Little Phoenix (The Census Book 1)

by Willow Dean

  Not quick enough though.

  “I swore to Tali and Grant that I would always look out for you if anything happened to them. I know you have never met me before today, and you don’t really know all that much about the boys either, but I promise you that no harm will come to you whilst you are here. You are under no obligations to stay and are free to leave whenever you wish, just know that we will be here for you should you need us. You’re not alone in any of this.”

  He pauses for a couple of seconds to gauge the effect of his words. Seemingly happy with my reaction -or lack thereof- he continues.

  “Good. Now before I say anything further, I’ll need you to sign an NDA for me.”

  What. The. Fuck?

  Warning bells alarm in my head.

  This is getting real heavy. Real quick. Why would they need a non-disclosure agreement from me? That’s not normal.

  None of this is normal.

  Suddenly, all the comfort and ease of the guys surrounding me turns into anxiety and suffocation.

  Aus must have noticed my surreptitious search of all the exits because he starts drawing lazy circles on the top of my arm like nothing has changed. “Just hear him out, Lila. You have nothing to fear,” he whispers for my ears only.

  Reluctantly, I find myself relaxing just a little as rational thinking slowly returns to my poor abused brain.

  If they truly wanted me for something untoward then they would have made their move already. It’s not like I could have fought back when I was sedated, nor as I am now. I’m as weak as a bloody kitten!

  Besides, they wouldn’t need me to sign an NDA for that.

  “Just let him explain, Lila. It will all make sense soon,” Aus soothes. My shoulders lose some more of their tension as I ease into his ministrations and give a hesitant nod for Lachlan to continue.

  “I am about to tell you things that may completely change the way you perceive things and could potentially put certain people in quite dangerous positions. So, I ask that you consider the information I give you carefully and logically. Do not try to run, or leave this property, without fully considering what I am about to divulge. Anything we discuss must not leave this room without permission to do so, can you adhere to that?”

  Swallowing thickly, I consider his words warily. It takes me a good minute to process what he just said, let alone the implications behind his words.

  I mean come on, give a girl a break! This whole situation is like an extract from a bloody spy movie for goodness sake.

  If it weren’t for the peculiar and completely crazy incident that landed me in this situation, I probably would have run a mile screaming at the top of my lungs by now.

  Unexpectedly, the ugly red dragon raises its head again.

  We wouldn’t be having this conversation if it weren’t for that cock-sucking meat bag.

  Gritting my teeth, unbidden anger seeps into my tone as I speak, my impatience and irritation getting the better of me.

  “It’s not exactly like I can go anywhere, let alone have anyone outside of this room to talk too. I can’t even make it to the bathroom on my own for Christ sake,” I grumble, frustration seeping into my tone. Taking a deep breath, I continue more evenly. “I am rational and won’t act out unnecessarily. I swear to not repeat any of the information discussed in this room, so long as you do me the same courtesy.”

  I falter for a second as I hear a couple of choking noises that sound suspiciously like covered laughs.

  Glancing over my shoulder, Aus and Rick both look at me with raised eyebrows.

  My guess would be that they are thinking back to when I ripped the drip out of my arm and tried to rush Rick.

  Scowling at them, I practically growl my words, trying and failing to show my indignance at their expressions.

  “To be fair, I woke up in a strange place, with no memories and three strangers standing by my bedside. Only for every single memory of the worst time of my life to come rushing back to me, straight after I woke up from being in a coma for three weeks. I think I was allowed to be irrational!”

  Despite the harrowing feeling that accompanies those images, I can’t help but feel the levity of the situation as Jax and Micah chuckle light-heartedly at my justification.

  Somehow, their bigger than life presences have already helped me to find some light in an overwhelmingly dark and agonizing situation.

  Like hell am I going to let them know that though.

  Suppressing the smile that wants to bust out onto my face, I huff and turn back around to face Lachlan, crossing my arms over my chest like a petulant child.

  With an amused smile, Lachlan stands out of his seat and moves to collect something from the dresser before coming to stand in front of me, offering me a stack of papers and a pen.

  Gingerly taking the papers from his hands, I sift through the document vigilantly, making sure to read and process every single detail. I want to make sure I’m not tying myself into anything I will regret.

  Mum and Dad always taught me that no matter how much you trust a person, you must always be on your guard.

  Never make any decision without considering all the pro’s and con’s first, and even then, check through every detail. No matter how minute.

  This is no different.

  Satisfied with its contents, I sign and date it before handing it back over to a very patient Lachlan, who graces me with a look of pride.

  Up this close, it’s not hard to see the nostalgia that dances in his eyes. Clearly, I’m more like my parents than even I thought.

  He quickly checks through the papers before placing them back over on the dresser. Retaking his seat, he perches on the edge and leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

  The whole room is silent for a minute until Lachlan takes a deep breath, seemingly attempting to psyche himself up.

  Here we go.

  “Okay. There’s a lot to tell you, so feel free to stop me at any point to get me to explain if you don’t understand. I will answer any other questions that you have at the end.”

  Whoopie, looks like it’s story time boys and girls!

  Hopefully, I may finally get some actual answers too. That would be nice.

  Looking me straight in the eye, he wears an almost clinical look on his face.

  “First things first. Your parents, Grant and Talia…they aren’t your real parents.”

  13 Mila

  There’s a long, drawn out silence after Lachlan’s particularly blunt revelation.

  Keeping my expression neutral, I continue to stare at him, completely astounded that he just came out with it.

  Not that I didn’t expect what he said, because I did. It was just so…sudden.

  I always wondered why I didn’t look like either of my parents. I just had no way of confirming my thoughts without fear of upsetting them. Besides, it wouldn’t have changed anything, so there really was no need to be concerned with specifics.

  Until now.

  Although I don’t know quite how it fits in, if my deductions are correct, then the whole drive us off the road and kill us incident isn't as odd and unexplainable as I thought it was.

  If Lachlan hadn't asked me to sign a NDA, then I probably wouldn't have pieced it all together. I still haven't fully, but the nature of my upbringing screams 'top secret' in more ways than one.

  Memories of the training sessions my parents had me doing play on fast-forward through my head. Weapons, hunting and survival being just a few of the many activities we did together as a family.

  I thought nothing of it at the time of course, but even from an early age, it was apparent that my IQ was far higher than my peers. I excelled in all subjects in school and was often put in sets far above my age so that I could at least try to challenge myself.

  Now, looking back, the signs are all there. Particularly when I remember how insistent they both were on telling me an identical bedtime story.

  The story that just so happens to be the exact story that I lulled
Gem to sleep with when we went camping.

  The last time I saw Mum's smiling face as we packed the car flashes across my vision, causing my stomach to sour.

  They were planning on telling me when we got home.

  A strained laugh leaves my lips. I probably sound a little manic right now, if the looks I’m getting are anything to go by.

  “Mila-” Lachlan starts, but I cut him off. The puzzle pieces are finally beginning to click into place and I’m not surprised in the least.

  “They taught her what true love really meant,” I murmur, more to myself than anyone else. “How there is good in everyone. They expected anger, but they received love.” I recite Mum’s words as thoughts race through my mind.

  The guys look between themselves, sharing looks of concern and confusion at my mumblings. No doubt thinking Lachlan has broken me.

  “It’s okay. I’m not upset. They prepared me for this,” I assure. Each one of them gives me the same disbelieving look as I continue to smile softly at the sound of Mum’s voice reverberating soothingly around my head. “Ever since I was little, my parents used to tell me a story every night. It was about a little girl whose parents told her she was adopted. They expected anger and hurt, but they only received love and understanding from her.

  “She told them that they would always be her parents no matter what, because they cared for her when no one else would. They taught her everything she needed to know in life, in order to be able to get through and succeed.”

  A bittersweet smile forms on my face.

  “My parents knew that a day would come where they may not be around to tell me, so they taught and showed me the true meaning of love and friendship every day of my life. How there is always good in somebody despite their actions, you just need to look past their façade to find it.”

  Aus gently wipes away a tear that I didn’t even realize had fallen as my Dad’s words ring true.

  “You have no idea how strong and capable you are. You have made your mother and I so proud…your strengths are your skills, your weaknesses are your power…live for us.”

  I will live for them. I will make them proud.

  We may not have had the same blood running through our veins, but they were my parents through and through. Gem was not of my blood either, yet we couldn’t have been any closer. She was my little sister, and together, we made our own little patchwork family.

  Determination sweeps through me as I vow to find and end all those responsible for my family’s deaths.

  I will see justice dealt by my own two hands. I owe my family that much at least.

  “Who did they work for?” I demand.

  Lachlan looks around the group, seemingly annoyed that someone let something slip. They each throw the same look to one another in confusion as if trying to figure out who the culprit is.

  Hell no! No more secrets!

  They think someone blabbed, but they don’t know anything. They certainly don’t know me, and oh boy, aren’t they in for a whole boatload of surprises?!

  Once Lachlan revealed that my parents weren’t my real parents, I had everything figured out. Well, mostly anyway.

  Catching his attention, I don’t so much as flinch at the cutting irritation that swims in his eyes. I won’t back down no matter what look he throws my way.

  “It wasn’t them. No one here has said anything, yet. I’ll address that issue soon enough,” I caution, sending some rather scathing looks around the group before turning my attention back to Lachlan.

  Keeping secrets from me was a major no-no before this heap of steaming shit landed directly in my lap. Secrets after will not be tolerated. Period.

  “I’m intelligent enough to figure out that something was going on, I just hadn’t figured out what exactly, until you so kindly filled in the blanks for me. The attack at the party, the bikers at the gas station, the peeper at the hot springs, they were obviously just the start.”

  His eyebrows shoot up in surprise before he quickly masks his reaction.

  “The frequent phone calls Dad received from work,” placing heavy emphasis on the last word, I search for another reaction.

  Nothing. This guy is good.

  “How he was constantly on edge throwing out forced smiles left, right and center. I don’t think he even realized it, but his shirts were constantly wrinkled from how he incessantly raked his hands through his hair with stress. Mum tried to cover up the bruises after the altercation they found themselves a part of, and Dad did his best to hide his altered gait, but their efforts were useless. I knew something was going on, just not exactly what. The asshole on the phone, the SUV chase and the overgrown meat sack that attacked us only served to confirm my suspicions.”

  The room remains silent.

  “I’m a lot more observant than people realize Lachlan, and I am warning you now, do not try to blind-side me,” I urge with icy coldness. Fury and irritation mounts within me, leaving me nearly breathless in anger. “If I feel you are holding anything back from me, I will simply go behind your back to get the answers that I need.”

  My words may be harsh and my tone cutting, especially towards someone who has done nothing but help me out of the kindness of his heart. But at this moment in time, I couldn’t give two shits.

  Lachlan –hec, all of them- need to know just what I will do in order to get what I need.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see a few of the guys sharing tense looks at my declaration as I continue to maintain eye contact with an amused looking Lachlan.

  I must have done something right as a smile tips the corner of his mouth before he starts speaking again.

  “Your parents were both retired intelligence officers. They vowed to keep you safe for your biological parents. There were…are, many people who would use a child or someone dear to them as pawns in their political game. Your real parents are-”

  “Trick and Kaye?” His eyes are thrown wide and he struggles to find his voice as my words come out as more of a statement than a question.

  Clearing his throat in attempts to regain his composure, he continues, albeit a little hesitantly.

  “They are Patrick and Kaye Weston, yes. They are the senior officers and founders of the intelligence bureau that we work for called Census. They are also childhood friends of your non-biological parents and I.”

  He pauses for a second, seemingly debating on whether to continue this conversation or change direction. Of course, as secrecy seems to be the one constant in my life at the moment, he chooses the latter.

  “Census’s relationship with the government is tumultuous to say the least. We are not officially linked to the government, preferring to stay off their radar and run covert operations underground where possible, but that’s not always achievable. In those cases, it’s luck of the draw as to whether they are going to be…cooperative or not.”

  Looking at the guys, I regard each of them in turn. “All of you work for this organization too?”

  Rick is the one to reply, which suddenly makes it so much clearer as to why everything felt so militarized, and why he gives off the impression of being head honcho.

  Because he is, duh!

  “Yes and no. We operate under Census, but we are currently enrolled in the agent training program. Meaning, we are not yet cleared for service. All of those involved in the agent program are required to continue taking normal classes at Eastwood, with additional, more diverse and intensive training, on base. Everyone is required to do all basic studies, but we also have a free period to develop skills in our preferred specialist areas.”

  “And what skill developments do those specific areas involve?”

  “They are specific to the purpose of your team. Teams usually work in groups of four to six, depending on what assignments they want to specialize in. For example, the larger teams tend to work towards more involved missions, such as hostage and rescue efforts, or shut downs operations. Whereas the smaller teams usually lean towards recon and operational support.�
�

  Hmm, interesting.

  “We are currently a group of five,” he says, gesturing to the other guys, “and we train top tier so that we can complete more high-risk missions once we qualify. Currently, our roles are split four ways. Strategist, coordination, recon and infiltration.”

  The follow the leader game they played when they brought me home now makes all the more sense. He goes to continue, but I interrupt.

  “Let me guess, you’re the team lead and co-ordinator. Jax strategizes, the twins are recon and Aus heads up infiltration?”

  I was aiming for some sort of reaction to confirm my suspicions, but the silence says it all.

  Lachlan clears his throat. “You have a very perceptive eye,” he says in an awed voice, the phrase just like your parents remains unsaid. “I think you will be a great addition to this team, if that is of interest to you?”

  He looks at me questioningly before I wave him on to continue.

  “You need to be aware that this is a permanent position. If you take this opportunity, after your final year at Eastwood, you will attend the programme full time and there will be no university opportunities unless you choose to leave the organization, or have use of a course to further your skills in your field area.”

  I mull over his words carefully.

  Superficially, I don’t want to get myself involved in anything. My parents clearly wanted to keep me from this life for a reason. No doubt to try and keep me safe. Yet, despite their best efforts, I seem to have been dragged right through the center of it all anyway.

  I expected my gut reaction to be to stay well clear, yet I’m not at all shocked that I feel the complete opposite. It feels like the perfect opportunity for me.

  Usually I would take longer to contemplate the in’s and out’s of my decision, but not this time.

  My sole focus is on finding that butt ugly meat head and getting my revenge. Libraries and online searches will only provide me with so much information. At least being on the inside of all this, I’ll have a much larger expanse of knowledge and equipment available for me to use.