by Jaci Wheeler
“The joke’s on you! I’ve gone days without food, living in this hell hole. You think I’m going to turn now after I’ve gone through this for days?” I scream. Admittedly I think I’m starting to lose my mind a little, that or I’m doing a great job at channeling the Joker as I laugh hysterically.
“A little tip: next time you might want to try the food thing after the first day. At least then all might not be lost. You either let me out now or you can drag my dead body out. You know as well as I do that I don’t have much time left. I’m getting weak, I’m starting to hallucinate if that purple monkey is any indication, and if I’m correct, you still have the beating the crap out of me portion to look forward to. I’d hate to see you miss out on a good beating all because I die. Such a shame,” I add with a sigh.
Of course, I don’t see purple monkeys, but the rest is correct. I’m sure they’ve already thought of this, but at the rate I’m going, I’m going to need to be hospitalized soon, and then all their fun is over.
I’m sure they still have a few good tortures in mind for me. I try to stand up, but I think the smell of food has finally driven me to the edge. I start to wobble a bit and the whole room turns sideways. “Oh, crap!”
I wake up in a different room. Not exactly the Ritz, but it’s better than my last cell. There’s a guy sitting in a chair next to me and he is washing my face with a warm cloth. It feels amazing. I see I have an I.V. in my arm also.
“Welcome to the land of the living,” he says with a wide smile.
“Oh, is that what I’m doing? And here I thought I was at death’s door.” I can’t believe how good it feels to have some human interaction, just to be able to talk to another person, to see another person. I’m ready to crawl on this stranger’s lap and purr.
“My name is Hayden.”
“Hi Hayden, I’m Aria, but you already know that. You must be the good cop?” I question with a slight smile. He matches my smile and adds a chuckle.
“This week.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” I say, already exhausted just from talking that little bit.
“Do what?” he asks curiously.
“These stupid games. I don’t think I could.”
He frowns a bit.
“It’s not stupid, Aria. It’s life-saving. It might seem pretty harsh, but just remember that it will save your life someday, and we all had to go through it.” Yes, there is that.
“So how am I doing?” I ask curiously.
Hayden smiles wide again.
“Exceptionally well.”
“Really?” I raise a brow. “Because it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
He glances around the room casually.
“Here, sit up. You need to eat something.”
“You have food? Hayden, next time lead with that.”
He chuckles again.
“It’s just some chicken broth, but we need to get your stomach accustomed to food again.”
He brings the spoon to my mouth and I drink hungrily. When he doesn’t seem to be going fast enough, I grab the bowl from him and slurp it up as fast as possible.
“Hey there, you need to slow down and take it easy or you will be sick.”
I chuck the spoon at him and continue slurping it all down.
“Or you could just do that, which works too.” he says with a chuckle.
“So where is this real food you speak of?”
“Well let’s just give your stomach a bit to see how it handles that broth, ok? Then we can try a few crackers.”
“Hayden, you know those girls who watch their figures and eat a mint and three pieces of lettuce and call it a meal? Yeah, I’m not one of those. I like food and I happen to eat like a trucker, and that was before I was beaten and starved, so how about we get something I can really sink my teeth into, ok?”
He shakes his head, but takes out his phone and texts someone.
“Ok, you will have something to sink your teeth into soon.”
“I think you might just be my new favorite person,” I say, looking up at him with a smile.
“Oh really, so Cameron is getting bumped, huh?”
I can’t stop the laugh that burst out of me.
“Cameron? You mean my handler? Oh, dear Hayden, don’t you know that we despise each other?”
He is looking at me curiously now.
“That’s interesting.”
“What is?”
“My brother has always talked so highly of you.”
Now I’m confused.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m a very nice person. Cameron and I are just a bit like oil and vinegar.” I pull him close and whisper in his ear. “And just between you and I, I happen to respect and even care for Cameron, but if you tell him, I will kill you.”
Hayden bursts out laughing.
“What’s so funny?”
“He never told me how spunky you are.”
“Who didn’t? Why do I feel like I’m missing something?”
“I think that’s because you are.”
I stare at him blankly. I’m obviously running on fumes here, but I’m not exactly connecting the dots.
“Here, let’s start over. Hi, my name is Hayden Jensen and you are?”
I just stare at his hand, then blink. Then I stare at his face, then blink. Then I take in his appearance, clean cut hair, no scruff on the face, kind eyes, easy smile. And I can’t seem to add it up. Hayden bursts out laughing.
“Don’t worry, we get that a lot. Maybe not so much blinking, though.”
“Wait, you are serious? You and Cameron are brothers?”
“Yep!” He smiles wide.
“Like related? By blood?”
“Yes, and yes.”
“But, but, I mean, but…you are so nice.”
He bursts into a fit of laughter again.
“Man, he really didn’t make a very good impression on you, did he? And here I thought the ladies liked his broody act.”
“Trust me, it’s no act.”
“Oh Aria, I think I like you.”
“I think I might like you back.”
“Might?” he questions.
“First, we have to see about that food you promised.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Cameron
I pace back and forth in front of Aria’s new cell. What on earth is taking Hayden so long in there? How long does it take to drop off some food? He’s the only person I know who would be willing to give me an update and he’s taking too bloody long. Finally, the door opens and I grab him and pull him into an empty corridor.
“Dude, you scared the crap out of me,” Hayden says.
“Well, how is she?”
He smiles like he’s up to something.
“Dude, she doesn’t have the highest opinion of you, bro. What the heck did you do to her?”
This comment is meant as a joke, but it pisses me off.
“What do you think I did to her? I trained her. And based on her scores and performance I did better than any of you idiots!”
“Hey, chill out. I was just joking, bro.”
“Don’t ‘bro’ me. Are you going to give me a status update or are you going to keep busting my balls?”
“She is fine. Much better than I would have thought after what she’s been through.” His eyes darken at that.
“She is exhausted, dehydrated, and half-starved but she’s feisty and has a lot of life left in her. It will serve her well, Cam. She’s got this. She only has one more phase and you know she’s all but passed.”
I take in his words and that ball of dread is slowly unraveling from my stomach.
“And her spirits, how are they?”
“Great. She’s hilarious. Now I see why you like her so much.”
I scowl at him. “Who said I like her?”
Hayden just shakes his head at me. “You just did with this mother hen act. I get it, you don’t want to get too close, but you did good with her, Cam. You trained her well and sh
e knows that.”
“Did she say that?” I ask, wondering if my little princess is grateful after all.
“Even if she didn’t, I can tell. You are special to her too. No matter how dysfunctional your relationship is.”
“Alright, I gotta go. Keep an eye on her, ok? I’m counting on you; you are my eyes and ears in this place.”
“I got you, bro, no worries.”
I just shake my head and walk away. It’s a wonder we are even related. Granted I had to shield him from most of the pain growing up, but I swear the guy is made of unicorns and butterflies. It’s not natural to be that happy all the time.
***
I hurry to Edward’s office and knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Not one to mince words, I just come right out with it.
“When are you pulling her out? This is crazy, Edward. You know good and well she has passed and earned her freedom now. What are you trying to prove?”
“I will disregard your lack of respect and decorum based on your worry for my daughter, but do not make this mistake again.”
I collapse in the chair in front of him, but stay silent.
He sighs and runs a hand through his thinning hair.
“Look, Cameron, I’m glad she has you looking out for her, but it’s very important that I don’t show favoritism.”
“Favoritism? Sir, she has had it worse than any other agent!”
“And she’s handled it much better than the others, hasn’t she?”
I say nothing because he’s right, she has.
“I know most of that is thanks to you for training her so well. You are a much better fit than Estevan, but don’t make the same mistake he did,” he threatens, looking at me pointedly.
“Cameron why is it we don’t have a standard final time? Why do some people pass in days while others take longer?”
I sigh, seeing where he is going with this.
“Because everyone has different breaking points.”
“Exactly. The point of this test isn’t to break anyone, it’s to see if you have what it takes to go into the field, but it’s also to test to see just how much you can take. It gives me an idea of what those agents’ triggers are. It tells me who to put on what assignment. This final is the basis of all that I do, and without knowing exactly what Aria is capable of, I would be risking her life. I know you worry about her. I do as well, but I also know that she has so much potential and I’m willing to test just how much. Are you?”
He’s made his point, but it doesn’t simmer the fire in my belly. I decide it’s best that I leave now before I do something I might regret later.
“Thank you for your time, sir.”
“Have a good day, Agent.” And with that, I leave.
I work out all afternoon, but nothing can tire me. I know I won’t be able to sleep until Aria is done with her final. I’m starting to despise a man I have always respected, but something isn’t right about him. He doesn’t look at her like a father looks at a daughter; he looks at her like someone would look at a new favorite toy or, dare I think, a weapon. I put those thoughts out of my head and start hitting the punching bag. I’m not sure if I’ve been at it for five minutes or five hours. My hair has fallen from its bun, sweat is dripping in my eyes, and I’m pretty sure I will fall over soon, but I can’t seem to stop.
“I’m pretty sure the bag is dead, bro.”
Hayden.
I stop what I’m doing and I grab my towel. I chug a whole bottle of water and then collapse in a nearby chair.
“So I have good news and bad news, dude. What do you want first?”
Bad. He knows I always pick the bad news first. I don’t even have to say it; I just give him a pointed look.
“They are doing her survival training in the morning.”
Well, that isn’t so bad, although everything with Aria has taken ten times as long. Usually, survival training lasts several hours, a full day at most. Knowing Edward, he will drop her off in Mexico and she will have to walk back.
“If that’s the bad, what is the good news?”
“There will be no more torturing.”
My head shoots up. No way are they done.
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yes, I heard it from Edward himself. He said after the way she fought Wade and Cesar, and going without food and water for as long as she did, he knows she can take a beating and any torture dealt out. Plus, if they hurt her anymore, the recovery time will take longer than he wants before he can send her out on a mission. He already has something lined up for the Elite Squad.”
And there’s the bottom line. God, that man is so selfish. It's one thing to do to kids you acquired over the years, but your own daughter? I just can’t fathom it. He has ice water running through his veins and I’ll make sure to proceed with caution in his presence from now on.
“So, she made the Elite Squad then?” I ask unnecessarily.
“Of course she did, bro. That shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, especially you.”
It’s not, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. She’s being fast-tracked and I’m worried about how this is going to end. She’s so young and still very innocent to so much this horrible world has to offer. Sending her directly to the underbelly seems wrong on just too many levels.
“I haven’t told you the best part yet,” he says, grinning from ear to ear.
“Guess who is going to be her eye in the sky.”
This calms my nerves a bit.
“No way! Seriously?”
“Yep! Edward liked our interaction and he said he liked the calming effect I had over her, so I am now her full-time support.”
“Eye in the sky” is what we call an agent’s handler. They are the voice in your ear when you are on a mission. They are updating you on the specs of the op, they are who you make all your drops to when you are under, they are your link and life line. And knowing my baby brother is going to be watching out for Ari helps me to breathe again. Of course, I would never let that show.
“She’s your problem now, dude. Good luck with that, and congrats on the promotion.” I say, slapping him on the back.
Of course, my brother can see right through me and yells after me.
“Going to go cry in your pillow? It’s ok, big guy. A few chick flicks and some ice cream and you will be good as new.”
I flip him the bird on my way out the door, but now that he mentions it, I could totally go for some mint chocolate chip.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Aria
Hayden walks through the door right when I’m in the middle of a yoga stretch.
“Careful, you might freeze that way,” he says with a smile. I still can’t get over the fact that he and Cameron are brothers. Beside the fact that they look nothing alike, he’s just so easy going and likable.
“Ha, ha. Very funny. I’m hoping you have some news for me, or is this part of the torture? Are they trying to bore me to death?”
“I, in fact, do have news for you, my lady. How do you feel about nature?”
Yes! This is what I was waiting for. Of course I don’t want to show all my cards too soon, so I shrug.
“It’s not so bad. Anything is better than being cooped up here.”
“Well you are now physically up to par, so you are going to do your survival challenge today. Are you up for it?” he asks with concern in his eyes. I’d hate for him to worry about me, so I try to ease up the act a bit.
“Yes, Hayden I’m up for it. That was my favorite part of training. Estevan and I practically grew up in these forests.”
“You realize that you are just getting dropped off with a pack and nothing else, no food or anything.”
“I understand survival training,” I say, rolling my eyes at him being a mother hen. But to be honest, it is nice having someone worry about you. It’s been such a long time since someone has.
“Ok, then get ready to go and I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.”
As he goes to leave, I grab his arm to stop him. He turns to look at me with his deep green eyes. Beside the fact that both brothers are good looking, they really don’t look anything alike.
While Cameron’s looks are light with his blonde hair, Hayden shares his coloring but that’s about all. His hair is short and dark brown. But his personality comes light and easy, while Cameron is dark and troubled. It’s fascinating really.
“Thank you, Hayden. You’ve been so good to me, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate it.”
He pulls me in for a hug.
“You haven’t seen the last of me yet, kid,” he says in his easy going way. “Now hurry up.”
***
The helicopter lands in a clearing, and Hayden hands me a backpack and puts a rubber bracelet on my ankle.
“Everything you need is in there. That is a waterproof tracker in case we have to come get you, but I have faith. Knock it out of the park, honey.”
“Thanks, Hayden. Is this being timed? Will I get any points for how fast I finish it or is it just a pass or fail, finish or not, type of thing?”
He raises an eyebrow in question.
“I wouldn’t mind being one with nature by myself for a night after being cooped up for so long.”
Hayden throws his head back and laughs hard.
“Oh Ari, just when I think I’ve figured you out you go and surprise me again. This is a test; it isn’t Disneyland, little girl. But no, it isn’t timed. As long as you come back, you will pass. But please don’t take too long.”
“I won’t. You will see me tomorrow, I promise.”
“Cocky, aren’t you?”
“Van might not have prepared me as well as your brother, but for this he sure did. I know these mountains and forests like the back of my hand. I could be back in a few hours if I wanted, but I think a night under the stars is just what I need.”
“Then enjoy your night, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I jump down from the helicopter and go to turn, but he looks like he has something else he wants to say. I raise a brow at him in question.