip and even though I find the word ma’am an irritant I was in a good enough mood to laugh it off. Her face bore an expression akin to worry which took me a moment to figure out. Given the company’s predilection toward handling mistakes, minor and not so minor, with spankings, her worry was understandable. I would never be so mean for a simple slip though even if it did irritate me.

“I supposed I could send you up to HR for a reminder on that, couldn’t I?” I said.

It was supposed to be said with levity but either I failed at it or spanking just isn’t a joking matter at Quondam. Cathy’s face blushed bright red and she stared at my shoes rather than looking me in the eye.

“Yes, of course Miss. I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

“I was being facetious Cathy. Please smile and laugh a little. I would never send you or anyone else to HR for something so trivial.”

Her face brightened as she realized I wasn’t angry, but a touch of concern was still apparent.

“You should be careful who hears you say that Miss. There are some who would take advantage if they thought you didn’t have the stomach for maintaining discipline.” She said.

“Not to worry, if anyone tries to take advantage they’ll quickly realize there was no advantage.” I replied.

I slipped into the waiting elevator and pressed the button for Mr. Candle’s floor. The elevator shot upward like a rocket, but this time I was prepared. When the doors opened Mr. Candle had his back to me and was speaking on the phone. Stepping out, I noticed a young lady sitting in the circle of chairs with a laptop open. She barely glanced at me, but I studied her carefully, waiting for Mr. Candle to notice my arrival.

She wore her auburn hair tied back with an unusual clip made of multi-colored wires. Her ears were small and flat with no earrings or even piercing for that matter. It was hard to tell with her sitting down but I estimated she was only of medium height and definitely a petite frame. Her green eyes were focused on the screen in front of her but I had the distinct impression they were fully aware of me as well.

“Good morning Miss West. Come in, please, make yourself comfortable.” Mr. Candle said.

He had hung up the phone and turned to give me his full attention. I was a little surprised at the use of my alias, but then realizing we were not alone, it all fell into place.

“Good morning Sir.” I replied.

I stepped further into the room, my eyes glancing at the young woman and her computer, hoping Mr. Candle would notice and introduce her.

“Coffee?” Mr. Candle asked.

“Yes, please.” I said.

I noticed a steaming cup sitting next to the woman already.

“How do you take it?” He asked.

“Black will be fine.” I said.

“Nonsense. I have a variety of creamers, sugars, and milks. Anything you like can be managed and if I don’t have it I’ll have someone stock it for tomorrow.” He said.

“It’s not necessary I drink it straight most days unless it’s bad.” I said.

“It better not be bad. It was ground fresh this morning, less than fifteen minutes ago.” He said.

“I’m sure it will be fine.”

It seemed a pointless discussion and I couldn’t help but wonder if this young woman sitting there was making him nervous. It had to be her and not me because God knows I’m not intimidating at all. I made my way over to her and sat down in the chair next to her while Mr. Candle poured my cup of coffee. I could get used to starting my days like this. Too bad it will probably never happen again.

Admittedly, I chose my seat to peek at the computer screen, but apparently I was being too obvious. She snapped the laptop closed before my eyes could focus on anything and turned to me with a wolf smile on her face. She extended her hand to me.

“I’m Kyra Jax.” She said. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

The name should have clicked right away, considering she practically saved my life only a few days ago. Instead my brain whirred into overdrive frantically trying to figure out where I knew her name from and it was only her fingertips tapping on the back the laptop which suddenly jogged my memory. I grasped her extended hand with a cautious smile of my own.

“Kyra, a pleasure indeed. I never got a chance to thank you.” I said.

“You did all the hard stuff, I just did my job.” She replied.

Mr. Candle arrived with my coffee about then and a cup of his own which emanated a decidedly hazelnut aroma. I nursed my cup, careful not to burn my fingers or sip too quickly.

“Miss Jax, if you would excuse us and let the rest of the team know we’ll be up in a few minutes.” Mr. Candle said.

“Of course. See you up there V.” Kyra said.

She disappeared into the elevator, leaving me wondering what she had been doing with Mr. Candle before I arrived. Obviously, she hadn’t been waiting around to meet me. Alone with Mr. Candle I decided to give him my full attention.

“I thought the Virginia West alias was just for traveling?” I said.

Mr. Candle took the seat across from me and sipped from his steaming cup, before answering.

“Once you get on the elevator to come up here you are Virginia West until you leave.” Mr. Candle said.

“May I ask why?”

“It’s the way it is. There are rules you must learn to live by and this is one of them. No one in Q5 should ever know your real name. It is as much for your protection as it is for theirs.”

“Are their names aliases as well?” I asked.

“That is none of your concern.”

“If it wasn’t my concern I wouldn’t be asking.” I said.

I sat my cup down on the table and stared at Mr. Candle, hoping he would get the idea I wasn’t going to be easily dissuaded by theatrics. After a moment he surrendered.

“It is not a consistent policy. Aliases are only issued when there are family members to protect.” Mr. Candle said.

“That’s better than nothing but only slightly. Maybe you want to tell me a little bit more about this danger we all seem to be in?” I said.

“Miss West, the danger may not always be apparent but it always exists. I take precautions, perhaps more than are necessary, but when it comes to the safety of my employees I prefer not to take undue risks.”

“All well and good, but you’re avoiding the question.” I said.

“And what question is that?”

“Who are we in danger from?”

“It is not a specific person. These matters are complicated, but it should suffice to say the danger to your wellbeing comes from many directions and many sources, but they all share one thing in common; they are rivals to the Q5 agenda and will stop at nothing to subvert it.”

“It does not suffice. I want real answers Mr. Candle. This Olivia, she said you had stolen something from her employer. Is that true?”

“Q5 seeks out lost treasures. When we find one before our competitors do they have tendency to view that as theft.” Mr. Candle said.

“Is that what Olivia’s employer is doing or did you steal something?” I asked.

Mr. Candle shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It felt vaguely familiar only last time it had been me shifting uncomfortably in the chair. I couldn’t help but glance at the seat warmer switches, but they were all off. Besides, much as I might like to do it myself at the moment, I can’t quite imagine anyone disciplining Mr. Candle.

“It’s possible. The former Q5 leadership was less concerned with ethics and more concerned with success.” Mr. Candle answered.

“Former?”

“Yes, he was killed some weeks ago under unusual circumstances, probably related to his lack of ethics. I was unaware of the situation prior to that, but rest assured the project will not continue down those questionable roads.”

“Is that why I am here?”

“In part but not entirely. You fit with the team and provide an area expertise they are lacking.”

“And what is that?”

“You understand people. Specifically, you understand what motivates them.”

“I’m not that good at it because so far I can’t figure you out.”

“That is by design, Miss West. It would not be appropriate for me to allow you to understand my motivations too clearly at this time.”

“Now you see that makes me think I should be worried about your motivations.”

“I assure you, they are not sinister.”

“I’m sure the devil himself has used that line to great success.”

“In time you will come to understand everything, but right now you are not ready.”

I nodded, expecting that response before he ever uttered the first syllable.

“I’ll work in the dark for now, but I’m not going to wait forever. I want to know the whole story here and if it doesn’t starting coming together I won’t stick around.” I said.

“Perfectly understandable.” Mr. Candle said. “Shall we go meet the rest of the team then?”

“Where do I fit into it?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Am I replacing your former team leader?” I asked.

It was bolder and more direct than I wanted to be, but I needed to know the answer before I started shaking hands with the team. If I was to lead them, I would need to gain their respect from the beginning.

“In a manner of speaking. Being new to the team it would be unwise for me to place you in charge, so naturally I haven’t. However, witnessing your actions last week, I am confident enough in your abilities to place you in the number two spot.”

“What does that mean?”

“You’ll be second in command.”

“I see.”

“Shall we then?” Mr. Candle gestured toward the elevator.

I nodded.

Inside the room marked Q5 on the 32nd floor, Kyra was sitting at the center table with three men standing around her. Projected above the table appeared to be a topographical map of Italy with the area around Venice outlined in a bright red. They all looked at us as we walked toward them. More specifically the men were staring at me and Kyra, oddly enough, was staring at Mr. Candle.

“Good morning everyone. I’d like to introduce the newest member of our team, Miss Virginia West.” Mr. Candle said as we came to a stop on the opposite side of the table from everyone.

The three men nodded. Mr. Candle turned to me.

“You already know Miss Jax. Allow me to introduce Dr. Gene Michaels, Mr. Tom Clark, and Mr. Jack Barker.” Mr. Candle said.

Each extended their hand to me for a brief grip as they were introduced.

Dr. Michaels was a thin, tall man. He was obviously the oldest in the group, with the possible exception of Mr. Candle. The gold rimmed glasses slouched down to the front of his nose were clearly meant for reading and by the amount of fingerprints on the lenses I guessed he didn’t much like wearing them. His graying light brown hair was still thick and full. He kept it brushed to the sides, out of his eyes, but I gathered he considered styling a nuisance. His soft eyes hinted at a gentle soul, but they were slightly intimidating by the manner in which he seemed to be looking straight through me.

Tom Clark was about what I expected. Ex-military all the way from his buzz cut short fuzz of an excuse for hair to his shining black leather dress boots. He wore his black suit like a uniform and I bet you could balance dictionaries on his broad shoulders. By the fit of his jacket I could tell his biceps were nearly the size of my thighs and when I shook his hand it was like sandpaper in a vise. His eyes said one thing clearly from the moment I walked into the room; He didn’t like me, not even a little bit. I guess that’s to be expected after the way I snapped at him on the phone.

Then there was Jack Barker. He was tall with a good muscular build. Dark brown hair, soft blue eyes, and if he had an English accent he could have been James Bond. His hands were soft like Dr. Michaels, but it was his eyes I couldn’t stop thinking about. Well that and just how good he’d look without a shirt on. For just a moment I was alone on a beach with him and his lips were all over my body, softly caressing every inch of me.

“Miss West?” Jack said.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. He’d caught me staring and all my blood rushed to my face with the irrational thought that he somehow knew exactly what I’d been thinking. I coughed trying to mask my embarrassment but it probably just drew more attention to it.

“Yes? I’m sorry I was thinking about something else.” I said.

“I’ll let it go this time, but when you’re in here, I expect you to be focused.” Jack said.

My embarrassment almost got the better of me as I very nearly asked him who the hell he thought he was. Fortunately I kept it to myself and threw a quick quizzical glance at Mr. Candle.

“Mr. Barker is the team leader. You’ll be working under his direct supervision. Mr. Clark is our tactical specialist. Miss Jax is our resident techie and Dr. Michaels is our resident expert on ancient artifacts.” Mr. Candle said.

I nodded my understanding and turned my attention back to Jack Barker. There were definitely worse bosses to have, but just because he’s easy on the eyes doesn’t make him a good one. He clearly had a short fuse for some reason or another.

“Your office is to the left at the top of the stairs on the right.” Mr. Barker said.

“Thank you. Is there something specific I should be doing?” I asked.

“Gene, get Miss West everything we’ve got on the compass. We have an assignment to locate a fancy compass Miss West. Gene and Kyra can get you up to speed. I want an assessment by the end of the day.” Mr. Barker said.

He didn’t wait for acknowledgements, he just walked away to what was clearly his own office. I gathered he was testing me before he decided whether or not to like me. Obviously, there was something though, because he didn’t use my first name like he did with everyone else. I’m not sure what it really means, but I’m sure it means something.

I gave a last glance at Mr. Candle who merely shrugged and smiled. I took my leave walking toward what was my office. It was one of the two larger ones I had noticed on my first visit. At the time I had expected to end up in one of the small ones on the other side.

“You can’t seriously think she’s cut out for this Joe?” Tom said.

His voice was hushed in a whisper and I’m sure he didn’t expect me to hear from inside my office. I sat down at my desk pretending I hadn’t.

“This is not a military operation Mr. Clark and I will not have it run like one. Miss West may be young but she is definitely the right person for the job. You better get used to it because like it or not you‘re going to be working for her.” Mr. Candle replied.

Measuring Up: Surprise, Surprise

I am fairly certain when I went to sleep I was alone, but when I woke up there was a boy on top of me. He kissed my sore eye at least twice which greatly contributed to my waking. The late afternoon sunlight pouring in through my open widow didn’t help much either. I blinked away my dreams and focused in on reality.

“Wake up Auntie!” Geoff said.

He was sitting on my chest which was fortunately still beneath the comforter because I had gone to sleep without so much as a stitch on my body. Geoff’s enthusiasm was contagious and I smiled up at him, happy to see him. A little warning would have been nice before a visit but family is always welcome.

I glanced at my alarm clock to get an idea of the time, 5:15. I looked back Geoff and then noticed his mother was leaning against the doorframe looking at the two of us with a mother’s amusement. I groaned for effect and yawned.

“My God, it’s so early! What are you doing up at this time?” I said.

Geoff’s little face flushed full of amusement as he determined he knew something I did not.

“But Auntie, it’s almost time for dinner.” He squealed.

“It couldn’t be.” I said.

“It is. It is. Honest.” He replied.

“Oh no, it just couldn’t be.” I said.

“No it is, it is. You have to get up!” He said.

“Just five more minutes?” I pleaded.

“No, Grandma says you slept the whole day away. You have to get up now.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

Geoff’s head shook emphatically proving he was indeed quite sure.

“Get up. Get up. Daddy’s taking us to dinner!” He said.

I pinched his arm lightly and looked into his bright, glowing eyes.

“Oh, I don’t think that’s right.” I said.

“But it is! Daddy said we’re celebrating.”

“It’s not my birthday. Is it yours?”

“No.”

“Then what could we possibly be celebrating?”

“Mommy says you finally got a job.”

“Oh that.”

“You gotta get up.”

“Well then you better take you Mom downstairs so I can.”

“Grandma said I have to make sure you don’t go back to sleep.”

“If I promise to get up will you trust me?”

“I will.”

“I promise then.”

“Okay.” He said.

He wrapped his little arms around my neck and kissed my cheek once more. I squeezed him back and sent him on his way with his mother.

“Tell them I’ll be down in a few minutes.” I said to Jenny.

A fast shower with a quick glance in the mirror to see how red my butt remained, and then I threw on jeans and a tee accompanied by leather sandals. My hair twisted nicely into butterfly clip on my way down the stairs. I could hear my older brother complaining all the way. It was nothing new, he always got annoyed waiting on me, even when we were little.

“Steve! Nobody told me you were coming over.” I said.

I reached the bottom of the stairs, all smiles and wrapped my arms around him in a big hug. He always pulls away like I might give him cooties and I never tire of making him just a little uncomfortable.

“If you’d gotten out of bed someone might have told you.” Mom answered for him.

I bit my tongue to avoid another incident with Mom and Dad. The last thing I needed was to show my six year old nephew that auntie wasn’t too big to have her bottom paddled. Fortunately Stephen and Jenny changed the subject without harping on my late sleeping.

“We were just so excited when your Mom called with the news about your position with Quondam. It sounds fantastic and with such a large company there must be plenty of room for advancement.” Jenny said.

“Yes, I am so very proud of you. Seems like you finally are growing up and getting over your childish aversions.” Steve added.

“Thanks. I am pretty excited.” I replied.

I decided to ignore the maturity jabs in my brother’s backhanded compliment. He’s really a lot like Dad except he got Mom’s sarcastic tongue. Jenny of course was being purely honest and I could tell she was genuinely happy for me without the qualifications my family seemed to feel were necessary.

“Well I thought we would take you out to dinner in celebration. I know Mom and Dad thought this day would never come, but I always knew you had it in you.” Steve said.

“Mom and Dad have been pretty supportive these days, I know it took a lot longer than anyone thought it should and despite that, Mom and Dad never gave up encouraging me.” I replied.

Jenny blushed a little because she knew exactly what I meant by “encouraging”. Little Geoff was of course oblivious and that was the whole point. Stephen had his usual self-satisfied smirk on his face. He’s always thought of himself as better than me and the fact I still get my pants taken down by Dad only helps his interpretation.

“Are we all ready now?” Steve asked.

A round of nods indicated we were and so we piled into Dad’s van with Steve driving. Dad never lets me drive the van, not that I typically want to, but there have been times it would have been nice. I sat in the back with Geoff next to me and Jenny on the other side of him. Geoff was excited and I understandably so because other than a few special occasions each year, he doesn’t get to eat out.

“So, where are we going?” I asked.

“You’ll find out when we get there.” Steve replied.

I stuck my tongue out at him. Geoff laughed as did Jenny. Mom slapped my hand and scowled at me. I rolled my eyes. She wagged a finger and shook her head. It was just like old times except for the fact Steve was driving instead of Dad.

The restaurant turned out to be a favorite of Steve and Jenny’s. Fancy Italian cuisine is not really my thing, but a free meal is a free meal. Then again I had an economics professor who insisted there is no such thing as a free lunch or in this case a free dinner. So far, I’ve yet to prove him wrong.

To say I was surprised then when a nice man looking to be in his late twenties joined us at the table, would be something of an overstatement. He obviously knew Steve and Jenny quite well, but his eyes were all over me from the second he approached.

“You must be Allison. I’ve heard so much about you.” He said.

A thousand responses ran through my head and not one of them would pass my parents without incurring some form of reproach later. I settled on a nod and a forced smile. Being setup on what was supposed to be a celebratory dinner for my new job, was bordering on insulting. Oh forget it, it wasn’t bordering at all, it was just plain bad taste and extremely insulting.

“I’m sure it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance but unfortunately I haven’t been told a thing about you.” I said.

The smile faded from his lips and his eyes grew a bit dull. He’d obviously gone to a bit of trouble to impress me. His hair was not just combed but styled neatly back on his head. His attire easily fit into the business casual category, but he wore it stiffly like one might a tuxedo. Everything about him screamed out how hard he was trying to make a good impression. I should have been flattered.

Steve shot me a look to kill, but I stared him down with one of my own. He had the good sense to let it go without words. Everyone was uncomfortable except for Geoff. He was oblivious to it all and just excited to have a crayon in his hand and a table setting to draw on. Watching him, made me wish I was six again.

To his credit, the young man didn’t turn and run but rather stood his ground. I might have like him in different circumstances, but being blindsided hadn’t left me in a receptive mood. For a half minute I wished I could let loose a little and handle the situation the way I might have back at camp. Of course nobody there was going to set me up on a date.

“I’m Mark.” He said.

He decided to sit down across from me although I’d bet it was a close toss on finding a bar stool instead.

“And so you are, someone might have had the courtesy to introduce you, but I guess that would be asking too much.” I said.

“I don’t want to intrude. I can leave if you’d prefer.” He offered.

“I wouldn’t want to be rude. Stay of course, be comfortable.”

He let out a nervous chuckle. It was endearing and pissed as I was at my brother and his wife, I couldn’t stay mad at Mark. He really hadn’t done anything wrong.

“So what awful thing did you do to end up here?” I asked.

“I’m not too sure, but I’ll be checking on that later.” He said.

“I’d be very interested to hear.”

“I’m sure you would.”

“Not to change the subject, but to change the subject…I hear congratulations are in order.” Mark said.

I paused a moment considering his awkward manner.

“Thanks. It’s been a long time coming as you’ve know doubt heard.”

“Yes, but these are hard times. You shouldn’t be ashamed.”

My still sore bottom says otherwise, but we probably shouldn’t get into that conversation.

“I’m not ashamed, just disappointed I couldn’t find work in a more glamorous field.”

“Administration is important. Companies would fall apart without them.”

“I suppose they might. May I ask what it is you do?”

“I’m a Web Consultant. Essentially that means I build and maintain websites.”

“Self employed?” Dad asked.

I rolled my eyes as the obvious insinuation in Dad’s tone. He sees little difference between the self employed and the unemployed. Apparently, in his view of the world, people who work for themselves are just people who are too lazy or too incompetent to work for others.

“Yes, Mr. Beaumont. I’ve been running my company since second year of college and I’ve managed to grow into a full time career.” Mark said.

“Mark designed my company’s web presence last year.” Steve added.

“Is it steady work?” Dad asked.

“Not at all. Everything comes in waves which is why I’ve had to hire extra help.”

“I can’t imagine you’d make much money doing that.” Dad said.

“You’d be surprised.” Mark said.

I liked the way he avoided a specific answer while implying he made lots.

“I think we can stop with the third degree.” I said.

“It’s quite alright.” Mark said.

“Maybe for you, but this was supposedly a celebration and it’s feeling anything but one at the moment.” I said.

“You’re right.” Jenny said.

It would be nice to think, my word alone would have sufficed but it was clear to me that it was Jenny’s word that made the difference. From there on the evening went pleasant enough and while I can’t say I’d ever have talked to Mark as a stranger, he wasn’t that bad of a guy. I even agreed to see him again. Hopefully, everyone is happy.

Measuring Up: No Place Like Home

All I wanted to do was sleep. Two hours on a plane might not seem like much to you, but spend a week away at a camp where they make you rise before the sun and then we’ll talk. Of course what I want and what I get don’t seem to have much in common lately. If I really wanted to stay awake I’d bet good money I’d come down with an incurable case of narcolepsy.

I shouldn’t have been surprised when upon boarding the plane I was immediately recognized as the mystery woman from the morning’s paper. It wasn’t the most flattering image, grayscale, a little blurry and really focused in on my massively swollen eye. The story was only slightly better as it exaggerated my role in rescuing the survival camp from an unidentified terrorist group.

Apparently, I’m a two gun toting badass able to leap tall buildings, and razor wire fences, in a single bound. The half dozen shots I remember taking were obviously only a small portion of the hundreds of rounds I fired, holding off two dozen terrorists for more than an hour as state police raced to the scene. The fact that the state police had a dispatch station less than 30 minutes away was conveniently missing.

I guess I should be happy the story stopped short of putting me in a red cape and gold bracelets, although the ridiculous picture did make it appear my shorts were adorned with white stars. It was probably a trick of the light but I wouldn’t put it passed Gina to have photo-shopped them in.

A young woman kept looking at her copy of the paper and then pointing at me while talking to her boyfriend. He had the good sense to look embarrassed for her at least and I almost felt sorry for him. I sat down and she stopped walking right next to my seat, staring down at me as if there were a one-way mirror between us. I smiled and waved up at her.

“It’s not me.” I said.

She looked incredulous. Her boyfriend tried to pull her away with an apologetic smile in my direction.

“It has to be. You look just like her.” She said.

“I’m flattered, but really, it’s not me.”

“But, but you have the same black eye!” She said.

“Mine wasn’t earned in such a glorious fashion. I was out drinking last night and managed to walk right into a light post. It stood its ground and I landed on the ground.” I said.

“I don’t believe you. You are her, I know it.” She said.

“If I was her, do you really think I’d put up with your obnoxious behavior?”

Her face paled slightly and her brow furrowed as she studied me closer.

“I was mistaken. The woman in the paper is obviously much younger than you.” She said.

I guess I was supposed to be insulted. I yawned, leaned my seat back, and closed my eyes, remembering one of Cherise’s better pieces of advice, “Don’t feed the trolls.”

It wasn’t long before footsteps assured me of her retreat. Sleep was nearly mine, but of course it was not to be. A gentle tap on my shoulder I might have ignored but the firm grip made my eyes flash open, half expecting Olivia’s pierced mug to be leering over me. It was not, but the elderly woman dressed in flight attendant blue was nearly as bad.

“That looks awful! Can I get you some ice?” She queried.

Because ice makes everything better or at least grandmothers all seem to think so. I count myself fortunate she didn’t offer me a raw steak, although come to think of it, I was hungry.

“No, need to trouble yourself. I’ll just take a nap.” I replied.

“It’s no trouble dear. I’ll be right back with it.” She said.

She was gone before I could object again. I sighed and resigned myself to a cold day in hell, non-stop to Los Angeles.

Naturally, I was in a mood by the time I exited the limousine at home. I had my sunglasses on, a heavy bag in hand and one thought on my mind as I walked through the front door. Talking with Mom and Dad was not the thought but apparently it was a staple on the agenda.

“Welcome home.” Dad said.

“How was your week?” Mom asked.

I glanced at the stairs, longing to climb them and collapse on my bed for what was left of the weekend. I tugged my sunglasses off and smiled, giving my best effort at politeness. Mom inhaled sharply and Dad’s grin turned into a scowl. Then I remembered my eye.

“It was educational.” I said. “How was yours?”

It was a ridiculous attempt to avoid the obvious question and it was ignored as such.

“What on earth happened to your eye?” Mom asked.

“Obviously she was hit.” Dad said. “Care to explain yourself young lady?”

Dad’s tone was hinting at some personal responsibility for my black eye. The assumption seemed rather unfair, but then the last time I came home with a black eye it was with a police escort. No charges were pressed, but the officers had taken the time to explain in excruciating detail just how events had unfolded. They had left no doubt as to who was responsible for my black eye, it was inarguably me. That this time might be different seems to not have occurred to Dad.

“There isn’t much to tell.” I said. “One of the other girls got jealous of me and whacked me with a hairdryer.”

“And I’m sure you did nothing to provoke her.” Mom said.

“Thanks for the support Mom.” I said.

“Don’t you dare talk to your Mother in that tone.” Dad’s stern voice boomed.

“It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t even retaliate.” I said.

“Women don’t just walk up to other women and hit them with hairdryers because they are jealous.” Mom stated.

“The competition was tough and she didn’t like me in the first place. I guess when I foiled her plans to come out on top she just snapped.” I said. “By the way, not that you care, but I’m fine.”

Dad snapped his fingers right in front of my face like one might to get a dog’s attention. I felt like barking. His expression was far from amused though and I thought I’d better shut up before I dug myself a grave with my tongue alone.

“What did I just tell you about speaking to your Mother?” Dad asked.

I sucked my lips in and chose silence over another indignant oral response. The secret to surviving a father with a paddle in the closet is knowing when to shut your trap. You’d think I’d have figured it out by now, but there are days I still manage to get it wrong.

“Am I talking to myself here?” Dad asked.

Mom crossed her arms in front of her chest and glared at me.

“No, sir.” I said.

My head tipped down while I felt like I just couldn’t win.

“Then what did I tell you about speaking to your Mother?” Dad repeated.

I ground my teeth before being able to force the expected answer out.

“To watch my tone.” I said.

“You leave home for a week and come back with an attitude bigger than the house. I won’t tolerate it so do yourself a favor and lose it right now before I do it for you. Understood?” Dad said.

I nodded my affirmation. He scowled at me with disappointed eyes that told me I’d better put a voice to my gesture.

“Yes, sir.” I said.

“Good, now without the attitude, explain to me why you are standing here with a black eye.” Dad ordered.

I debated the assortment of lies I could tell him. Most of them were completely lacking in credibility and the one he’d believe the most would spell trouble for me without any doubt. For a single insane moment I was tempted to pull out the newspaper in my bag and tell my parents the whole story.

Then I remembered the look on Gina’s face, the tears streaming down, when a man I didn’t even know aimed a gun at her. He had every intention of ending her life because of me and she was just unlucky enough to end up in a training camp with me. What would these people do to my parents if they found them? I knew the answer and for the first time I knew Mr. Candle was right when he suggested I keep my parents in the dark.

“I got in a fight at school.” I said.

Mom and Dad both nodded. It was what they wanted to hear and so they believed it.

“What was it about?” Mom asked.

“Nothing. It was stupid. I don’t even remember.” I said.

“I’m guessing since you lied about it you do remember what happened last time though.” Dad said.

I nodded.

“I don’t think I need to tell you how disappointed we are.” Dad said.

I shook my head.

Mom and Dad managed to look disgusted and nod at the same time.

“Go get the paddle.” Dad ordered.

I hesitated a moment wondering if I could pull off amnesia on account of being hit in the head. Rather than risk making things worse though, I started walking for the closet underneath the stairs. The paddle hung on a hook on the left side and it always sways a little as if taunting me when I open the door. I lifted it off the hook, closed the door and trudged back to Mom and Dad with the heavy wood, carried limp in my hand. I stared at the ground, beaten, and the paddle had yet to be raised.

“You know the drill.” Dad said.

Black and Decker or Dewalt? Oh you mean the routine where I drop my shorts, bare my ass and bend over something so you have a good target to swing at. Silly me.

I rolled my eyes at the floor, careful enough that Dad wouldn’t notice, but I caught a glimpse of Mom. Her face wasn’t exactly approving, but she was nice enough to keep it to herself. My fingers found their way to the button on my shorts. A quick glance at Dad confirmed a last minute reprieve was off the table and a moment later my shorts were being worn like socks. Rather than delaying the inevitable, my panties quickly joined them.

My hands took up residence as fig leaves while Mom and Dad pretended to ignore the half naked daughter standing before them. I glanced around wondering if it would be the sofa or the coffee table I was destined to lean over. Meanwhile, the grandfather clock earned its name with an eternity passing between its ticks and tocks.

“Over the side of the sofa.” Dad ordered.

I looked at the far side of the couch, only three or four inches out from the wall, and longed for the courage to actually bend over that side. Of course, Dad would not find it amusing, at least not while I am in the room. I moved to the closer side of the sofa and laid myself over it like a rug, ready for dusting.

The first swat followed less than a tock but more than a tick later. I groaned in instant discomfort and noted rather wearily that the three or four inches between the sofa and wall were no more. A second swat confirmed the fact when my butt flattened and then sprang back at Dad with a hot fire burning just below the surface.

“Ow!” I hollered.

Dad swung harder. My hips ground into the side of the sofa, but there was no place to go. I balled my hands into fists and gave up fighting the tears that demanded to spring from eyes. Dad swung again and again, allowing only the briefest of pauses between impacts. I could feel his disappointment through the wood, jarring its way from wobbly flesh to stubborn brain.

I cried. I wanted to tell the truth as if it could somehow ease the burning pain or shame. Somehow I found the strength to endure in some semblance of silence. The last stroke fell and I sobbed unabashedly into the cushion my head was resting upon. I raised myself slowly and turned to face my parents. All thoughts of modesty were dashed as my hands had only a forbidden desire to rub away the heat behind me. Instead, I jumped in place and shook my hands in the air before me as if I could fan enough of a breeze to put out the fire.

Dad pointed at the corner behind me.

“Hands on your head and don’t even think about moving until I tell you.” Dad said.

I shuffled to the solitude of white walls awaiting me. My head rested against the paint while my hands interlaced together on top of my head in an all too familiar pose. I was just tired enough to feel numb though and while it should have been a time for contemplation and consideration, it was not. I stood their dozing, basking in the warmth and content to be home.

Finding Virginia: Fire & Ice

I was trembling all the way down to my toes. Even the solid strength and warmth of the wall I leaned against was insufficient to steady my whirling thoughts. Rick was kneeling on the red dirt a few feet away with Tanya’s head cradled in his hands. She looked incredibly pale against him, her lips thin, but smiling up at him despite the obvious pain. She had been shot in the stomach, evidenced by the deep dark stains of blood on her shirt and shorts.

Everyone was free from their restraints and most were wandering around in some semblance of shock. The camp was swarming with police officers and in the distance I could hear the sirens of the approaching ambulance. It was too late for one of the mercenaries, I’d killed him with two twitches of my index finger. For Tanya and the other man, there was still a chance to live, largely thanks to the efforts of Patricia.

The police were interviewing everyone, taking statements one at a time and trying to piece together what exactly had happened. If it weren’t for the disabled SAMS on the roof, I think they might have been more inclined to chalk it up to a mass hallucination brought on by the desert heat. Even so, they seemed skeptical about my own actions at best. I could hardly blame them.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Brian asked.

It wasn’t the first time he’d asked since I landed at his feet. I guess my responses were not quite as believable as I wanted them to be. Truthfully, I was far from alright and there was nothing Brian or anyone else could do about it.

“I’m fine.” I replied.

The concern on his face was endearing. All I wanted to do was lay my head against his strong shoulder and feel his arms wrapped around me. It would feel so safe and secure were it not for the still unrevealed identity of the spy at the camp, if there was indeed one at all.

“You were pretty incredible today you know.” He said.

“I just did what I had to do. Anyone would have done the same.”

“Bullshit. We were all in the same position and you were the only one who did anything. Don’t act like it was nothing.”

“If it weren’t for me none of you would have been in danger in the first place.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“You know something I don’t?” I asked.

My breath caught in my throat. I was afraid he was about to confess to being behind everything and I wasn’t sure my heart could take it. Given half a chance I could fall for him, but not if he had anything to do with the mornings events. Some things simply can’t be forgiven. My eyes drifted to the black bag covering the man I’d killed.

“Probably lots, but at least enough to know that none of this was your fault.” Brian said.

He smiled as if that could make all the guilt go away.

“I could have said no.” I said.

“To what? To your job? To your promotion? To this camp? To living? I may not know you that well but you aren’t the type to say no to those things and you shouldn’t have to.”

“Maybe I should have.”

It was the thought in my head. The one shaking me all the way to my core. Mr. Candle had told me it was dangerous and I had shrugged it off. I listened but I didn’t believe him. I thought I could handle whatever danger there was, but this was something I couldn’t handle. It was out of control and to deal with it I went out of control. Brian might be impressed by my actions. Personally, I’m scared to death to know I have that in me.

Brian shook his head at me. I could tell he was frustrated. I could tell he didn’t understand anything going on in my head and how could he? Nobody could know. That was the deal.

“You know what you need?” Brian asked.

“What?” I demanded.

Brian didn’t speak. He just grabbed me and pulled me into his arms. Then he kissed me like he was trying massage my heart with his lips. I fought him for a half second before I decided he was right; It was exactly what I needed. I kissed him back and for a brief moment all the doubt and guilt slipped away and I was just me again. Then he released me.

I backed a step away looking at our feet pointing at each other. I felt the blood rushing to my face and coloring my cheeks which made me even more embarrassed. Brian cleared his throat and reached out to take hold of my hand. I let him hold it.

“I’d like to see you again.” Brian said.

“With or without my towel?” I asked.

“Definitely without.” He replied.

We both laughed enjoying a lighter moment and wishing nothing worse than those embarrassing moments had come to pass at Bad Land.

“I’d like that too.” I said.

He took a pen from his shirt pocket and wrote his digits down on the palm of my hand. I felt like I was back in high school watching him do it. My breath was short, my heart was pounding and I knew the first thing I’d do when I got home was pick up the phone and call.

Brian walked away leaving me to my muddled thoughts. The ambulance took Tanya and our wounded mercenary away. Rick stayed much to my surprise. As the dust settled in the ambulance’s wake he walked over to me. He held his hand out to me and I took it, meeting his eyes. They were filled with a mixture of concern and gratitude.

“Thank you Virginia.” Rick said.

“I don’t think I did anything special, but you’re welcome.” I said.

“I may have taught you to survive this week but apparently we still need to work on your manners.” He said.

I raised my eyebrow at him.

“Obviously, you could learn a thing or two about being gracious.” Rick said.

“I’m sorry. Really, I guess I’m still just a little surprised at myself.” I said.

Rick laughed at me.

“You’ve been walking around here all week like you’ve had something to prove to everyone and now that you have, you are surprised? Look kid, you were born for this kind of thing and at least part of you knows that.” Rick said

“I guess the question is which part.” I replied.

“You’ll have to figure that out for yourself.” Rick said.

I nodded in agreement. I’m starting to think Virginia really isn’t so different from me though. I mean I thought I was just doing what Virginia would do, but the thing is, at some point it was just me. Virginia may not have been able to just leave everyone behind, but neither could I. We just aren’t all that different in the end and I guess that’s because, like it or not, I am Virginia and Virginia is me.

“Did you ever find out who your spy was?” Rick asked.

“No. We are still working on it, but I’m not sure it matters anymore.” I said.

“I’d feel better knowing. I really don’t want to wake up to another nightmare tomorrow.”

“I’ll check and see if there is anything new.” I said.

“Thanks.” Rick said.

He made his way off to speak with a few others. Patricia was first I saw. It was only natural since she had probably saved Tanya’s life. I pulled out my phone and called Mr. Candle while I was being left alone again.

“Any news?” I asked.

“We tracked the helicopter to an E.F. Burke & Sons hangar. Given that and the information you supplied us with, Olivia Stratford is the most likely candidate for our spy. However it is hardly conclusive proof and while she may have been sent there to monitor you directly it’s quite possible someone else was the original receiver of the files. I think it best to leave matters be unless she makes a move against you which seems unlikely.”

I nodded and then realized he couldn’t see me.

“I agree. By this time tomorrow I’ll be back home in LA and come Monday we can decide what to do about all this.” I said.

“I will see you Monday morning then.” Mr. Candle said.

“Monday morning, then. Goodnight.” I said.

It was getting dark and the perimeter lights were flickering on. I motioned to Rick to get a private moment with him. It took a few minutes but he extricated himself and we rendezvoused around the backside of the main building.

“We have a likely candidate on the spy, but we would prefer not alert them to our knowledge.” I said.

“I don’t understand. Why would we not want to turn this person over to the police right now?”

“First off, our evidence is on the thin side and second, by allowing them to get away they could lead us to a better understanding of precisely what is going on.” I said.

A sharp click behind me made me whirl around. I should have known better than to go off someplace secluded, but hindsight is always crystal clear. Olivia was standing there, gun in hand, looking like nothing would make her happier than to shoot both of us where we stood.

“You really don’t have a clue what is going on here do you?” Olivia said.

“No, not really.” I replied.

There was a barely contained sigh in my voice. I was tempted to rush her and make a grab for the loosely held gun in her hand, but I’m pretty sure incompetence is just part of her act.

“I’ve always said it’s the brunettes that are the real idiots. What do you think Rick? Is Virginia really as dumb as she looks?” Olivia said.

“It doesn’t have to be like this Olivia.” Rick said.

“I’m afraid it does.” Olivia said. “Joseph Candle has something that belongs to my employer and now I have something that belongs to him.”

“I don’t belong to anyone.” I said.

Olivia had the audacity to laugh.

“Joseph Candle owns you like other people would own a car. The only question is whether he values your life more than he values his little treasures. For your sake, you better hope he does.” Olivia said.

“You might as well just pull the trigger because there is no way Mr. Candle is going to negotiate with you.” I said.

At first I thought she might just do it, but then I realized with the police still swarming around in the camp she was as much a hostage as we were. Olivia was bluffing her way into an escape attempt and she’d almost pulled me into her delusion.

“I didn’t think so.” I said.

I stepped right up to the muzzle of the gun and stared her straight in the eye. I should have been worried, but I was too tired to care. Rick was right behind me which made us either both completely insane or dead right.

I place my hand on the barrel of the gun and tried to pull it out of her hand. She responded by jerking it away and slapping it hard across my face. I staggered and nearly fell to the ground caught off guard by the sudden move. My eye started swelling instantly and my vision blurred.

Rick didn’t let Olivia have a chance though. He jumped her and knocked the gun from her hands. An instant later Olivia was pinned to the dirt beneath Rick and we were surrounded by police officers. It didn’t take long to explain what had happened. Olivia was cuffed and locked in the back of a squad car.

Brian brought me ice for my eye while I called Mr. Candle and informed him of the new development. He was far from happy at the latest news, but I also got the feeling that there was some truth to Olivia’s accusations. I suppose time will tell where the truth lies, but I’m not blindly following anyone.

Finding Virginia: Rude Awakening

My eyes snapped open at the sound of metal rolling on concrete. I blinked twice and decided the smoke filling the room was real. Grabbing my pillow, I shoved it against my mouth and nose with my left hand while my right searched under the bed for my bag. I found it with only a little effort and pulled it close enough to unzip and reach inside where my cell phone lay resting. Without any real place to carry it I slipped it down the front of my shorts as the next best option, only then realizing the hands free set was still attached.

A quick glance around the room revealed the smoke was more than mere smoke; everyone else was laying on the floor unconscious. I could barely see anything above the floor level but my ears picked up the sound of boots echoing on the concrete. I stayed as low as I could making my way toward the back wall where I hoped I’d be able to circumvent our intruders. I prayed the whole thing was a test designed for our final day at camp. Virginia was much less optimistic.

I made it to the wall. Things were starting to spin and I knew I had to get out of the room fast. I pressed my back to the wall and sidestepped toward the far end. The smoke was starting to clear, leaving me a better view out of the room and consequently leaving someone a better view into the room. I glanced toward the door and saw them.

They were dressed in desert fatigues and armed with automatic weapons. Black gas masks covered their faces and for a moment I imagined they were bugs. It seemed tremendously funny on the surface and I began to laugh. Deep down, I realized it was the gas effecting me. The situation was hopeless with the bug soldiers guarding the only way out, but Virginia wasn’t giving up without a fight.

An all out assault was a losing proposition but I had a better idea anyway. I swaggered up to the mean bugs like the desperate hero in a children’s animation. I couldn’t see any real expressions, but I decided they were amused with me. One of them reached out toward my pillow and grabbed hold of it to pull away. I held on just long enough to make him pull harder and then I shoved it right at him, causing him to stumble backwards. The next closest one took a swing at my head but I ducked just in time to allow his fist to impact the doorframe instead.

While he cursed in muffled breaths, I grabbed at the gun holstered on his hip and turned it on the third man. He dove into the room at the floor and struggled to bring his own weapon to bear on me. Unfortunately, he didn’t need to worry. Without my pillow, the gas began effecting me faster. The spinning room and the bug soldiers began to blur. I blinked and wiped at my eyes hoping to buy myself a few more seconds to get away, but everything went to black as I thudded against the cement floor.

A moment later the light was back on with a vengeance. I squinted and tried to block the light with my hands only to find they were bound behind me. Reality wavered back into existences and I discovered I was sitting on a chair outside in the desert sun. My hands were cuffed behind me and my ankles were tied tightly to the legs of the chair. The drum beating in my head was either a result of the gas, my fall, or the blinding sunlight. Whichever was to blame, I was pissed off.

My eyes adjusted to the light and a little looking around confirmed I was not alone. The guys were missing but all the women were accounted for, including Tanya, and attached to a chair just like me. A little more looking around revealed a couple of guards still wearing desert fatigues but missing the bug masks. I glared at them wishing looks could kill or at the very least wound.

“What the fuck is this?” Patricia asked.

Her voice was loud and full of all the same outrage that was burning in my veins. The words echoed in the open blue sky, but unless the reverberation was a response, the question remained unanswered. I glanced over at her and our eyes met for a brief moment and right then I was absolutely certain she was not the spy.

“Everyone stay calm. I’m sure there has just been some sort of misunderstanding.” Tanya said.

There was a strain in her voice and I could tell she was more than a little scared. My hopes that the scenario was just part of the training were dashed. Tanya was as unprepared as the rest of the us and the tension in her neck combined with the alarm in her voice told me this was all for real or she belonged in Hollywood.

By the time I was fully aware, a man was approaching us from the far side of the main building. He was the smallest of those I’d seen so far but the way he carried himself told me he was in charge. I started a count of the men I’d seen and decided there were at least five and unless they were more worried about us ladies than the men, I figured the number was probably closer to a dozen.

The leader approached Tanya with purpose. He was perspiring like a pig in heat and kept dabbing a cloth across his forehead to keep the sweat from dripping into his eyes. It took me a moment to realize his obsession was driven by a lack of eyebrows. His thin black hair lay flat on his head in a disheveled sort of way, looking more like a giant spider than hair. I would have offered him a comb but my hands were tied, so to speak.

“Which one is Virginia West?” He asked.

His voice was gruff and raspy, like he needed a good drink of water. Tanya was unflinching as she stared back at the man and refused to answer the question. He didn’t look concerned and I guess he knew like I did, it was only a matter of time before some would lead him to me. I decided waiting was not in anyone’s best interests and besides, whatever was going to happen would happen eventually anyway.

“I am.” I said.

He turned to me with an evil smile cracking his angular face. I raised my eyebrows, mocking his lack of them. It amused me but I have a feeling the effort was wasted on him. He favored his right leg as he walked over to me.

“Smart girl to start things easy. Now let’s see if you are smart enough to keep it that way.” He said. “What’s your real name?”

I guess my time at camp has been good for me because despite the shock I felt at the question I kept my reaction off my face. I smiled and tilted my head at him, almost tauntingly.

“My friends call me V, but you can call me Miss West.” I said.

His open palm slapped across my left cheek in a violent response. I tasted blood from my cheek and spit it out on his shoes before glaring back up into his eyes. Virginia swore he’d pay in kind for the blood and I agreed.

“Why don’t you let me loose and try that again.” I said.

He repeated the violence and nearly knocked me over on my side. I spat a little higher, just missing his chin. His hand wiped it away from his neck and the anger he felt shown brightly in his eyes. I rejoiced in the victory, but kept my face as dispassionate as I could manage.

“Name.” He demanded.

“It’s going to be a long day.” I said.

“I’ve got as long as it takes.” He said.

“We’ll I’m kinda tied up but if you’d like to come back tomorrow…” I replied.

“Name.”

“Me. Miss West.”

I mocked his one syllable demand. He slapped me again as if that was going to phase me. Instead I just turned my head and let the blow roll off. My eyes caught sight of a plastic stir straw from someone’s coffee and an idea started to form.

“I can do this all day long.” He said.

“Personally I’ve got better things to do.” I said.

“Name.” He said.

“What’s yours?” I asked.

His hand slapped my face again but not quite hard enough for what I had in mind. I spat blood at his face again. His fists clenched and unclenched for a moment as he fought to keep control of himself.

“You look like a Dick.” I said. “I think I’ll call you Dick. Is that okay Dick?”

It was almost enough to push him over the edge but whatever he wanted from me was apparently more important than a bruised ego. He grabbed my chin and adjusted my head so we were staring eye to eye. I could feel him daring me to spit at him again. I chickened out.

“Tell me your name.” He demanded.

“Virginia West.” I replied.

It came out as natural as if it had always been my name. Staring into his eyes I realized that today it was in fact my name and nothing was going to change that. Allison wasn’t equipped to deal with men like this, but Virginia was everything I wished I could be. The truth of it all must have shown brightly in my eyes because within his I could see a flicker of doubt as he mentally questioned the reliability of his conviction that Virginia was not my name.

He let go of my chin and turned his back on me.

“So Dick, what is it you really want to know?” I asked.

He remained standing with his back to me and said nothing. I stared at his backed and willed him to turn around but my thoughts had no effect. The sun was hot overhead and by it’s placement in the sky I guessed it was late morning approaching noon. I was miserable stuck under its unrelenting rays but I knew he was just as miserable and perhaps more so with his lack of brows.

“I’m talking to you Dick. Are you deaf, Dick?” I said.

His shoulders tightened every time I called him Dick. I was getting to him and we both knew it.

“Come on Dick. Talk to me. Tell me why you are really here.” I said.

He turned around like a tornado with a hangnail.

“My name is not Dick!” He shouted.

His open palm landed squarely across my left cheek and the chair started to tip over to the right. I helped it go all the way over and then twisted so the chair was on its back. My hands combed the dirt, searching for the plastic stir straw. My fingertips found it just in time as I was yanked off the ground and sat back down in my original place.

I quickly maneuvered the stiff plastic into my right hand and began working on the lock to my left cuff. My tormentor was looking very pleased with himself. I allowed him to think he’d won for the moment and did my best to avoid looking into his eyes. I could feel him towering over and my panicked brain prayed he couldn’t see what I was doing with my hands behind me.

“Now, let’s try this one more time.” He said. “What is your real name?”

I whispered, “Virginia West.”

It was just enough noise to mask the click of the cuff unlocking but not loud enough for him to understand. He leaned in closer, obviously thinking I had given up all resistance after being sent to the floor by his powerful hand. Looking around I figured I had all of about ten seconds to incapacitate Dick, free my ankles from the chair and arm myself with Dick’s gun. The odds weren’t great but doing nothing wasn’t going to make them any better.

I swung the cuff free from my left wrist and wrapped my right hand into a fist around the metal ring so my knuckles were protected from impact. As he leaned down close to my face I swung my right fist into his face with every bit of force I could muster. He staggered backwards, spitting blood from his mouth and two cracked teeth. I knew something hadn’t sounded good.

He was too far away for me to grab the knife from his belt, so I leaned myself forward throwing my hands onto the ground. Shifting my weight to my hands I kicked my legs and the chair up over my head slamming into his torso and taking him down to the ground. I ended up sitting over his legs while he moaned like a stuck pig on the ground.

From the corner of my eye I could see the closest guard running toward us and I knew I was running out of time. My fingers freed the knife from his belt and in two quick slashes my ankles were free. The approaching guard gave a shout and a warning shot. I ignored both and grabbed the gun in Dick’s holster, while rolling to the ground to make myself a harder target.

The guard was a sitting duck and I took him out with two shots to the torso. Unfortunately, every other guard in the area was then fully aware I was free and armed. They were far enough away I had a chance for escape still but it meant leaving everyone else behind. My conscience was on the fence with the guard I’d just put down, but leaving these innocent people behind was a little more black and white on the wrong side. I felt Tanya’s eyes on me and met her gaze with my own.

“Run. They don’t want us, just you. Go!” She said.

I stopped thinking and just did what I had to do. I ran for the far gate away from the oncoming guards, squeezing off a couple rounds for cover as I went. I was up and over the fence before I could even think about how to get passed it. Instincts took over and I ran for cover in the maze of red rocks beyond the camp’s border. It was the general direction of the river and from the river the highway was accessible so it would appear the sensible escape route. Instead I found a place out of sight in the cover of the rocks to hide.

Oddly the men didn‘t pursue me beyond the gate. From my hiding place I had a good view into the camp. I watched as the men congregated together near the back gate and it appeared there was an argument. With their attention clearly off of me, I settled down, keeping my eyes on them but focusing on what to do next. I pulled my phone out of my shorts, slightly surprised it was still there. Given the circumstances I was glad I had forgotten to disconnect the hands free set the previous evening. I slipped the bud into my left ear and dialed Mr. Candle.

“Quondam-”Cathy’s voice began.

“Put me through to Mr. Candle.” I said.

She didn’t argue or even deign to respond. The call was transferred with barely any hesitation before Joseph Candle answered. His voice was stressed, which did nothing to ease my own tension.

“Miss West?” He said.

“The camp’s been taken over. Please tell me you have some idea of what is going on.”

“I’ve already contacted the local authorities and they have units on route. Are you alright?”

“I’ve managed to get away, but the situation is less than ideal. Did you learn anything from the information I sent you?”

“We’re still processing the data, but we don’t have any leads at this time. What is your position?”

“About a hundred yards outside of the camp. I’m safe for the moment but I don’t know about the others.”

“The others? Miss West your personal safety is the priority. The Q5 team touched down in Salt Lake less than 10 minutes ago. I’m dispatching them via helicopter to pick you up.”

“Those people are only in danger because of us. I can’t just abandon them with no regard for their wellbeing.”

“It’s in the hands of the local police now, Miss West. You are not responsible for the actions of rogue mercenaries.”

“How long until the police arrive?”

“It’s difficult to say with accuracy but no more than hour. There is no need to risk your safety in the meantime.”

“A lot can happen in an hour. I’m not leaving these people’s fate in the hands of a bunch of lunatics with guns.”

There was a deep sigh on the other end of the phone and I could practically see Joseph Candle clenching his fists in frustration with me. Were it not for my precarious situation I would have had plenty more to say about things and I’m quite certain he would have found me even more frustrating.

“Very well. Stand by. I’m patching in Miss Jax.”

There was a click on the line and a moment later a female voice came on the line along with Mr. Candle’s.

“Miss Jax, we’re patched in with Miss West. She’s free and outside the camp’s perimeter.” Mr. Candle said.

“Yes, sir. Miss West?” Miss Jax said.

“I’m here.” I replied.

“I’m pulling up satellite imagery now, ma’am. 30 seconds before the bird’s in range. Do you have GPS, ma’am?” Miss Jax asked.

“I think it’s on this phone, but I’ve never used it. Call me V.” I said.

The ma’am stuff was getting old fast and my patience was all but used up on the situation as it was. I heard another sigh from Mr. Candle but otherwise he kept his thoughts to himself.

“I can walk you through it. What phone model do you have?” Miss Jax said.

“She’s got standard Q5 issue.” Mr. Candle said.

“Perfect. V just click the globe icon on the upper right of the display. That will bring up the GPS map.” Miss Jax said.

“Got it, Jax.” I said.

“It’s Kyra. The blue arrow is indicating your current position. Tap it twice with your finger tip and then tap transmit and that will send me your coordinates.” She said.

“Done.” I said.

“One second.” She said. “Okay, I’ve got your position overlaid on my satellite map. I’m showing a lot of activity down there, pretty close to your location. Are you certain you’re secure?”

“I got eyes on the activity but I’m well concealed for the moment. Do you have a location on both groups of hostages?” I said.

“I’ve got six clustered about 130 yards due west of your location and it looks like two guards.” She said.

“That’s the women. What about the men?” I asked.

“Negative, they must be under shelter or inside one of the structures.”

“Shelter? Where?”

“Looks like a canopy extending from the western end of the largest building.”

“That must be it.” I said.

“Hold on V. Mr. Candle are looking at this?” She said.

“I’ve got it up.” He replied.

“See those reflections on the north end of that rooftop?” She asked.

“Affirmative. Do you have any better resolution on them?” He replied.

“Negative, but they appear to be portable SAMS. We’re going to have to move her farther out for a safe extraction.” She said.

“I’m not leaving until the hostages are free.” I said.

“Wait.” Kyra said. “Are you planning an assault?”

Somehow she managed to convey a question about my sanity with just the inflection in her voice. On any other day I would have laughed.

“Something like that, but I’m going to need some help.” I replied.

“Mr. Candle?” Kyra asked.

Clearly she was not supportive of my intentions.

“Miss West has point.” He said.

Somewhere in the back of my mind it registered that he had just given me some kind of authority, but the thought which took precedence revolved around the identity of our unknown spy. Georgina had said I was the new head of Q5 and I hadn’t believed her until right at that moment. Mr. Candle’s tone suggested more than a temporary assignment of authority but more as if it was already mine, which meant not only had Georgina been right, but she knew something significant enough that it left very little doubt that she was indeed the spy.

“Tom, I’m going to need you hooked in. We need a tactical analysis for a one person ground assault with approximately 15 hostiles holding 17 hostages.” Kyra said.

The way she said it, sounded a little suicidal to me. I wanted to reiterate my desire to have assistance, but something told me I was the only one on the call willing to risk anything in order to secure the safety of the innocent people inside the camp.

“I’m in. Who do we have on the ground?” Tom said.

“You can call me V.” I said.

“Alright V. I’m going to need a complete inventory of your assets.” Tom said.

“One hand gun, one utility knife, one phone, and one body.” I said.

“Is the guy dead?” Tom asked.

“Huh?” I replied.

“The body.” He said.

“That’s mine and I’m pretty sure I still have a pulse.” I said.

Kyra laughed and it wasn’t hard to imagine Mr. Candle shaking his head in his office. Tom was a little harder to read but I’m guessing he looked a bit like a deer in the headlights for at least two seconds.

“I‘m sure your body is a valuable asset most of the time V, but today probably isn‘t one of those times. What kind of gun do you have?” Tom continued.

“Um, it’s black and heavy and I’m pretty sure it uses 9mm ammo.” I said.

The silence was deafening on the other ends of the call. I waited unsure what to say next.

“Do you know how to eject the clip?” Tom asked.

His tone was becoming increasingly condescending for some reason.

“I think so.” I said.

“See if you can do it now. I want to know how many bullets you have left.” Tom said.

I picked up the gun from where I had left it resting on the rock beside me. A quick glance and I noticed two things; it was made by H&K and the magazine release was a button on the rear of the gun. I pressed the button and the magazine slid out into my waiting hand.

“It’s an H&K something or other and looks like I’ve got 10 left in the clip.” I said.

“What’s your experience shooting a handgun.” Tom asked.

“A few hours on a shooting range. I’m reasonably accurate.” I said.

“Joe are you listening in here?” Tom asked.

“I’m here Mr. Clark.” Mr. Candle replied.

“I send her in there and I’m sending her to her death. She doesn’t have the training or experience for this kind of thing.” Tom said.

“Listen Tom, there are 17 innocent people inside that camp and their lives are in danger through no fault of their own. I’d sure like it if it was someone with more experience down here right now, but it’s not. We’ve got me and you can either get on board and provide assistance or get the fuck off this call. I don’t really care which, just make up your mind and do it now.” I said.

“Hey, I didn’t say I wasn’t going to help. Maybe I’m pointing out the obvious but if you go into this, you need to realize you might not come out.” Tom said.

“You are stating the obvious and we could be running out of time. You’ve got eyes on the big picture and I need a course of action. Now are we on the same page?” I said.

There was silence on the line. I was tired of talking and afraid if I didn’t do something soon, someone was going to get hurt or dead. Maybe I could have been more diplomatic in my approach to Tom Clark, but there would be time for that later when I wasn’t hiding behind a bunch of rocks.

“I’m reviewing approach vectors now. If we can get you up on the roof of the main building, you can take out the SAMS. That done we can get in range to drop me onto the ground and I can provide real assistance.” Tom said.

‘That sounds promising.” I said.

“It will drastically increase your odds of survival if I can get on the ground.” Tom said.

“Good to know. So what have we got?” I said.

“You’ll have to circle around to the north of the camp. Move as quickly as you can but stay low and make as little sound as possible.” Tom said.

“Wait a second.” Kyra said. “There’s another chopper on the board. It’s coming in low from the south.”

“Can you identify it?” Tom asked.

“Negative, it’s not broadcasting and it’s markings are blacked out. If I had to guess I’d say our mercenaries have a ride coming to get them.” Kyra said.

“Is there any indication of their intentions toward the hostages?” I asked.

As if in answer to my question a gun shot rang out and echoed in the open sky. A woman screamed in agony and a hollow pit replaced the spot where my stomach once resided. The men who had been near the back gate were no longer there. They had spread back to their former places with the exception of two who stood looking out in my general direction. It was almost enough to make me fear I’d been spotted, but it was just coincidence.

“You hear that Virginia? You have five minutes to surrender yourself or someone else gets shot!” One of the men shouted.

Fury pounded in my temple, but I knew that was what they wanted. I breathed to calm myself. I knew I had to keep a clear head and anger wasn’t going to help me do that.

“They shot one of the women.” Kyra said.

“I know. It’s Tanya, I don’t think she’s dead, but she will be if we don’t do something now.” I said.

“Get moving. North side as fast as you can.” Tom said.

“On my way.” I said.

Two minutes later I was repositioned on the north side of the camp. I could see some of the guys were bound just like I had been only someone had been kind enough to keep them out of the direct sun. For a brief moment I wondered why. Maybe Brian was the spy after all.

“Mr. Candle.” I said. “Do we have anything yet on our spy’s identity?”

“Not yet. I’m still waiting.” He replied.

“Perhaps you could wait a little less patiently.” I suggested.

“I’m on it, Miss West.” He said.

“Tom, I’m in position.” I said.

“Stand by. We’re going to have to time this right.” Tom said.

“Just say when. Kyra, tell me do you have an ETA on that incoming?” I said.

“Three minutes give or take one.” She replied.

“And for you?” I asked.

“One minute thirty seconds after the SAMS are out.” She said.

“Good.” I said.

“Now, V. Head straight in for the fence and jump from the top of the fence to the roof ladder on the back of the building.” Tom said.

“Got it.” I said.

I ran like my ass was on fire. About a yard away from the fence I jumped so I had less fence to climb. The noise rattled in my ears like a car alarm at 3AM. I used my knife to slice the razor wire as quickly as I could and then launched myself from the top bar of the fence onto the ladder. From their it was an easy climb to the roof and somehow I managed it without being seen.

“Do you see the SAMS?” Tom asked.

“Yeah.” I replied.

“Times up Virginia!” One of the men shouted from below.

“Stand by.” I said.

Tom started to object but I ignored him and ran to the edge of the roof where I could see the women below. One of the mercenaries had drawn his gun and was aiming it Georgina. There was no doubt in my mind he was going to kill her. The tears streaming down her face as she begged for her life were proof enough to me; she wasn’t the spy.

I pointed my gun at the dirt just behind the mercenary and pulled the trigger twice before I had a chance to think better of it. The first bullet hit him in the back of the knee and the second went right into the middle of his back. Georgina looked up at me with disbelief written all over her face. Then the world exploded with gunfire bouncing off the edge of the rooftop near me. I back away from the edge and returned my attention to the SAMS.

“How do I disable these things?” I shouted.

“There should be a panel on the base with a white cable coming out of it.” Tom said.

“Okay, right, I see it.” I said.

“Use you knife to cut the cable on each one of them.” Tom said.

The gunfire started to quiet down as they must have realized I wasn’t returning fire. It was only a matter of time before one of them was climbing the ladder to join me. I rushed over to the SAMS with my knife in hand and slashed through the white cables in a matter of seconds.

“The cables are cut.” I said.

“We’re on our way in.” Kyra said.

Then I head the unmistakable sound of a helicopter landing behind me. My first thought was along the lines of, “Damn that was fast.” Then I realized it was the mercenaries’ ride and not mine. I still had a minute and half before help was going to arrive and only 8 shots left to keep me alive.

“She’s on the roof!” One of the men shouted from below.

“Forget her. They’ll have a chopper here in under a minute and local law enforcements has six cars about ten minutes out.” Someone shouted back. “Get everyone on the chopper now! We’re out of here.”

It sounded like good news to me, but then I figured I might want to the check the ladder just in case they were playing me for a fool. The ladders were empty though and what I could see of my former captors appeared to be running for the helicopter in the middle of the camp. They no longer were paying any attention to the hostages. Mission accomplished.

I returned my attention to the people still on the phone with me.

“They’re boarding the helicopter for escape.” I said.

“We’ll be there in thirty seconds.” Tom said.

“By the looks of it they won’t be.” I said.

“Mr. Candle do we have any idea who these people are or who they are working for?” I asked.

“A few leads but nothing concrete.” He said.

“With these guys leaving and local law enforcement here in less than ten, I can manage without Tom. I would suggest they pursue the helicopter.” I said.

“I can track them via satellite. Pursuit wouldn’t yield anything beneficial.” Kyra said.

“True enough, but now that the situation at the camp is under control, it would be best to avoid entangling anyone else with the local authorities. As soon as you’re certain the chopper is away with all mercenaries on board, head back to Salt Lake.” Mr. Candle ordered.

“They’re away.” I said.

The helicopter rose up just high enough so they were looking straight at me. I suddenly realized I was a complete idiot as well as a sitting duck. Bullets started flying, but fortunately not before I started running full tilt for the edge of the building with the canopy extended. I leapt into the air off the side of the building and went crashing down through the canopy to land rolling on the ground below. Every bone in my body hurt, but somehow I had managed to avoid any new holes. The helicopter flew away, probably hoping I’d killed myself in the fall.

As the sound of the helicopter faded into the distance, I could hear the sound of men’s voices all around me. I had landed right in the middle of them, but they were all still bound to their chairs and unable to do more than voice their concern for my well being. I looked straight up and recognized the teddy bear face of Brian staring down at me with nothing but concern in his eyes. I smiled up at him, giddy that I was still alive and only mildly worse for the wear.

“Miss West. Miss West. Miss West.” Mr. Candle’s voice kept repeating in my ear.

“I’m still here.” I said.

“What was that?” He asked.

“You don’t want to know. Look the helicopter is away and the people here need my help. I’ll call you back when it’s over.” I said.

I disconnected the call before he could object or otherwise respond. Brian was still looking down at me and I was still looking up at him. I would have liked to have stayed that way for the rest of the day, but it was not to be.