Chapter 2

Phone Call: Macey, 12:45 p.m.

"Hey Macey,"

"Hi Cammie," I heard Macey answered muffling. "How are you doing?"

I started the ignition putting my hand on the wheel. Macey must be busy therefore I'll make it quick. "I'm good (e). Hey, do you know, by any chance, where I can find Chal?"

"What are you up to?" She demands. I can picture her with her hand strategically placed on her hip cocking an eyebrow.

"He worked for the Circle and I need his help with something. It's very important." Not a lie. I explain. Macey sigh exasperatedly on the other line. I drove past a green light two blocks from home, my apartment.

"Cammie, Chal doesn't want this life anymore. He never did. Chal didn't even know what he was getting himself into when he got into Blackthorne. He's barely passing the classes just so that he won't get recruited anywhere else. If anyone finds out he's a part of this thing you're doing, CIA or some other agency might want him. . It's his last year, let him be at peace."

I turned off the car in resident's parking lot. Luckily I knew exactly how to counter her plead. "I can give him a way out Macey."

"Do I have your word?"

"Macey, of course" I answered, shocked.

"Alright" Macey says in defeat. "What do you want to know again?"

I was preoccupied planning ahead and absentmindedly blurted out. "I can take a flight to Boston."

"Called me a week ago and Chal would have been in Boston." Macey offers. I'm lost. "Now he's in Puerto Rico for fall break."

"Where can I find him exactly?" I asked. Pen in hand I waited to write what she said on the back of a manila folder.

"He is either at his grandma's house or at Mairi's mom's house; he'll probably be working in the mechanic that Mairi's mom owns from eight to five. Everything is on the same street. You've been there before. I'll give him a call let him know you're coming." Macey reminds me. As an afterthought she adds, "Whatever you are doing, good luck with that"

"Thanks," I replied. But I doubt she heard because she automatically snapped sharply at a person on her side of the phone. "Hey, where are you going?"

I hung up and snickered; somebody is sneaking out again. No one gets through Macey. Now, I have to start packing.

Time: 8:25 a.m.

Location: Puerto Rico

A cool breeze blew her into my face. Grainy sand sprinkled the sidewalk. I meander past the houses. My mental map was becoming fuzzy until I saw Mairi's house. That's where I decided I was going straight down to the mechanic. Guilt wouldn't allow me to go inside her house. I felt personally responsible for Mairi's death. Maybe I am. I determinedly plundered on down the street. There it was 'Ruiz Mechanic' a small modest place with pale yellow walls. An old merengue song blared through a radio. Only a teenage girl was in sight counting money mouthing the lyrics. And five cars with the hoods popped. It's still early, hopefully. I waited five minutes and no one was around so I walked up to the girl, who could have been Mairi's twin except she was taller, darker and flat ironed hair.

"Excuse me; do you know where I can find Chal?"

She peered at me blankly and confused. I tried again in Spanish. "Tu sabes donde me puedo encontrar a Chal?"

"Por aquí" She ushers me to follow. She knocks on a black Chrysler 300m telling a person they're looking for him. "Chal, te buscan"

"Quien?" Oh, Chal's under the car. That explains why it's elevated on one side. He asks who it is. The girl has no idea who I am so she starts describing me. "Una nena allí, rubia de ojos azules, una gringa"

What's a gringa?

"Ashley, acabaste de describir a todos los turistas en la isla" He argues that she, Ashley, happened to describe all the tourists in this area. Even though I'm not a tourist, she was the one who lost her patience and singlehandedly dragged him out of under the car, irritated. Skinny girl, monstrously strong. Wrenches and other tools clanked. Motor oil stained his forehead and hands. When Chal sees me, he doesn't hide his dismay "Ah hell! What now?"

"HI's are overrated anyway." I say casually. "Can I talk to you in private?"

"Adiós,"He waves Ashley away; she leaves mimicking. Getting on his feet to says "Sure."

He takes a towel and wipes the black oil smudges off him. I went outside watching the crystalline beach. Nature has too much freedom with the rolling waves, coming and going as they please. There is a keen tap on my shoulder. Chal stands behind me crossing his arms hostile over his chest. I sensed disapproving in him. "What do you want?"

I assure from him. "This is the last time you'll from me, alright?" It is obvious how much he detest this lifestyle. Macey made it perfectly clear.

"Okay, your point,"

"You worked for the Circle. And I need you to help me find some loose ends. You trained with them so you know how they think and act. I'd like you to help me find them. After this, no agency will want you with them, no matter how good you do. You'll have a normal life. I can give you a bad recommendation, like a really bad one." He sighed nodding his head. I quickly added before I forgot. "Macey said she'd call to let you know I was coming."

To be a civilian he needs a horrible recommendation, so horrible nobody will want him. That is all he needs. A phone rang loudly. Chal flipped it open. He covered the mouth piece discreetly. "It's Macey. Yeah. Uh-huh. She's here. I know. Nice timing. Ha-ha. Okay. Bye."

Chal unfolded his arms literally, opening his arms to the idea. "Anyway, Cammie, you were saying. I like that idea. When do we leave?"

I'm not sure; it'll take a while to find the man. Soon, I guess "Within the next hour."

He did not ask for more information. I didn't offer any. I'm thankful he is helping. I walked with Chal to his car two yards away. Out of the trunk he pulled out a backpack. That shows he's always prepared for flight. Right now I'm sceptical of my dad's plead on taking someone with me. Wouldn't the Deputy Director assign me a partner if I needed one? I dismiss the thought. "Give me a second. I'm gonna get Ashley to cover for me yet again."

Despite its autumn I felt hot under my light jacket. I lifted my gaze and saw Chal kissing her cheek good bye. Next the girl notices me, points at her glaring eyes then at him, the universal sign for 'keep an eye on him.' Watch over him? I can do that.

"Let's go."

It's my job but he's the one in a hurry.

I'm so excited right now! I just had to update again. Do what you do best R&R!

P.S. Zammie coming soon…. Eventually.

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