What She Thought She Knew (Rachel Moore Mystery Book 1)

by Jack Parker

  At the door, I was met by a short secretary who gave me a folder. I opened it, and saw the Directors' report on my previous mission.

  I nodded in thanks, and stepped around the small woman into the dim room.

  The sound of the door shutting left an eerie echo in the hushed room. I could see the silhouettes of the five Seeker Directors that led our organization.

  It was forbidden to ever see their faces, unless they gave permission. Even then, the trusted people were sworn to secrecy. It was a necessary precaution in order to prevent Phantom agents from attempting to assassinate or impersonate any of the Directors when they were out of protective territory.

  All five heads turned towards me. I could practically feel their intense stares focused solely on me. Even the dim light seemed to have put me in the spotlight.

  The figure in the middle gestured for me to sit. "Please take a seat, Agent Moore." A masculine voice instructed.

  I promptly sat down, and placed the folder on the glass table.

  The main figure continued. "As you undoubtedly already know, your last mission was a well fabricated attempt of killing you. It is obvious that the Phantoms are aware of your capabilities and your value to the Seekers, given your personal record."

  I was rather bored as I listened to what the Head Warrior already told me, but I maintained my respect, and continued to pay attention.

  "Your partner was a Phantom spy; we discovered that he disappeared over three months ago for a short duration of time. He was presumed M.I.A until he returned, stating that he was following some leads. Now, however, we know what his fate was." The speaker paused as he took a sip of clear fluid. The figure put the glass down, and cocked his head. "Your facial expression clearly portrays your unease. What's on your mind?"

  The Directors' stares seemed to have intensified.

  I gulped silently before I started. "I find all of this to be very strange. If the Phantoms wanted to kill me, as you believe, why bother killing their own agent? I wasn't even near him to say that they took a calculated risk by blowing up Madison Square Garden with both of us inside." I paused a bit as I breathed deeply. "Someone led me outside, as if to save me from the blast. That doesn't exactly fit the MO of the Phantoms. It's either they had a change of heart, and no longer desire to kill Seeker agents, or there is a separate party involved."

  A prolonged pause occupied the small room as the Directors took my opinion into consideration.

  Finally, the figure in the middle leaned forward. "If that is what you believe, Agent Moore, then what are you suggesting?"

  "I'm not suggesting anything," I started, "but I believe that there's more to this than meets the eye."

  A brief hum went through the row of Directors.

  Finally, the main figure spoke again. "I'm afraid there's little we can do to prove that these assumptions of yours are true. Now we must press at the matter at hand." The speaker leaned back. "We called you here because we have a proposition for you."

  "Your scouting skills are of most importance to the Seekers, therefore we cannot afford to lose you." A female voice spoke.

  "Not to mention your deep and personal ties with the Seekers." Another voice added.

  I stiffened a bit at his comment, but continued to listen.

  "There is one course of action we must put in place in order to keep you safe." The first figure added.

  I glanced between the Directors as I tried to decipher their body languages. I mentally cursed when their bodies were as still as statues.

  Instead, I took a deep breath and focused on the first figure. "What are you suggesting, Director?" I asked politely.

  "We are orderingyou to be put under the protection of a Guardian until the threat has subsided. I'm afraid that there's no other alternative."

  I stared at their dark figures blankly as my brain processed the information. Deep down, I was just about ready to explode.

  The Directors were basically telling me that I had no choice but to remain under constant surveillance by some random Guardian who would be watching every single thing I did. They might even have to relocate me.

  My leg twitched which caused a squeaking sound on the tiled floor.

  "Are you alright Agent Moore?" The main figure asked.

  I nodded, but internally I felt like I was trapped in a cage that was slowly pressing against me.

  The main figure sighed quietly. "I know that this news troubles you, Agent Moore, but you must understand that this is for your own good. We'll be damned if the Phantoms got you right under our noses."

  I stood up abruptly. The chatter among the other Directors halted as they all anticipated my next move.

  I merely glanced at what I assumed to be their eye level one by one until I stopped at the main Director. "With your permission, I would like to get my things together." I said monotonously.

  The main Director shook his head. "You won't need to, Agent Moore. You won't be relocated."

  I mentally let out a breath of relief. At least I would be in a comfortable environment.

  The main Director pushed a button. The secretary came in and awaited her instructions.

  "Thank you for coming in, Agent Moore. You may leave now." The main Director said.

  A little too enthusiastically, I nodded and quickly left the room.

  ________________________________________

  About an hour later, I was back home at my cozy apartment. I threw myself onto my inviting bed, and didn't bother to change. With the day's events pressing on my mind, I found it hard to fall asleep.

  Eventually exhaustion won, and I drifted into a dreamless state.

  Chapter 6: Encounters of a Phantom Degree

  It seemed like days later when I finally managed to get up from my bed. A glance at the clock told me that I've been asleep for twelve hours. I found it unusual because normally I would have gotten messages as early as five in the morning. I assumed that the Directors must have sent out an order to leave me in peace until I saw it fit.

  I was still upset about last night. The fact that they assigned a Guardian to protect me annoyed the hell out of me. I wasn't a damsel in distress who couldn't protect herself. I kicked ass since an early age when the pre-school bullies thought it was funny to put earthworms in my hair.

  Despite my annoyance, it also triggered my curiosity. Why were the Phantoms so invested in "supposedly" trying to kill me? Surely there were far more talented Seeker agents who would be more worthwhile to focus on. I also wasn't sure when I was supposed to meet this Guardian, or if I'd even get the chance to meet him or her.

  I sighed, and rubbed my temples as I started to get a headache from all of my rushing thoughts. At least the Directors allowed me to stay in my apartment. It may not have been special, but it was still my home.

  Eventually, restlessness caught up with me, and I found myself stripping off the previous day's clothes for newer, cleaner ones. Out of habit, I attached the straps that held my gun onto my blouse, and covered it with a simple black sweater. I may not have been on duty, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

  I ventured outside, and walked among the dense crowd. It was an interesting transition from being the observer to becoming observed. That fact, however, left me feeling a bit suspicious about the drone-like individuals that went on by, completely oblivious to the prospect of a war going on. They were more than happy to believe that the war ended with the "death" of the Phantom leader back in 2012.

  I forced myself to get rid of the thought of the person I hated most.

  Instead, I told myself to just enjoy the moment without the burden of Seeker responsibilities.

  As I was walking down the street, I realized that I had no idea where I was going. Normally the idea would have had me worried, especially on a mission. At that moment, however, I simply allowed the flow of the crowd to guide me to wherever they chose.

  Ironically, I was led to the site of where my mission was held just a few days ago. Knowing that the whole thin
g was possibly meant as a trap left me shivering in acknowledgment. That was a real bullet I had just dodged.

  The entire area was sealed off, and warning signs were placed all around. A Seeker team was scattered along the perimeters as they made sure no one entered the ruins.

  There had been a brief announcement of the disaster on the local news during my stay at the hospital. The media's interpretation was that the explosion was caused by a gas leak. Another example of the Seekers' influence over the information released to the public.

  I didn't know why, but something within me compelled me to check out the ruins. As such, my feet moved on their own accord towards the center of the destruction. The Seeker agents who saw me merely glanced at me, but didn't move to stop me.

  I reached the center of the ruins and stopped as I was unsure of what to do next. I vaguely remembered reading an article that discussed the psychological need for one to visit the very place where they had suffered, or nearly died. The reason for me, however, seemed to have been more complex than any explanation the article gave.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something metallic shine under the bright spring sun. Curious, I stepped towards it, and bent down to get a better look.

  It was a plain silver ring with symbols that engraved it around the entire circumference. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the symbols were actually Latin words, though I couldn't understand what they meant. Who would have thought that I would have needed to learn Latin?

  After a moment of debating, I decided to keep the ring, and slid it into my pant pocket. Maybe it was valuable.

  I snorted at the mere thought, and walked back towards the main road.

  ________________________________________

  I spent the next couple of hours wondering around the block, not really paying attention to the details. Before I knew it, the sun had already set. The city lights became brighter, and more numerous. It was exactly what was expected from the city that never slept.

  Abruptly, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end, and I shivered involuntarily. In the distance, I heard some gunfire before they came to an abrupt halt.

  Heart beating quickly, I cautiously made my way to the source of the disturbance. I arrived back at the ruins, and was met with the sight of corpses.

  I turned around as I looked for the ones responsible while stepping back into cover.

  As if on cue, dark figures began to surround me. I pulled out my gun, and made sure that it had full ammo, before I placed it in a defensive position. The figures' faces were covered, but I was able to make out the signature glowing eyes that not even the darkness could have hidden. Phantoms.

  I narrowed my eyes as I allowed my Seeker training instincts to kick in, and waited for the first move. I caught movement from the corner of my eye and immediately reacted.

  I swirled around and caught the knife that was aimed at my throat. I pulled violently at the arm, and firmly grabbed the knife before it flew through the air. I kicked the Phantom on the stomach, which pushed him back. Rapidly, I threw the knife and it hit the chest of an oncoming Phantom. He crashed to the ground. There were still more.

  Strong arms trapped me from behind. The force caused me to drop my gun, and I was pushed against the perimeter fence. As I twisted my waist, I managed to put my feet in the air, and climbed up the wall. I used the momentum to do a back flip, while I sent my captor falling to the dirty ground. I landed on my feet gracefully, and anticipated the next wave of attack.

  I grabbed my gun that was flung earlier, and fired a couple of rounds into some of the incoming Phantom agents. At the same time, I was dodging some of their own return fire. I slightly grinned as the rush of adrenalin coursed through my veins.

  I ran towards the nearest Phantom agent, and slid under his legs. I then kicked him where it really hurt.

  The figured dropped to his knees and held onto his private area, before he finally fell to the ground in a fetal position.

  I smirked, but quickly regained my focus as I felt a bullet scrape my arm. Nothing serious, but it had stung like a bitch.

  I narrowed my eyes, and I ran in between whatever cover I could find. All the while, I headed towards the last two Phantom agents. I managed to surprise one of them as I jumped onto his back, and cracked his neck. The last survivor turned around, and kicked me onto the ground.

  I landed painfully on the arm that was grazed by the bullet. I hissed as the discomfort got worse.

  The sound of a gun cocking, however, momentarily made me forget the pain.

  I looked up to see the last Phantom agent aim my gun at me. I couldn't even move up to try to defend myself, so I covered my face with my uninjured arm.

  Amazingly, the Phantom agent let out a sharp breath, and I saw blood soak through his grey shirt. He dropped to his knees, and fell over, his blank eyes stared at me.

  I couldn't hold back a shiver as I tried to avoid looking at the dead Phantom.

  Through the pitch black, I saw a red-stained knife being flung against the opposite wall. Damn, I thought, I really wish I had my gun.

  From the darkness came a hooded figure covered in a thick trench coat that gave him the appearance of an old-fashion detective. He came towards me, the sound of his heeled boots sliced through the thick silence. I shifted backwards until I hit a wall.

  The figure stopped exactly in front of my feet. Despite his situational advantage over me, I could sense that whoever he was, his intentions weren't to harm me.

  "Who are you?" I finally asked after a few minutes of just observing the man.

  The sound of his deep breathing was all that he made. "I'm your Guardian."

  Chapter 7: Unfamiliar Feelings

  I merely blinked as I processed the information given to me. This man was my Guardian? I guess it made sense considering he did just save my ass.

  "How did you know I was here?" I asked.

  The hooded figure chuckled lightly. "As your Guardian, I always know where you are."

  I didn't know whether to have found that charming, or just downright creepy. Either way, his knowledge of my whereabouts saved my life.

  "I do, however, have a question for you." The Guardian took a step closer to me, and bent down. His eyes leveled with mine. "What on Earth are you doing back here?"

  I couldn't help but stare at his eyes that appeared grey underneath his hood. He too was staring at me, but much more intensely. It was as if he was trying to peer into my inner thoughts.

  I felt my face heat up, and I rapidly blinked to drive away my rushing emotions. "I don't know," I blurted out. "I just felt drawn to this area."

  The Guardian nodded his head. "I see." He simply stated. "Well, regardless of your reasons, I must get you out of here. I'm positive that those Phantom agents were not the only ones after you."

  With that, the Guardian stood up, and held his gloved hand in front of me.

  Cautiously, I took a hold of it, and he effortlessly brought me back onto my feet.

  I self-consciously rubbed my clothes as I wiped off imaginary dust. I desperately tried to look away from the Guardian's increasingly uncomfortable stare.

  Reflecting on his earlier remark, I turned around and narrowed my eyes at the Guardian. "Wait a minute." I started. "This was a classified mission. How can I be certain that you're really my assigned Guardian?"

  The man just stood there, and met my suspicious gaze with one of careful consideration. "The Seeker Directors assigned me to protect you. They also informed me of the events that had occurred in the days previous to meeting you. I understand your suspicion of me, Agent Moore. I assure you, though, that I'm not here to harm you."

  The Guardian turned away from me, and picked up my gun. He then walked back to me and placed the object in my cold hand. He seemed to have noticed my inconspicuous shivers for he took off his trench coat and gently placed it around my thin shoulders.

  His considerate gesture caught me by surprise. I never knew Guardians were so concerned about t
heir subjects' wellbeing. Perhaps mine was an exception.

  The man merely continued to observe me carefully, and I found myself staring back. There seemed to have been a hint of blue in his eyes. The color almost swirled in the lighter background.

  I blinked, and pressed the coat closer to me as I used it as an excuse to look away. The shivers I attempted to hold back invaded my body more aggressively.

  The Guardian's eyes narrowed slightly, and he turned around. "Come on." He said.

  I merely blinked. "What?" I replied dumbly.

  I could have sworn that I saw the look of amusement pass on his face.

  "You prefer to stand here in the cold?" He asked teasingly.

  I mentally debated on whether or not I should go with the Guardian. He did just save my life, yet I knew nothing about him.

  For the moment, he seemed friendly and honorable enough. I still would keep an eye on him just in case.

  With my mind made up, I followed the Guardian to a secondary street where a sleek black sedan was parked. The sight slightly annoyed me as I recalled my own car being destroyed in my last mission.

  As a gentleman, the Guardian opened the door for me. I raised an eyebrow at his show of manners, but got in nonetheless.

  He jogged around the car, and got in as well. He placed the key into the slot and the car bolted to life with a quiet purr. The Guardian drove smoothly, and avoided the congested New York traffic.

  We arrived shortly at my apartment building. As he pulled to a stop, I glanced at the Guardian. "Thanks for the ride." I said.

  "Any time." He replied.

  I nodded, and got out of the car. As I closed the door, a thought passed through my mind.

  The Guardian was about to set the gear to drive when I leaned on the passenger side's open window. "Wait!"

  The Guardian stopped what he was doing, and looked at me.

  A slight flush passed over my face as I opened my mouth to speak, yet nothing came out. Way to go Rachel; you just couldn't keep your damn mouth shut, huh?

  Defeated, I merely bit my lip and shook my head.