A.N.: Hiya, fellas. Now I must be brief: thanks a lot! Yeah, it was brief
and you deserve better but next time I'm gonna write more author's note, I
promise. I can't react to each of your comments one by one now because I'm
not at home and my time is rather limited but next time you won't get away
with a simple 'thank you'. You rule guys. Really. Without you this story
would not exist. So I shut up now.
ShowTime!
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: Choice
Kate was still standing in front of the bathroom's door with her back to it. She was listening to the patter of water drops on the shower's tiled floor. It was somehow relaxing, calming. But she couldn't stand there for ever so finally she forced herself to move. First she tried to make the mess disappear in the living room. More or less she succeed. Then she went to the bedroom and gently opened the closet. Joy was still sleeping there and she didn't want her to wake up. But she remembered that Dave left some of his clothes there. She rummaged in the closet and finally found them. Then she left the room and walked back to the bathroom's door again.
'Okay. Now what?'
'Go in!'
'No way. Not until he is in there.'
'Go in, you fool. You won't see anything that you haven't seen yet.'
'That's exactly what I don't want to! .......But, well...... Okay. Why not? I'll just go in, put these down and walk out. No problem.'
So she grabbed the knob and opened the door. Smith was still under the shower but the door's sound disturbed him.
"Kate?"
"Um....yeah, it's me. I just brought some clothes. I hope you like them."
"Thank you."
"I leave them here." - said she still being a little bit embarrassed. Then she wanted to move but she couldn't avoid looking in the shower's direction. And then she could see him again: Smith's naked body was silhouetted through the fogged-up glass door.
'O-o' - thought she and then she stepped back. But then she hit against the towel shelf's wreckage and lost her balance and landed on the floor.
"Is everything all right?" - asked Smith.
"Yeah. Everything is just .... perfect." - said she still staring at him but then she jumped up and stormed out of the bathroom.
Kate slammed the door and then she started laughing. She was laughing at herself. She behaved like a teen with serious hormone problems. Why? Could it be because of him or the problem was with her? Or both? Or none of them? But it was ridiculous regardless what caused it. It would have been fun but she knew well who he was. And who she was and .... it has to stop. Then she realized that his tie was still in her hand. But she couldn't go back. No way. She buried her face into it still smiling and inhaled his scent.
What the hell was happening? The last time she behaved like this was more than 10 years ago in the college. She thought she grew up by now. Well, obviously, she didn't. He was an Agent. Even naked he was an Agent. And it meant that he was a trained killer, every free human's enemy. But the seductive power of the dark side is almost always stronger.
She just took a deep breath and then she lifted her head. She was staring at the ceiling for a while resting her back against the door. What would her father say now? He would go crazy, she was sure. He almost killed her with his eyes when she asked whether the Agent was handsome. And now there was that Agent with her and she couldn't help herself. And as she thought it she turned her eyes at the large family photo that wasn't so far away on the shelf. She walk over to it and grabbed it. She sat down on the couch with Smith's tie in her left hand and the photo in her right hand. And soon she fell asleep still holding them tight to her chest.
Meanwhile Smith was about to finish his shower. He cracked his neck. It produced a sharp loud cracking sound, louder than usual, and then his pain vanished suddenly. He checked his hands. They weren't shaking anymore. Good signs. Now try something more difficult. He stepped out centering himself. Soon his body was dry. Great. Now let's see the suit. The code modification was successful again. So he could wear it instead of those clothes Kate had found him. Thanks God.
As he was scanning the room he found his earpiece and replaced it as well. But his tie was nowhere. Perhaps it was in the living room. So he opened the door and walked out. Kate was sleeping on the couch grabbing something in her hands. As he stepped closer and bent down he could see what. One of them was a photo but the other one: it was his tie. But why did she .... He couldn't finish that thought because something caught his attention. The French doors were open. And then a strange noise came from the balcony. Smith straightened his back and drew out his gun. Then he started approaching the balcony. As he stepped out somebody in the opposite block climbed in through the window of another apartment. Smith was waiting for a while scanning the area but then he decided to go back and he closed the glass doors. Kate was sleeping. So was Joy. And Smith didn't want to spend another night sitting in a chair so he went to the front door and left the apartment. But, of course, he didn't want to go too far. He walked up to the top of the building. Fresh air, silence and nobody was there so it was a perfect place. He moved to the edge, looking out at the surrounding city.
"I wouldn't recommend it, Smith."
The Agent didn't have to turn to know who was there. That voice was so familiar. The voice that belonged to the Prof.
"Don't worry. I won't jump. Considering that I cannot commit suicide it would be pointless, anyway."
"Oh, yes. And the no-nonsense Agent never does anything without a good reason or sure result."
"Oh, not exactly." - said Smith and then he whipped back around and with a quick strike to the jaw he sent the Prof. flying backward, slamming against one of the chimneys' brick wall. The Prof. crashed the wall with an explosion of brick splinters and red dust-cloud. Smith was more than satisfied now. He stepped closer to check him. The Prof. was unharmed except that Smith's well-directed blow split his lower lip. He touched his bruise and whipped the blood with his fingers. He looked at his hand then at the approaching Agent.
"Smith, you .... you hit me."
"Yes. And I did it only because it felt good."
"Too damned good as I see but don't think we'll make a habit of it. Next time ..."
"There's not going to be a next time."
"No?"
"No." - said Smith with a smirk and offered a hand. The Prof. took it and Smith pulled him out of the chimney's wreckage.
"Well, it seems like a good choice."
"Thank you."
"And can I ask to what do I owe this qualitative change?"
"However much I hate it, I have to admit that I need your ... presence. I need your experiences to get along with Kate."
"Really?"
"I read your HBRC files. I read everything. Every word, every sentence over and over again. I tried to understand it but I couldn't. I mean they have nothing to do with my present situation. They give me no clear answer, they don't tell me what to do or how to do it."
"They cannot tell you. This stuff is only a guide book for you to the human nature. But how they work? Nobody knows exactly. And how women work? It is the mystery of the universe. Tragically, the logical mind cannot accept a contradiction, and women are full of contradictions. So don't look for a reason because every concerted attempt to understand a woman is bound to end in failure. ................ But ..."
"But what?"
"Your situation is not hopeless, Smith. She decided to help you and now she is willing to do it. I could feel that when I looked at her tonight. When she walked up to the bathroom. She was worried. About you. She still have doubts, but it's understandable. But I still can't feel that kind of determination at you. You are hesitating, still waiting for something. And I can't help until you don't make your choice."
"What choice?"
"What do you want? What do you intend to do with her? You have to decide how to end it, Smith."
"I want to catch Stevenson and prove my innocence."
"Sure. But the only way to get there is together."
"I know."
"And you also know that Kate's testimony is accepted only if her memory can be downloaded and analyzed at the Agency by other Agents. And it follows that everything will come to light. They're going to realize that she is a rebel and then you will be ordered to eliminate her."
"I know."
"And what will you do then?"
"...."
"Do you want to save her as well?"
"...."
"See. You still don't know so further discussion is completely pointless. Decide and then we can talk." - said the Prof. and then he lapsed into silence. Some minutes later Smith started:
"I could let her die. I could even kill her without any difficulty but....."
"But you won't. And you wanna know why? Because it wouldn't be fair and you know it well. She helps you at the price of great efforts."
"She's evicted me from my life."
"Did you like it that much?"
"It was better than this. Simple."
"What makes it difficult now?"
"Kate makes it difficult. And her emotions. I cannot handle them. If she hated me everything would be much easier, everything could go smooth, go by the book."
"But she doesn't."
"But why?"
"Good question. There could be several reasons. For example your appearance ...... or, you know, there is something called the hierarchy of human needs. First there are the basic needs such as water, food, air, sex and so on. The second level is safety. You provided her with that. And then she moved one level up which is called belonging or love. She needs somebody to belong to. More than an average person because now she has nobody to turn to. Except ..."
"Me."
"Precisely." - said the Prof. and turned toward him. He observed Smith's face for a while and then he smiled at him.
"What's so funny?"
"She's not gonna die, right?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"Yes, you have. I can see it in your eyes. And your decision is more than surprising, isn't it? .......But never mind, son. It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself. Makes you wonder what else you can do."
"I don't know what are you talking about."
"Then I let you think. If you have some questions or problems you know where to find me. Good night, son." - said the Prof. and he turned leaving Smith alone again.
But soon Smith left the top as well and went back to the apartment. He walked in and found Kate exactly where he had left her. On the couch. But now something was different. She was covered by a blanket and the photo was on the shelf again. His tie was on the coffee table. He grabbed it and walked to the mirror to fasten it. But then noises coming from the kitchen made him turn. Now he could see that the bedroom's door was open and Joy wasn't there. So he directed his steps toward the kitchen. The living room's thick carpet killed the sounds of his shoes so Joy was completely unaware of the approaching Agent. After reaching the door Smith pushed it open. Joy was busy with searching for some food in the fridge but for the door's sound she turned. Now she faced Smith at the second time and as usual she reacted instinctively. She had already been holding a fork for the food but when she saw the Agent she grabbed a bread knife from the kitchen counter and leveled them at Smith who was still standing in the door.
"Stay there or...."
"Or? What you're gonna do? Eat me?"-asked Smith with a smirk.
She slowly lowered her weapons. He was right. And both of them knew well that she had no chance against him.
"Put them down. ............... Now!"
She did so.
"It's much better, isn't it?"
"What are you doing here? What do you have to do with Kate? And what do you want from me?"
Smith didn't answer but started walking toward her. And Joy started panicking. But she didn't move away. Soon Smith reached her and stopped. Then he moved his fist as if he wanted to punch her. But he didn't. He left enough time for her to dodge his blow so it hit the telephone behind her. Now it was useless, just as he wanted, and then Smith stepped back.
"Right here and right now I am the only one who can ask questions. And you would be the lucky one who are going to answer me."
"Really? And what makes you so sure, Agent?"
"You know the rules, Joy. You are going to answer me or you are going to die. Do not forget that you are alive just because I let you live. You live with my permission. Burn it into your limited mind, human. .......... And now I want some answers." Smith said as he pulled up a chair and sat down opposite to her.
"In your dreams, ace." Joy said and started walking toward the door. But when she passed Smith he grabbed her arm and pushed her against the cupboard. Then he rose to his feet, grabbed the bread knife from the counter and stepped to her lifting the knife to her face.
"You are straining my patience, Joy. Why? Do you want to die?"
"I've never asked you to let me live. And I will never beg you for life! So let me go. Or kill me now."
"Humans. Your species is so miserable. You all think dying for something elevated like truth, freedom, your principles or love is a heroic deed. An unselfish act, noble gesture toward your race or someone special. But it's not true at all. Death is pure cowardice, Joy. Nothing more. It's the easiest solution to every problem, isn't it? A helter-skelter flight from everything that seems hopeless, that is a little bit unbearable or perplexed, problematic to your retarded brains. Death does not require any effort, logical thinking, skill, or fight. Just a suitable tool. Like this. A tool and all of your problems, fears and doubts could vanish in a moment. Do you still claim that it isn't a simple, easy, and a coward way of escape, lacking every so-called noble feature of the human race? If there is such a thing at all."
"Nice speech, Agent. It's a pity that you have no fucking idea what you're talking about."
"Are you trying to show yourself brave? But it's not true, Joy. You are weak. You're shaking inside."
"I'm not gonna help you. Never! Clear?"
"Then help your friend. Help Kate."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's still me who can ask."
"You don't care about her at all. She just a tool for you. If I help her, I help you. But I won't. I have nothing to loose."
"Oh, really? Hmm, I don't think so. What about the little.......what's her name........ Jill? Yes. That's her name, right?"
"I don't know any Jill."
"No? Well, you should. I've just read through your file and this name was there."
"You .... ."
"If you still care about your sister, who by the way still plugged into this system, then you bite your tongue and help me. Otherwise I have to visit the little Jill and she won't survive that, I can guarantee it for you."
"What do you want?"
"Very simple things."
"For example?"
"Information. Bits and pieces of information, Joy."
"About ..."
"First sit down." - said Smith and stepped back. But Joy wasn't willing to move.
"Sit down!" - said Smith again, now with something threatening in his voice, pointing at a chair. It was effective. She sat down immediately opposite to him at the little kitchen table.
"Is it an interrogation then?"
"Yes, but now we're playing it according to my rules."
"And is it bad for me or good for me?"
"It depends on your answers."
"Bad for me."
"First of all let's start with something easy. Why are you here? And spare me that 'Because of her father's death.' thing. I want to hear the truth."
"That's the truth."
"Sure. Not even the Resistance would waste an officer on active service on something that can be solved by a simple phone call. And they know everything about Samuel Potter's death. More than Kate."
"So you want to know what they know?"
"I want to know what or how much do they know about .... me."
That question took Joy by complete surprise. How the hell did he know? Now she was searching for an answer.
"How much, Joy?"
"Nothing. They just suspect that something is not right here. One of our operators registered strange things around Kate. Things reading like Agents. But he wasn't sure and it happened only about 3 maybe 5 times. So they sent me to check her. That's all."
"When will you have to go back?"
"I have 5 days left."
"Are you alone?"
"Yes."
"May I remind you that lying me is bad for your health."
"I am not lying. I'm alone."
"A rebel is never alone."
"Well, I am alone."
"We will see."
Then both of them remained silent for a while. Finally Joy spoke:
"Have we finished, then?"
"For today."
So Joy stood up and went to the counter to take her pain killers. Smith also rose to his feet and walked up to that wreckage that had been a phone before. He wanted to threw it into the garbage can but he stopped. Something caught his attention. One piece didn't fit there. He held it and threw the other parts on the floor again. Then Smith lifted the little metallic item closer to his eyes and examined it.
"What's that?" - asked Joy and stepped closer.
"The phone was bugged." - said Smith and then he pocketed that little thing and looked at her.
"You think it was me?"
"No. This piece is from the stone age."
"Then who did it?"
"I'm just about to find it out." - said Smith and looked through the window at the apartment he had observed before. Now somebody was moving there again. No doubt. And he had to know who and why.
ShowTime!
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: Choice
Kate was still standing in front of the bathroom's door with her back to it. She was listening to the patter of water drops on the shower's tiled floor. It was somehow relaxing, calming. But she couldn't stand there for ever so finally she forced herself to move. First she tried to make the mess disappear in the living room. More or less she succeed. Then she went to the bedroom and gently opened the closet. Joy was still sleeping there and she didn't want her to wake up. But she remembered that Dave left some of his clothes there. She rummaged in the closet and finally found them. Then she left the room and walked back to the bathroom's door again.
'Okay. Now what?'
'Go in!'
'No way. Not until he is in there.'
'Go in, you fool. You won't see anything that you haven't seen yet.'
'That's exactly what I don't want to! .......But, well...... Okay. Why not? I'll just go in, put these down and walk out. No problem.'
So she grabbed the knob and opened the door. Smith was still under the shower but the door's sound disturbed him.
"Kate?"
"Um....yeah, it's me. I just brought some clothes. I hope you like them."
"Thank you."
"I leave them here." - said she still being a little bit embarrassed. Then she wanted to move but she couldn't avoid looking in the shower's direction. And then she could see him again: Smith's naked body was silhouetted through the fogged-up glass door.
'O-o' - thought she and then she stepped back. But then she hit against the towel shelf's wreckage and lost her balance and landed on the floor.
"Is everything all right?" - asked Smith.
"Yeah. Everything is just .... perfect." - said she still staring at him but then she jumped up and stormed out of the bathroom.
Kate slammed the door and then she started laughing. She was laughing at herself. She behaved like a teen with serious hormone problems. Why? Could it be because of him or the problem was with her? Or both? Or none of them? But it was ridiculous regardless what caused it. It would have been fun but she knew well who he was. And who she was and .... it has to stop. Then she realized that his tie was still in her hand. But she couldn't go back. No way. She buried her face into it still smiling and inhaled his scent.
What the hell was happening? The last time she behaved like this was more than 10 years ago in the college. She thought she grew up by now. Well, obviously, she didn't. He was an Agent. Even naked he was an Agent. And it meant that he was a trained killer, every free human's enemy. But the seductive power of the dark side is almost always stronger.
She just took a deep breath and then she lifted her head. She was staring at the ceiling for a while resting her back against the door. What would her father say now? He would go crazy, she was sure. He almost killed her with his eyes when she asked whether the Agent was handsome. And now there was that Agent with her and she couldn't help herself. And as she thought it she turned her eyes at the large family photo that wasn't so far away on the shelf. She walk over to it and grabbed it. She sat down on the couch with Smith's tie in her left hand and the photo in her right hand. And soon she fell asleep still holding them tight to her chest.
Meanwhile Smith was about to finish his shower. He cracked his neck. It produced a sharp loud cracking sound, louder than usual, and then his pain vanished suddenly. He checked his hands. They weren't shaking anymore. Good signs. Now try something more difficult. He stepped out centering himself. Soon his body was dry. Great. Now let's see the suit. The code modification was successful again. So he could wear it instead of those clothes Kate had found him. Thanks God.
As he was scanning the room he found his earpiece and replaced it as well. But his tie was nowhere. Perhaps it was in the living room. So he opened the door and walked out. Kate was sleeping on the couch grabbing something in her hands. As he stepped closer and bent down he could see what. One of them was a photo but the other one: it was his tie. But why did she .... He couldn't finish that thought because something caught his attention. The French doors were open. And then a strange noise came from the balcony. Smith straightened his back and drew out his gun. Then he started approaching the balcony. As he stepped out somebody in the opposite block climbed in through the window of another apartment. Smith was waiting for a while scanning the area but then he decided to go back and he closed the glass doors. Kate was sleeping. So was Joy. And Smith didn't want to spend another night sitting in a chair so he went to the front door and left the apartment. But, of course, he didn't want to go too far. He walked up to the top of the building. Fresh air, silence and nobody was there so it was a perfect place. He moved to the edge, looking out at the surrounding city.
"I wouldn't recommend it, Smith."
The Agent didn't have to turn to know who was there. That voice was so familiar. The voice that belonged to the Prof.
"Don't worry. I won't jump. Considering that I cannot commit suicide it would be pointless, anyway."
"Oh, yes. And the no-nonsense Agent never does anything without a good reason or sure result."
"Oh, not exactly." - said Smith and then he whipped back around and with a quick strike to the jaw he sent the Prof. flying backward, slamming against one of the chimneys' brick wall. The Prof. crashed the wall with an explosion of brick splinters and red dust-cloud. Smith was more than satisfied now. He stepped closer to check him. The Prof. was unharmed except that Smith's well-directed blow split his lower lip. He touched his bruise and whipped the blood with his fingers. He looked at his hand then at the approaching Agent.
"Smith, you .... you hit me."
"Yes. And I did it only because it felt good."
"Too damned good as I see but don't think we'll make a habit of it. Next time ..."
"There's not going to be a next time."
"No?"
"No." - said Smith with a smirk and offered a hand. The Prof. took it and Smith pulled him out of the chimney's wreckage.
"Well, it seems like a good choice."
"Thank you."
"And can I ask to what do I owe this qualitative change?"
"However much I hate it, I have to admit that I need your ... presence. I need your experiences to get along with Kate."
"Really?"
"I read your HBRC files. I read everything. Every word, every sentence over and over again. I tried to understand it but I couldn't. I mean they have nothing to do with my present situation. They give me no clear answer, they don't tell me what to do or how to do it."
"They cannot tell you. This stuff is only a guide book for you to the human nature. But how they work? Nobody knows exactly. And how women work? It is the mystery of the universe. Tragically, the logical mind cannot accept a contradiction, and women are full of contradictions. So don't look for a reason because every concerted attempt to understand a woman is bound to end in failure. ................ But ..."
"But what?"
"Your situation is not hopeless, Smith. She decided to help you and now she is willing to do it. I could feel that when I looked at her tonight. When she walked up to the bathroom. She was worried. About you. She still have doubts, but it's understandable. But I still can't feel that kind of determination at you. You are hesitating, still waiting for something. And I can't help until you don't make your choice."
"What choice?"
"What do you want? What do you intend to do with her? You have to decide how to end it, Smith."
"I want to catch Stevenson and prove my innocence."
"Sure. But the only way to get there is together."
"I know."
"And you also know that Kate's testimony is accepted only if her memory can be downloaded and analyzed at the Agency by other Agents. And it follows that everything will come to light. They're going to realize that she is a rebel and then you will be ordered to eliminate her."
"I know."
"And what will you do then?"
"...."
"Do you want to save her as well?"
"...."
"See. You still don't know so further discussion is completely pointless. Decide and then we can talk." - said the Prof. and then he lapsed into silence. Some minutes later Smith started:
"I could let her die. I could even kill her without any difficulty but....."
"But you won't. And you wanna know why? Because it wouldn't be fair and you know it well. She helps you at the price of great efforts."
"She's evicted me from my life."
"Did you like it that much?"
"It was better than this. Simple."
"What makes it difficult now?"
"Kate makes it difficult. And her emotions. I cannot handle them. If she hated me everything would be much easier, everything could go smooth, go by the book."
"But she doesn't."
"But why?"
"Good question. There could be several reasons. For example your appearance ...... or, you know, there is something called the hierarchy of human needs. First there are the basic needs such as water, food, air, sex and so on. The second level is safety. You provided her with that. And then she moved one level up which is called belonging or love. She needs somebody to belong to. More than an average person because now she has nobody to turn to. Except ..."
"Me."
"Precisely." - said the Prof. and turned toward him. He observed Smith's face for a while and then he smiled at him.
"What's so funny?"
"She's not gonna die, right?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"Yes, you have. I can see it in your eyes. And your decision is more than surprising, isn't it? .......But never mind, son. It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself. Makes you wonder what else you can do."
"I don't know what are you talking about."
"Then I let you think. If you have some questions or problems you know where to find me. Good night, son." - said the Prof. and he turned leaving Smith alone again.
But soon Smith left the top as well and went back to the apartment. He walked in and found Kate exactly where he had left her. On the couch. But now something was different. She was covered by a blanket and the photo was on the shelf again. His tie was on the coffee table. He grabbed it and walked to the mirror to fasten it. But then noises coming from the kitchen made him turn. Now he could see that the bedroom's door was open and Joy wasn't there. So he directed his steps toward the kitchen. The living room's thick carpet killed the sounds of his shoes so Joy was completely unaware of the approaching Agent. After reaching the door Smith pushed it open. Joy was busy with searching for some food in the fridge but for the door's sound she turned. Now she faced Smith at the second time and as usual she reacted instinctively. She had already been holding a fork for the food but when she saw the Agent she grabbed a bread knife from the kitchen counter and leveled them at Smith who was still standing in the door.
"Stay there or...."
"Or? What you're gonna do? Eat me?"-asked Smith with a smirk.
She slowly lowered her weapons. He was right. And both of them knew well that she had no chance against him.
"Put them down. ............... Now!"
She did so.
"It's much better, isn't it?"
"What are you doing here? What do you have to do with Kate? And what do you want from me?"
Smith didn't answer but started walking toward her. And Joy started panicking. But she didn't move away. Soon Smith reached her and stopped. Then he moved his fist as if he wanted to punch her. But he didn't. He left enough time for her to dodge his blow so it hit the telephone behind her. Now it was useless, just as he wanted, and then Smith stepped back.
"Right here and right now I am the only one who can ask questions. And you would be the lucky one who are going to answer me."
"Really? And what makes you so sure, Agent?"
"You know the rules, Joy. You are going to answer me or you are going to die. Do not forget that you are alive just because I let you live. You live with my permission. Burn it into your limited mind, human. .......... And now I want some answers." Smith said as he pulled up a chair and sat down opposite to her.
"In your dreams, ace." Joy said and started walking toward the door. But when she passed Smith he grabbed her arm and pushed her against the cupboard. Then he rose to his feet, grabbed the bread knife from the counter and stepped to her lifting the knife to her face.
"You are straining my patience, Joy. Why? Do you want to die?"
"I've never asked you to let me live. And I will never beg you for life! So let me go. Or kill me now."
"Humans. Your species is so miserable. You all think dying for something elevated like truth, freedom, your principles or love is a heroic deed. An unselfish act, noble gesture toward your race or someone special. But it's not true at all. Death is pure cowardice, Joy. Nothing more. It's the easiest solution to every problem, isn't it? A helter-skelter flight from everything that seems hopeless, that is a little bit unbearable or perplexed, problematic to your retarded brains. Death does not require any effort, logical thinking, skill, or fight. Just a suitable tool. Like this. A tool and all of your problems, fears and doubts could vanish in a moment. Do you still claim that it isn't a simple, easy, and a coward way of escape, lacking every so-called noble feature of the human race? If there is such a thing at all."
"Nice speech, Agent. It's a pity that you have no fucking idea what you're talking about."
"Are you trying to show yourself brave? But it's not true, Joy. You are weak. You're shaking inside."
"I'm not gonna help you. Never! Clear?"
"Then help your friend. Help Kate."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's still me who can ask."
"You don't care about her at all. She just a tool for you. If I help her, I help you. But I won't. I have nothing to loose."
"Oh, really? Hmm, I don't think so. What about the little.......what's her name........ Jill? Yes. That's her name, right?"
"I don't know any Jill."
"No? Well, you should. I've just read through your file and this name was there."
"You .... ."
"If you still care about your sister, who by the way still plugged into this system, then you bite your tongue and help me. Otherwise I have to visit the little Jill and she won't survive that, I can guarantee it for you."
"What do you want?"
"Very simple things."
"For example?"
"Information. Bits and pieces of information, Joy."
"About ..."
"First sit down." - said Smith and stepped back. But Joy wasn't willing to move.
"Sit down!" - said Smith again, now with something threatening in his voice, pointing at a chair. It was effective. She sat down immediately opposite to him at the little kitchen table.
"Is it an interrogation then?"
"Yes, but now we're playing it according to my rules."
"And is it bad for me or good for me?"
"It depends on your answers."
"Bad for me."
"First of all let's start with something easy. Why are you here? And spare me that 'Because of her father's death.' thing. I want to hear the truth."
"That's the truth."
"Sure. Not even the Resistance would waste an officer on active service on something that can be solved by a simple phone call. And they know everything about Samuel Potter's death. More than Kate."
"So you want to know what they know?"
"I want to know what or how much do they know about .... me."
That question took Joy by complete surprise. How the hell did he know? Now she was searching for an answer.
"How much, Joy?"
"Nothing. They just suspect that something is not right here. One of our operators registered strange things around Kate. Things reading like Agents. But he wasn't sure and it happened only about 3 maybe 5 times. So they sent me to check her. That's all."
"When will you have to go back?"
"I have 5 days left."
"Are you alone?"
"Yes."
"May I remind you that lying me is bad for your health."
"I am not lying. I'm alone."
"A rebel is never alone."
"Well, I am alone."
"We will see."
Then both of them remained silent for a while. Finally Joy spoke:
"Have we finished, then?"
"For today."
So Joy stood up and went to the counter to take her pain killers. Smith also rose to his feet and walked up to that wreckage that had been a phone before. He wanted to threw it into the garbage can but he stopped. Something caught his attention. One piece didn't fit there. He held it and threw the other parts on the floor again. Then Smith lifted the little metallic item closer to his eyes and examined it.
"What's that?" - asked Joy and stepped closer.
"The phone was bugged." - said Smith and then he pocketed that little thing and looked at her.
"You think it was me?"
"No. This piece is from the stone age."
"Then who did it?"
"I'm just about to find it out." - said Smith and looked through the window at the apartment he had observed before. Now somebody was moving there again. No doubt. And he had to know who and why.
