Gallagher Girls 5: Spy and Seek

Cammie has snuck out one last time to find answers. She's back, bringing secrets and she's pretty sure she just screwed her whole family over when she discovers all the complicated relationships between her mother, aunt, teacher and brings a new face back into the picture. And what about her friends and her own relationships?

Prologue

It was dark. At least the night of my last sneak out was. I had to visit one last person. The man who Aunt Abby kissed last semester for 87 seconds. The man who I saw Mom interlock fingers with and sleep by his side. The man who was one of the best CIA spies ever, my Covert Operations teacher and the one who had "died" a month ago in the explosion of Blackthorne Institute for Boys. Joe Solomon.

He was still incredibly hot despite being beaten into unconsciousness.

I pushed the door to the infirmary open, so quietly that only a Gallagher Girl would have been able to detect the soft swish. I stepped into the room, delicately and approached the still man in his bed.

I watched his face, now less bruised and bandaged, and whispered in Swahili, "Joseph Solomon. You are in one hell of a situation." I sat down on the stool by his bedside and opened the fourth CoveOps journal. I scribbled away furiously, promising to have answers when I got back and to leave that journal as a note to everyone.

I gazed at my favorite teacher, my Dad's best friend and apparent love interest to both Mom and Aunt Abby. I continued in German, "Aunt Abby clearly loves you despite her protests. Mom loves you and would heal you with her bare hands if she could…and I swear Dad is still out there somewhere." I switched to Farsi and continued to whisper, "Someone is going to get hurt. And I know it will be either Mom or Aunt Abby. When that happens, you know that I won't be able to watch one of their hearts be obliterated."

I leaned close to his ear. My light golden brown hair fell over my shoulder, creating a shield between Solomon and me and the world outside. I ended my monologue in English. "Please, don't hurt any of them."

The sleeping man shifted and hoarsely replied, "I know, Ms. Morgan."

I jumped back. "Mr. Solomon…you're awake…"

"Very observant," he said dryly. "Please refrain from leaning over me like such. It makes me feel like all three ladies of the Cameron family are after me. Why are you here?"

I narrowed my eyes at his joke. "Not funny. Let's just say I'm trying to keep at my family's hearts intact." I looked down. "You know Aunt Abby kissed you. You don't know that Mom was here. They were both here, waiting for your return and not knowing of the other. I don't
want them to get hurt."

Mr. Solomon sighed and murmured, "Cammie, you ought not get involved with this. It is too complex, it's not your relationship and there won't be a happy ending for at least one of us."

I looked directly at him now, "If I have to watch Mom or Abby be heartbroken, it is definitely my business."

"You're just as stubborn as Matthew, Cameron."

"I know. When I'm gone, look after them."

Mr. Solomon inhaled sharply. "You CANNOT run away now, Cameron."

I didn't answer. After all, I'm not running away. I'm running towards. I heard the swish of the infirmary door, but I paid no heed. "Just don't hurt them badly…please."

"Hey kiddo."

My mother. But I didn't turn around.

Another voice. "Rachel? Squirt? What are you all doing?" Aunt Abby.

Absolutely brilliant. They're both here for once…and Mr. Solomon's awake.

I sighed. I could feel the tears burn at my eyes. I whispered, "Goodbye, Mr. Solomon…and good luck."

I got up and faced the two women slowly. I don't remember how long. It couldn't have been more than half a minute, but I walked towards the door silently and it took all of eternity. As I passed my mother and aunt, I closed my eyes and walked on. I felt my straight hair blow back gently. The tears dropped, but the first one didn't even hit my cheek. I just knew it fell Aunt Abby's hand. I breathed the words softly, "He's awake now."

Mom said, "What?"

"Wait, squirt. Where are you go—?" I sensed Aunt Abby lift her hand to her face. I knew she identified the water droplet as a tear.

Mom interrupted, "Cammie, where—? Abby, what's wrong?"

"She's crying." Aunt Abby said numbly. It was like a fire ignited in her. Her anger sent a wave of heat in my direction, but I left the vicinity before I heard any more.

~ Spy and Seek ~

Agent Abigail Cameron saw a flash of pain pass over her niece's face as she shut her eyes and left, quietly informing Abby and Rachel that Solomon had regained consciousness. Cammie tied her hair up in a ponytail as she left. She was dressed to…well, run away in her black turtleneck tank and black form-fitting pants. She was moving with so much determination, as is she knew exactly what was going to happen in the future.

Abby hear her sister say, "What?" and she called, "Wait squirt. Where are you go—?" Abby felt a warm spot hit her right hand. She raised her hand to her face and smelled the salt.

Rachel glanced at her sister, "Abby, what's wrong?"

Abby's green eyes blazed as she stated dazedly, "She's crying."

"What?" Rachel immediately said.

"She's crying," repeated Abby. Abby whirled around at the man lying on the bed and demanded, "What did you say to her, Solomon?"

"Nothing that would cause her tears." Joe Solomon winced as he propped himself up. He looked at the two women and said, "She's worried about you two…me…and she's leaving."

"She's what?" hissed Rachel. "Why?"

"I don't know. I don't know," Solomon said as he shook his head.

~ Spy and Seek ~

I, Cameron Ann Morgan, also known as "Chameleon", was officially ready to leave. I had my light pack and old CoveOps journal in hand. As I passed Gilly's sword, I dropped my journal there. It would explain my leaving. My need for answers…and for them not to look for me.

I turned away and slipped into the shadows, murmuring a farewell to my family, friends, sisters and Zach who had stayed at Gallagher's for the remainder of the summer.

I still remember the words. "When I come back, I'll have answers."

This first entry to my fifth CoveOps journal (if I make it back safely) will be like a prologue or something. During my sneak out, I won't write. When I'm back, I'll write up the stuff that happens. I have a feeling I'm going to be very busy for the whole summer.

~ Spy and Seek ~

To be Continued

Author's Note: So sorry to my Rivalry readers. I just had a stroke of inspiration for this Gallagher Girls fic and I had to write it down. I'll update soon for me other story. So peoples, what do you think? It's just the beginning, but I hope it turns out well. Review your thoughts and make suggestions!

~Flurryfox