Fight For Me

by Claudia Burgoa

  “Then why aren’t you celebrating with us?”

  “I have to abstain for two reasons. One, I’m taking antibiotics, and two, Grandpa will kill me. He’s a hard-ass boss, unlike him”—she points at Scott—“who loves me so much he’d let me drink at my office.”

  “Drinking while working is not allowed.” Scott’s jaw hardens, and he hands her a glass of water. “Or while you’re sick. Once you recover, I’ll take you on vacation, and you can drink your weight in alcohol.”

  “She’s still working for you?” I glare at him. “Aren’t you hiring a new person?”

  “He thinks he owns me,” Hazel says, laughing at him. “Scotty doesn’t understand that I own his ass.”

  Scott lifts his hand, signaling the waiter to come over. “You can say whatever you want. The deal was you’d work for me for as long as I need you, Buttercup. Technically, I own you.” He smirks at her. “Because I’ll always make sure to need you.”

  “Ugh.” She rolls her eyes.

  Hazel transferred from Duke University to Columbia. Scott helped with the transition and paid for her tuition under the condition that she’d work for our company. He needs help and someone who he can trust when he’s absent.

  “Okay, enough about work.” She turns her palm up and wiggles her fingers. “You have to pay your debt.”

  My brother pulls out a fifty-dollar bill from his wallet and hands it to her.

  “Thank you, kind sir.”

  “What did you bet?” I raise an eyebrow.

  “That you’d assume I was pregnant.”

  “Well, I don’t see another valid reason to avoid alcohol while celebrating.” Hazel always celebrates with me.

  She takes a chip out of the basket, dips it in guacamole, and stares at me. “To get knocked up, I need a boyfriend—or to get laid.” She shakes her head. “I’d have to find a man first and fall in love.” She bites her chip, smirking at me as she chews.

  She glances at me and says, “You should find yourself someone too.”

  “Well, you do that.” I dust my arms pretending I’m repelling something—probably love. “I think you should save the money you won today.”

  Hazel and I have our own bet going on—to see which one of us avoids falling in love the longest. “In fact, I’ll find you a man.”

  “If I wanted, I’d find myself a man, thank you very much.” Her snarky tone is replaced by annoyance. She rolls her eyes and grabs her purse, but my brother hands her a tissue and then hand sanitizer.

  Thank you, she mouths at him.

  “Today I’m not in the mood, Harry.” Her voice is dry. The humor disappears.

  “Too bad.” I try to lighten up her mood. “I was thinking about starting a manhunt this weekend.”

  She glares at me.

  “Stop this childish shit, Harrison. No one is falling in love and leave her the fuck alone. She’s not feeling well.” Scott—who behaves like a sixty-year-old man sometimes—uses his “badass” voice to warn me.

  I should remind him that he’s only thirty-five and I’m three years older than him.

  “Love isn’t childish.” She scowls at me and glares at Scott. “One day you’re going to eat those words, Scotty. You’ll fall so madly in love you won’t be able to breathe unless she’s right next to you. Her touch will be the only thing that will make you feel alive.”

  She turns to the waiter, ordering more guacamole and an assorted plate of tacos to share. Once he’s gone, Hazel’s head angles toward Scott and she gives him an I got you smirk. “I’m going to make sure I have front seats to the show. Seeing you fall in love is going to be fun. Watching you bend forward, backward, and everywhere to make her happy will be the cherry on top. I can’t wait, Scotty-boy.”

  I can’t help but laugh at her scenario and my brother’s mumbling. If there’s a person who can shut down my brother and make him squirm, it’s Hazel. She doesn’t own him, but she can pretty much do anything she wants with him. They are complete opposites. He’s tall, dark, sullen, and quiet. She’s petite, sunny, and noisy. He hates love. She’s a romantic at heart. And relationship meddling is her hobby.

  She’s set on finding love for my brothers and me. Someone to spend the rest of our lives with because we deserve a happily-ever-after. I have no idea if that will work for me—ever, but in all honesty, some days I would like to have what my baby brother has.

  Hunter has a woman who he loves, who loves him in return. Even after a rough start, there’s nothing one won’t do for the other. Seeing how happy she makes him—just when she smiles in his direction—makes me want it. As I look at Hazel, I wonder if something between her and I could work. But there’s no spark, no chemistry between us. I love her the same way I love my brothers. There’s no way I could take it to the next level.

  “Hazel, leave the heartless tin man alone,” I chide with a laugh, rolling my eyes at his dark frown. He’s planning my death.

  “He’s lying, Scott.” Her hand reaches his and she gently squeezes it. She then leans closer to him, and I wish the noise level were lower so I could hear what she’s whispering. The crease on his forehead is gone and the faint smile he only gives her appears for two seconds. “You have the biggest heart of the Everhart brothers.”

  “Now, tell me what your next mission is.” She turns around and questions me, a smile stamped on her face and her inquisitive mind ready to interrogate me.

  “I’m going to be out of town for the next couple of weeks.” I’m vague about my whereabouts, but I try to update them as much as I can. They worry about me. “Though after that, you’ll see me every day.”

  “Why? Are you old and ready to retire, Grandpa?” she smirks.

  I think she’s either not as sick as she says or she’s trying hard to keep up with me.

  “I’m only twelve years older than you, child. But my next job is in town, nothing dangerous,” I specify when Scott’s jaw begins to clench.

  “Babysitting, I’ll be around to make your life a living hell.”

  “Ha, it’s the other way around, my friend.”

  The lightness of this moment makes everything that happened before dissipate. There’s nothing better than being with the people I love the most. They erase the images of the smoke, the screams, the violence.

  Chapter Four

  Luna

  Two weeks later…

  The flight attendant announces that we’ll be landing at JFK in only a few minutes. I stare out the window, glad to see the body of water and tiny buildings getting closer by the second. A feverish shiver runs down my spine. This isn’t my first undercover assignment, but the first where I’m with a new team. Though I’ve been working for the chance to be away from my family, now that it’s happening, the jitters are eating me alive.

  Things haven’t worked as I planned. The job I wanted didn’t happen. Hazel and Scott called to inform me that my background check came back with an interesting set of training skills, and if I wanted a job in the field, they knew a guy who could use them.

  I still recall her phone call. “Hi, Luna Santillan.” I almost threw up when she mentioned my real last name. “This is Hazel calling you in regards to the job position. Unfortunately, your badassery background is not for us, but thank you for applying.” Then, she hung up the phone.

  Snobbish bitch. I don’t like her one bit. If I ever see her in New York, I’ll make sure to use my “badassery background” to kick her ass.

  Though they ruined my first option, I got a job nonetheless. Following my brother’s advice, I searched for a position at a yoga studio where I could teach and also practice Reiki. It’s so much easier than working for a corporation. Three emails, one long phone conversation, and two signed contracts later, it was confirmed.

  I have a job.

  This can’t be anything but good news. The planets aligned. The stars shined. At least that’s what I thought until today. Until this moment, when we’re about to land. Thankfully, the wi-fi on the airplane still works. I open
one of the Astrology Daily app.

  Mars and the sun enter your career sector. As they meet, they point to a real rush of activity and attention to your career or reputation. You’re not content to simply think about or plan out these matters—you want to exploit every opportunity and take charge now.

  This is the time to ask for a better position. But beware, people will make more and more demands on your time. It’ll lead to a loss of control of your priorities. Keep your eye on the prize. Find a way to regain normalcy. Refuse to give up; you know a solution is near and a great adventure ahead will once again inspire your heart and soul.

  Watch for blind impulsiveness.

  I don’t panic, but I text Lucas.

  Luna: This might not work out as well as I thought.

  Lucas: Why?

  Luna: Let me read my daily horoscope on the two other apps.

  Lucas: No, no, and no. Stop basing your life on horoscopes.

  Lucas: Luna, you’re not seventeen anymore. Why the fuck are you still reading that shit?

  I wish he understood me and my quirks instead of criticizing them. Horoscopes center me when I feel lost. It’s the idea of finding answers to questions only a mother would know how to respond to.

  Like…Don’t worry, the job is yours. It’ll be fine, maybe hectic at the beginning, but you got this. Be careful, things usually settle after you’ve been there for several days.

  At least, that’s what I believe Mom would say if she were with me. I imagine her voice was sweet, calm, and loving. Lucas tells me the best stories about her. She made everyone around her feel as if they were special, loved. I wouldn’t know.

  Mom died when I was only a few months old. I don’t remember her. I only recall her scent by recreating it, using scented oils and the notes she left behind. Mom had many journals filled with so much love and knowledge, in addition to all of the letters she left. Of anyone, I think I know her best. She talks to me through her old words. Everyone misses her, but I feel like I can’t.

  How can you miss someone you barely knew?

  Though, I can’t help but yearn for the person I never met, and the conversations I missed—the milestones we never had. She didn’t hear me talk, or see me walk. I didn’t go to mommy- and-me playdates. There was no one to hold my hand and kiss my boo-boos when I fell off my bike. She wasn’t there when I had my first crush, nor to console me when the idiot broke my heart because he chose Ana instead of me.

  We didn’t have much time together, but I know that she loved me. Often, I console myself with the old pictures of her holding me. Her green eyes stare at the pink bundle in her arms as if I was the most precious little thing in the world. Her sun and her moon, Lucas says that’s what she used to call me.

  Astrology is a prediction that doesn’t always come true. But like the journals of my mother, it gives me something to believe in, to hold on to when there’s so much turbulence around me. Having such a pragmatic career, I shouldn’t base my life on the “perhaps” factor—the notion of coincidence—but there’s something flattering about thinking that my entire destiny reflects on the stars.

  I believe that my fate is written by a cosmic energy that’s close to my mother. It all sounds crazy if I voice it, that’s why I don’t say it out loud. Only a few know that I read my daily horoscope from at least three different apps. I doubt anyone will ever understand that I allow myself to believe in magic.

  Luna: It’s a gorgeous Monday morning in New York. I won’t allow you to tamper with what can be a wonderful, yet hectic day.

  Lucas: You just told me you’re heading to your impending doom.

  Luna: No, I said this might not work as well as I thought.

  Luna: My horoscope says that people will demand more of me. I just know what to expect. What happened with Abue?

  Lucas: Dear Papa didn’t tell her that you moved out. He said that you went on vacation. Good luck.

  Luna: I adore our father, but sometimes I don’t like him.

  Lucas: Aren’t you glad I got you a new phone number? She will find a way to communicate, though. Maybe you should deactivate your Facebook account.

  Luna: I’m thrilled about this new venture but… I’ll miss you guys.

  Lucas: It’s temporary, while we work through the shit going around. I think this is the best for you, we’ll keep an eye on you.

  Lucas: Now don’t get mad, but I’m emailing you a second set of instructions. Tiago’s got your back.

  Luna: Santiago? The guy who hates Dad’s guts, the FBI, and thinks he’s above the law?

  Luna: Nope. I won’t take shit from him when it comes to my job.

  Lucas: He’s well connected. We’re adding a layer to your cover.

  Luna: What’s the layer?

  Lucas: I’ll send you an email once you’re settled into your new place.

  Luna: Next time I see you, I’ll kick your ass.

  Lucas: You are welcome to try. Just know that we’re doing this because we love you. We want you to be safe and have a good backup plan. We need to keep an eye on you.

  I chuckle wondering how he’ll keep an eye on me. They continue treating me like the baby of the house. Neither Dad nor my brothers look at me as the thirty-one-year-old woman who can do the same as they can. I set my hands flat on the tray table taking a few breaths and feeling the stress slide down my back. I follow the flight attendant’s instructions, gathering everything together and putting it in my purse. Now, I have to prepare for whatever my brothers decided to set up.

  Chapter Five

  Harrison

  New York, hello my cruel mistress, I’m back. This is my city. The place I was born in and grew up in. The urban jungle I love, with everything I always need a few blocks away. Though, I hate the crowded streets and the foul stench in the atmosphere. And the heat.

  Thank fuck summer is almost over. It’s the worst time of the year to be in this godforsaken city— because of the heat, but also because that’s when we have more visitors. Tourists choose to vacation here from June through August. They are all sweating, yet smiling at their phones while they take thousands of selfies to share with their loved ones.

  This is nasty, people. I can’t help but think. Why would you enjoy being here? Between perfume and the stench of the sewer, I’m gagging.

  Once I’m out of the subway, I move along through the thick crowd. Towering over everyone as I do, I can see the bright shop signs, the towering skyscrapers, the accident that just happened between a cab and a limousine down on 53rd Street. At noon, the smell of the sewage and different food carts accompany me along the way until I am right in front of the high-rise where Tiago sent me to meet his sister.

  Walking through the rotating door, I make my way to the elevators.

  “Sir.” One of the men who are at the entrance stops me. His eyes take me in from head to toe. “We need to see your ID.”

  Dropping my chin, I analyze today’s attire. Black clothing, a thick armor vest with lots of compartments. A few scars on my face and dried blood on my left hand. I chuckle. This man must think I’m about to blow up the building. That’s not the case. This is my work uniform, and things sometimes get messy. We had a little incident in McAllen, Texas. Maybe I should’ve gone home to clean myself up before coming here.

  At least he’s doing his job. Not that his “Sir, can I see your ID” would stop me if I planned on blowing up the building. I could’ve deactivated the CCTV, shot him as I entered, and gotten rid of anyone living in the apartments. Well, that decides it, we need to find Tiago’s sister a more secure hideout.

  Why would she be undercover and staying at a safe house?

  Giving in, I pull out my wallet and show him my identification. His back straightens and his eyes open wide.

  “My apologies, sir.” He squares his shoulders, moving to the side. “Have a nice day.”

  I smile, shaking my head. He should be fired. My fake FBI badge is easy to detect for an agent of the Bureau. Maybe he’s just a security cop.
/>   Harrison: I arrived. What’s her apartment number?

  Tiago: 22nd floor, apartment C

  Harrison: Do you understand that releasing information as if this was a scavenger hunt is shitty?

  Tiago: Just got that intel from my brother. Should I remind you that we were off the grid?

  Harrison: You have a brother? Fuck, what else is there to know? Is there a wife, children… Do I have godchildren and you never told me? What are you hiding? Years of trusting my back to you and you haven’t told me about this shit.

  Tiago: There’s nothing else really. I have a brother and a sister. Same father, different mother. But if you want, we can organize a slumber party. Have a pillow fight in our pajamas and tell each other secrets.

  Harrison: Fucker, you owe me.

  He doesn’t answer, and I poke the elevator button one more time. I pull my phone out to check on my family. Hunter is out of town with his girlfriend, Fitz went to Japan to close on a deal, and Scott and I plan on having dinner later tonight. Hazel has been too busy to respond to my emails or my texts. I take the opportunity to send her a text.

  Harrison: How’s everything, bee? I’m home and ready to party. Are you available tonight?

  Hazel: Hey, I missed you. Tonight isn’t good. We can talk after you have dinner with Scott.

  Harrison: What happened?

  Hazel: What are you talking about?

  Harrison: Your attitude.

  Hazel: It’s complicated, but everything is okay now.

  I hold my breath. My gut clenches, worry freezing every muscle in my body. I shoot a text to Scott.

  Harrison: Hey, what’s going on with Hazel?

  Scott: She’s fine. I’ll tell you later tonight. I’m going into a meeting.

  Harrison: Why didn’t you call me?

  Scott: If she needed you, she’d have called you.

  What’s his fucking deal? I’ll find out later. I step into the elevator. Right as I’m about to shove my phone back into my pocket, my phone buzzes. A sequence of multiple texts appear at once.