Chapter 30: A Spy Among Friends

September 24th 2010 1100 Hours

Budapest, Hungary

As he walked along the Danube River that divided the city R was beginning to grow frustrated. He had put in a text to Bookman about details on Hex just before they left for Budapest and he still did not call him back. When information is needed or is in danger of being compromised, speed is everything. It was what Black had taught him when he had rescued his contact and his family in Bosnia when he first started working with him. Now a mad agent was gunning for his crew, he didn't need to figure out that she had to have been the reason for all the recent attempts on their lives. Whether or not she cared she was about to ruin an important operation and his life was on the line too. While he worked only for Bookman, he wouldn't allow anyone to threaten the lives of his friends.

Now officially out of patience he dialed in his number.

"Hello R." Bookman said casually.

"About goddamn time you picked up! I sent that text the other day! You told me that speed was everything well so much for that!"

"I thought you would understand that the delay in my response meant that you asked a question that I can't answer. She's a deep cover agent and that's all I can say. You know how this goes, I wouldn't tell anyone about you either." He said without changing his tone.

"Deep cover my ass! She's acting right out in the open, not only did we have run ins with her assassins but she deliberately exposed herself. She's going to try again soon and this time she won't stop. Are you seriously telling me you're ok with some rouge agent screwing Operation 'Under Shaft'?"

There was a slight pause during the call. R knew that had hooked him.

"Because you told me you were going to get to the bottom of this." R said in a demanding tone.

"Alright R. I'll call you back."

5 Hours Earlier

Danubius Hotel Gellert

First thing I did when I got out of bed was take a picture of the sunrise over the city from where the hotel was overlooking the Danube, Budapest was one of the places I was itching to see. It was somewhat refreshing to be hit by the cold morning air as I took a deep breath when the air outside hit my bare face and chest.

Originally the three cities of Buda, Pest, and Obuda, they united into one city in the later 19th Century as part of the dual capital of the Empire of Austria-Hungary. The foundation of the entire city though stretched all the way back to 1 AD when a certain ethnicity of marauding barbarians, who were also part of my ancestral heritage, known as the Celts wanted to build a town for trading. And like most cities of the ancient world it had been through almost every war fought in Europe. It was later occupied by the Roman's who were then driven out by the Hun's, then the Holy Roman Empire, then they finally formed the Kingdom of Hungary. However the Ottoman Empire came in and took control of the country for a century and a half. They were later driven out by a unified army of European powers and the Kingdom of Hungary was independent again, for a while.

It wasn't until the latter half of the 19th century that most European nations struggled for independence because of the countless wars that were fought throughout the continent at the time. Putting it in the most simplified version most of the nobilities in Austria and Hungary pooled their resources and negotiated to form a duel empire where they would protect each other from influences and threats by the greater European powers. Thus the Austro-Hungarian Empire was born, which consisted of a great melting pot of different ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities. It was here where I managed to trace my earliest known relatives before they immigrated to the United States. My great-great grandfather was an ethnic Ukrainian and my great-great grandmother an ethnic Hungarian. However like many that had done the mass immigration to America in the later 19th and early 20th centuries most left not only because of wanting to start a new life but to get away from the constant war. They had to have seen the political upheaval that was building in Europe at the time, and low and behold the First World War erupted. It was during that time that the first generation American born of my family was drafted into the trench warfare of Europe in 1918. Sad that they escaped the madness, only that it reached across an ocean to be dragged back by it.

But today wasn't a day where I would be thinking about sad things that happened before I was even born. I was gonna take in the sights and hopefully take enough pictures that I could finally start making a second scrap book as I was about to fill the other one up. With so many different landmarks, historical sites and food to sample the next few days were gonna be busy, and that wasn't including Koko's meeting with this Hungarian Air Force Colonel tomorrow.

After I was done taking a few good shots I scrolled through them on the camera and deleted the ones I didn't like or were too fuzzy to make out. I headed back inside rubbing my arms to get some warmth back on them and noticed that the bed was empty. I then heard running water from the bathroom and made towards the sound, Sophia standing there in her shorts and sports bra that highlighted her curves perfectly. But she was running a washcloth over her scarred eye and I was standing in her blind spot so that she didn't notice me. I hardly saw her without her medical patch over it so it was rare that I saw her whole face unblocked. She then hooked her hair, that was starting to gain length again, behind her ear. I saw a small scar that cut slightly across the left side of her eye, it was almost entirely solid white, which indicated that the eye itself was deliberately targeted and was ruptured from when Chan ambushed her and her company. When she put her patch back on I figured I would get something that would cover her face a little less. I then said good morning.

"If I went blind right now and this image was the last thing I ever saw, I'd be fine with that."

She then turned to me with the annoyed smile she commonly made whenever I came out with my sarcasm. She then threw the wet washcloth at my face.

"Thanks for waking me up by letting all the heat out."

"You said to wake you up before or around six, you didn't say how." I said with the cloth still on my face.

Still standing in the doorway I heard her walk to and stop in front of me, she took the cloth off my face and we both gave each other a good morning kiss. It was then I realized that this had been one of the most peaceful mornings I've had in a while, but it was also very alien to me. My normal mornings were like I just passed out in my clothes and I didn't give a shit on what time I woke up the next morning. Despite how good I am at my job, I often lounged around as a bum unless I was doing exercise or doing shooting practice. But now I had someone to make me get my day started.

"Get dressed, you said you wanted to do the tourist thing today." Sophia said as she walked by me to get her knife and Sig from her suitcase.

I'm surprised she wants to do that. She always falls asleep whenever I talk history.

1120 Hours

R knew he couldn't stay isolated from the group for long or else they would start to suspect something. But no matter what was happening he was racing against the clock. He knew in his gut something was going to happen again. And if Hex succeeded then 'Under Shaft' would not only be ruined but Koko would have become totally unhinged in a way that would be similar to Damien's outburst against Karen Low. Only difference was that Koko had a reach that expanded across two continents.

It was no secret that the team knew that there was a bit of a triangle going on between Koko, Valmet, and Damien. But simple things like emotional drama in relationships always worked themselves out whenever the three of them found a common ground to land on. None of them hated each other. Despite the backgrounds, knowledge, nature, and attitude of the crew they worked together as a family. Damien had had their backs in every engagement they've had, he had saved Koko's life more than once, and he turned from outcast to the man to lean on whenever things went sour. Despite being designated as a threat to US national security by the CIA, R trusted him more than they did as he saw in person of what Damien truly was. He was a damaged soul in search of need, and Koko provided it.

His return phone call finally came. He let Bookman go first.

"R, you are my right arm and Hex is my left. So as such she will continue to play a critical role in all of my departments activities so she's staying for the long haul. Especially since that left arm is attached to a fist that smashes terrorists."

Frustrated, R knew that Hex enjoyed her job a little too much. Damien had told him that she probably just killed for herself and not her country.

"If she wants a "sacrifice" we'll give it to her. Technically speaking he's already dead, she'll just say that she found his remains. He never had anything to do with this operation and even though he kept Hekmatyar alive that doesn't mean that he's not responsible the deaths of multiple agents and caused a breach in our intelligence network. That's not including the people he's associated with since he, by legal terms, committed treason it's only added to his list of crimes. The Nightmare is a very real threat R, so it's time for us to wake up from it. "

That meant one thing to R. Damien's life was in danger and a bloodbath was inevitable.

3 Hours Earlier

Outside the Hotel

The meeting with Colonel Shimunik wasn't until tomorrow morning so Koko figured she'd give Damien the tour of Budapest. She knew that he liked to take in all of the historical sites and keep adding pictures to the scrapbook he was making. She had taken a look at it one day when he was exercising on board the Fruition, there were a lot of good shots from when they were around the cities they visited and a few humor filled ones of the crew while they were drinking, in front of famous landmarks, and a few candid ones that highlighted the crew in their norms. But most of them were when they had Valmet in them, he only had a few that had her in them. This was the first time the two of them would be together by themselves since Dubai and he didn't have his camera with him at that time. She wanted to make sure he had some good memories of her as well. Except she had to try and get by someone who was close to him and it was the one woman who she saw as her sister. She didn't feel like taking him from her but she did say to him that he belonged to only her and she said to her that she would do anything for her. As the rest of the crew had already gone out for the day to kill time, she grabbed Valmet and asked to talk to her out of ear shot of everybody.

"What's up Koko?" She asked.

"Why don't you go with Wiley and Lehm today? I'll take Damien out to see the sights around town." Koko said as straight as she could.

"I already said I'd take him on the tour, why?"

"Cause I want to." She said in her usual smile.

"If you want to come with us I won't argue, I'll just tell him you asked us to protect you again."

Valmet then went to leave but Koko grabbed her arm.

"Valmet please. I want to be with him today."

She asked as if she was somewhat begging. But as they both locked eyes Valmet knew what she truly meant. She then formed her lips into a straight line and faced her.

"I suppose this conversation was going to happen sooner or later."

"I won't tell you to but please can I have him for just today?"

"Have him? He's not a car you can borrow, and besides I think he made his choice."

"I told you that he belongs to me."

She approached her in her all business mode. She never used her authoritive tone on her, it caught Valmet by surprise. Knowing that she was being challenged on someone taking her lover she closed the gap.

"Koko…I know that you like him. But you took too long and he eventually drifted from you. When I first asked you that he and I could have a room together I was surprised that you did that. But whatever you planned out didn't work and he's made his choice, think about what he wants."

Koko then shut her eyes, tilted her head down for a moment and then looked back up to her best friend. She didn't want to say what she wanted to say next but now she had no choice.

"Did you tell him you love him?"

Her one eye widened at the question. "I…I don't…"

"Then you haven't made that much of a commitment yet. Anybody can have a few passionate nights together but unless you say it, then it doesn't mean anything." Koko said cutting her off.

"Not that it's any of your business but you don't really know the first thing about relationships."

Despite their nature that they often acted as childish sisters, they were both fiercely loyal to each other never got into any type of heated argument unless they had all of the facts to back it up. Both women then stared at each other intensely. They both wanted the same man, but only one would get him.

"I remember a long time ago that you would do anything for me. No matter what, I always asked something from you but this time I want to call in the favor. Just for today."

Despite how close the two had gotten in the last two months, she had known Koko a lot longer than Damien. They both formed a true sisterhood based on literal blood, sweat, and tears. Valmet knew she owed Koko for helping her unlock the world but she didn't think that she would ask her to do something like this. Then the man in question came to get her to go around the city.

"Koko! Sophia! Everyone's left and I'm about ready to go, you two alright?" He asked putting on his leather jacket.

"Ahh Damien yes." She then rushed to him leaving Valmet before she could say anything. "I want to be the one to show you around town today, let's go to the Parliament building first."

She then closed the gap and took hold of his left arm in the cuddling move she normally used with him. He then looked back to Valmet giving him the look of what hell he was doing.

"I appreciate it Koko, but Sophia was gonna do that with me today." He said trying to brush her off.

"Please? Just for today?" She said in a begging tone and then pulled his head down to her so she could whisper in his ear.

"I just want to talk to you about a few things. Then you and Sophia can have the rest of the time we have here off."

Naturally she was lying to try and win him over, and her little fib worked. Surprised that he could get another quick three day break that easily, he then turned his attention to Valmet.

"You don't mind? I will make it up in some way, shape, or form. I promise. Besides, you don't like the history stuff anyway, I'd be boring you all day."

Valmet then looked at him neutrally and then back to Koko, who winked at her slowly as if not to worry, and then looked back to him.

Don't steal him from me.

"You owe me dinner. And I'm going to pick where we go." She said sternly.

She then walked away quickly past the both of them. Damien looking at her confused.

"What was that about?"

"I'll let you know later. Onward Captain Damien!" Koko said pointing in the direction they wanted to go but Damien didn't budge.

"Hold up, not yet. You do know I wanna walk around the city." Damien said as if he were insisting on matter of fact.

"Yeah and were burning daylight, so let's go!" She said tugging at his arm with both her hands.

"Then put on a pair of sneakers, you'll have blisters the size of golf balls if you wear those heels the whole day."

As he pointed towards her feet, Koko then looked down and then back up to Damien with an embarrassed look.

"Ok let's go back up to the suite, five minutes I swear."

As they both left to go back inside, Valmet was watching them from the side of the building. She then turned to leave and then texted Lehm to see where he was at. While the message was simple, her method of putting a little extra pressure on the phones screen was apparent that her jealousy was coming out again.

1125 Hours

R was now beginning to double time it back to the hotel. If Bookman wasn't going to help him then he would have to ensure that he and Damien would have a better chance to fight back and defend Koko with the appropriate amount of firepower. Knowing Damien liked to be prepared for anything, he always brought more than what was necessary. But R hoped it wouldn't come to that, collateral damage was something he wished to avoid.

"You can't be serious. You think I'm just gonna hand him over to Hex and start a fucking war in the middle of Budapest!? I won't do it. And if you allow him to be killed, you will flush 'Under Shaft' right down the shitter!"

"You don't say? How do you figure?" Bookman said unfazed by the colorful choice of words.

"Saw, think about it for a moment. Why would she bring in someone like Damien? Somebody incredibly dangerous and unpredictable into her line of work? She's always logical and cautious but she took a big and deliberate risk with him. Sure he has his uses as a Green Beret, but that doesn't make it smart considering his history and that he's placed on a top secret kill list by the company."

"All good points but so what?"

"He actually manages to calm her, he channels her emotions through himself and in the process she calms him dispelling that fury that's made him into the infamous Nightmare. They both act as limiters for each other. I've seen on how he's radically changed since he started to work with us. He was anti-social, never smiled, kept it strictly business, but he opened up to us and showed that he was a victim of his own anger and he wants to redeem himself."

"Limiter huh? So he's not the wild card you thought?"

"No he's not. Koko has a huge plan that no one else knows about and by bringing in a man who's been alone, terrified, and had to fight in every way possible just to survive she's creating a path to reconnect with her humanity and maybe a path to even abandon those plans and her life as an arms dealer. The same can be said with Damien, he wants a chance to fix all the mistakes he's made in his life and he sees that Koko can help him. To stop fighting and live a peaceful life again. Beneath both of their fierce personalities they still have the same needs and wants like any other man and woman."

"R your starting to sound like a cross between a shrink and a matchmaker. That's not your job, it's providing intel on her. Don't start dancing to her tune."

R chuckled as he finally reached the hotel and made towards their suite.

"I will admit, they're fun to hang around with, and hell running guns is fun. But if anyone wants to dance with the little lady, it's totally you Saw. You said it yourself that you don't want her to become a monster. And don't lie to me, your dying to see what her plans truly are and how it's gonna work out."

"You know me to well R." Bookman then started a rather hearty laugh. R realized that now he had a major player to back him up when the fight started. So that is what he focused on now.

"Please Saw, tell me where Hex is."

One Hour Earlier

We were making a big circle around the city so far. Despite it being that Fall was finally arriving it was actually a rather sunny day out today. We started off by walking across the Erzsebet Bridge to the other side where we began walking through what appeared to be the nightlife section of Budapest. We decided to hurry through there because there was nothing that was of interest until dark anyway. Plus we weren't really there to do the clubbing scene. After grabbing some coffee we made our first stop to St. Stevens Basilica before we headed off to the Parliament Building. I was filling up the camera rather fast and we hadn't even hit the whole town yet. The next thing I wanted to get some shots of the Labyrinth but that was on the other side of the river. I figure that once we did that we'd head through the castle district and call it a day. It was however a bit of an awkward day whenever I got pictures of both Koko and me together. She was grabbing on to me a little tighter and sillier than usual. With the way we were talking the whole morning and afternoon it honestly felt like a date. I said it before that I'd be lying if I said that she wasn't attractive. And the way that we talked to each other was a great blend of random topics that ranged from intellectual to somewhat cringy toilet humor.

But what I kept thinking this whole time, even from when she first took me in, is what in the hell did she see in me? Even though I've started to not be so hung up on the past I can't erase it. I've killed people in fits of blind rage, multiple intelligence agencies want my head on a platter, I deserted from the Army, I abandoned my family, and at my core I'm a bit of a coward. That being said I'm amazed that Sophia and I have lasted as long as we have. I will always hold on to my beliefs that I have the ability to make a choice for anything. But sometimes those choices don't have the best outcomes for everyone. It's one of the reasons the whole world is as fucked up as it is. We're becoming too reliant on technology, uneducated masses think that we can befriend evil, poor nations continue to be poor no matter how much aid they get, opinion means that you're labeled as an extremist, dictators continue on with their regimes committing their crimes out in the open. The list of idiotic choices are endless and it's not just in the United States or Europe or any first world nation. I want to go home one day, but not back to the sheer ridiculousness it was becoming.

"Hey what's wrong, why'd you go back to your doom and gloom face? That part you told me about Batman gut punching that ketchup guy was hysterical."

While on our lengthy walk to the other side of the river we started talking about old TV shows and one of my favorites as a kid was Batman The Animated Series. I'm the furthest thing from what you might call a nerd but everyone who's anyone knows of DC Comic's super heroes and villains. But what I didn't realize until much later that the comic book companies tended to make stupid new stories and characters. It was the reason comic books took a tremendous dive and only now they're starting to make a bit of a comeback with all the movies that were coming out in the last few years.

"Condiment King. And yeah he was probably the only villain that Batman beat the crap out of just for being fucking stupid. Come to think of it I don't even know why I know that. Sometimes whatever knowledge I know is very sporadic."

"Well think of it as a way that adds to your unpredictability. It helps keep things fresh."

"Whatever." I then took out my camera and started scrolling through the pictures to see if any came out too fuzzy or had any sun glare. Koko then leaned over to look.

"You really like history don't you?" She said looking up to me wanting to know why.

"I've always had a fascination with the major events and people that shaped the foundation for the world we know today. Things that were revolutionary in their way of influencing the outcome of events for the world and there are so many of them. I mean sure knowledge itself is infinite but I liked how they're portrayed as stories that you just want to listen to them. Like Marco Polo's travels through Asia, The Crusades, The Ming Dynasty, Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World, and of course-" I then flexed my right arm. "The good ol' USA."

She then chuckled. "Kind of ironic don't you think? You like reading up on people but you still have that antisocial vibe. Why's that?"

She already knew the answer to that question, I told her about it when we first met. That I wanted to make a great impact on the world but everyone that surrounded me was ignorant to the point where there was no good or evil just different levels of selfishness. And all too often the price for what others gained was in human misery or death. So I just ignored everyone around me unless they had something to with me getting my shit done for the day. But Koko managed to actually get me to open back up to people. Be more like my old self before I went crazy. To actually balance myself between warrior and man. But even though she never explicitly said it, her actions were a dead giveaway. I learned long ago that there's a difference between being flirtatious and showing genuine affection. I had to also learn the hard way whenever a few girls I hung out with during my teenage years got me to buy stuff for them and then they barely spoke to me after that. But despite me learning more things about Koko she still maintained that aura of mystery about her. She's the one person in my life who I can't really read. I need to ask if I wanted something out of her. But it looked like now was that time I'd be asking the big question. I had to be up front, but I had to ask it in a proper way that would lead into it.

"In the past I was kinda choosy who I decide to associate myself with. No matter what anyone says respect is always earned and never given. But I find it odd that those who don't know me can approach me and talk to me just because they can." I stopped walking and then looked to her. "Why is it you can do that? What do you really see in me?"

She blanked as I asked her the question but smiled like normal.

"I just think you're an interesting person, that's all."

She said that like she was being 100% honest. But I knew it couldn't be that simple unless I was missing something entirely.

"Koko…I'm a psychological wreck, I kill people all the time, I have almost as many enemies as you do, and if by some ungodly miracle I even find a way out of the life I'm in I can't do anything else. Much less even know anything else, being a soldier is all I ever wanted to be. I can't-"

"Stop it." She said cutting me off while wrapping her arms around me.

What is she doing now?

"I don't care about what you have done. I'm no different from you Damien, I'm an arms dealer I'm the furthest thing from a good person but that doesn't mean I don't want to live my life. I like you for you and…I wouldn't mind if you were always with me."

What the hell? Is she saying she likes me?

"You don't need to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life if you don't want to work with me. And you can do more than just fight, I only want you to promise me one thing."

It took me a few moments to formulate a response. She was being more open with me than she ever had.

"Umm…what is it?"

"Promise me you'll always be by my side."

That was something I didn't want to hear. Looks like she truly wanted me all to herself. But unfortunately, someone had beat her to it. I put my hands on her shoulders as she looked up to me.

"Koko I think you're amazing. You saved my life and I will be forever grateful but I can't be in that type of relationship with you and it's not just because I care about Sophia."

She then looked at me as if I just broke her heart. "Why?"

"While your brother just sent me to you as a way for me to pay for throwing a wrench into his business, you took me in and made me feel part of something special without hesitation. You gave me a home, you gave me a family, and eventually a lover. I owe you more than you can possible imagine and I do not want to take the risk of hurting you or making you angry. And you were right about another thing, I almost ruined that when I attacked Low and I don't want to do that again. It's only now that I realized how much of a colossal fucking idiot I was when I did that."

I then slowly pushed her away from me. "The reason I can't, is because you gave me back my life."

That was real hard to do, and what was even harder was when she was looking at me with hopelessness. I care not only about her and Sophia but the rest of the guys as well. Even before the Army I had never formed a bond with anyone, I was solely focused on achieving success. But the one bond that was stronger than Koko was Sophia, I couldn't betray her like that.

"I'm sorry. But don't believe that I'm just gonna up and leave all of ya. You broke that raging monster. I can start being human again." I then hunched over to be face to face with her. "Forgive me?"

The hopelessness faded, and that smile came back. "How much further are we from the Labyrinth?"

I leaned back up and pulled out my phone. "We keep heading this way should be about another fifteen minutes."

1132 Hours

He was sprinting from the river to the hotel and even though it was slightly cold outside R built up a sweat. He couldn't hide it, so he figured he make something up if he saw anyone of the crew. Some of them had come back from their walk. Lutz saw him as he was exiting the elevator and heading to their room.

"Hey R. You alright? You look out of breath?" He asked.

"Running during the mid-day is actually pretty effective. I just got back and then I'm gonna head out and relax." His other phone then began to ring. "Gotta take this, later."

R did his best to sound like he was not in a hurry but time was not on his side. Fortunately Bookman was calling him back and gave him some time to not look suspicious. He went to his room and grabbed his backpack and then Damien's while talking to Bookman.

"Ok R I've got her location. She's setting up an ambush in the Castle District. She has approximately eighteen heavily armed men with her. Hekmatyar and Andrushko are heading right toward them. She just received a call from someone claiming to be her buyer as part of the ambush to lead her into Hex's trap. I'll stop her and I'll send in a call to the local police."

"Got it. I'll call you back soon."

As R loaded Damien's rifle into his pack he let out a dissatisfied grunt.

"Damn cops won't do shit against a SAD unit."

He then grabbed the keys for one of their rental cars and hurried to the elevator while debating on dialing in Koko's number. The castle district was too far away to run so he had to speed through and hopefully not get pulled over by the same police that were supposedly going to help him. But the one problem was what to tell Koko.

What do I do? If I tell her she's heading into an ambush she'll figure out I'm a mole. Goddamnit Saw, you say Hex is your left arm but it's an arm that doesn't listen to its head! Aw fuck it.

He then got to the garage and ran to their car. He decided to risk it and at least know where Koko and Damien were.

"Hello?"

"Hey little lady. How's the tour going?" R said with feigned innocence.

"Good so far. Everything ok?"

R knew that wasn't true. "Just fine. Only wanted to check in, where you guys at now?"

"Aww how sweet! We ok, just a few blocks away from the Military Museum and then we're heading back to the hotel. I just got a call from Colonel Shimunik for tea."

R knew that he had to floor it. She wasn't that far from Hex's ambush.

"OK. I'll see you soon. Caio."

He then hung up and blasted through a stop sign, not caring about the blaring horn's behind him.

If I'm gonna blow my cover I'll do it killing Hex. Sorry guys, it was fun hanging out with you all.

1145 Hours

It was a good coincidence that Koko's buyer had invited us for tea, but I was kinda hoping for a free lunch. I was getting tired of walking anyway and I figured that she could also use it as a distraction from shooting her down earlier. She carried on with her normal care free self though, but this time she hadn't let go of my arm for the last ten minutes. We were kinda drawing eyes from the people on both sides of the street, they must have thought we were lovers out on the town.

She still wants to keep trying huh? I'll give her points for being stubborn.

We were approaching a T intersection and I saw a gold colored convertible. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was a Bentley, whoever that was had some serious money. Who was sitting in the driver's seat was an older man so I figured businessman and he wanted to use the car on probably the last somewhat decent day of the year as the sun was starting to make it a tad warmer. But it looked like he parked in a tow away zone as I saw several cops approach the car. At first I paid no mind, until the older guy leaned back and I saw his lady companion. My blood froze instantly.

Oh fuck.

"Damien? Everything alright?" Koko asked cautiously.

"Not in the least, we need to run, call Lehm." I said calm and fast.

I had kept an eye out all day but I had forgotten one of the most important things from my training. It didn't matter what it was, when you're almost done with a task the most preventable shit tends to happen and it can be life threatening if you're not careful. I then turned around to try and blend into the crowd but I then realized I was surrounded. A man grabbed Koko's phone out of her hand's.

"You're not calling anyone!"

I grabbed Koko's shoulder to get her behind my while reaching under my jacket to grab my .45 but then I had a sharp pain from the back of my left knee. I immediately had a dead leg and buckled down to the street and the thug in front of me booted me in the face. I then looked up to another thug with a nightstick and a third with Koko in a chokehold. The one with a nightstick then stomped on my gut while the one who booted me then pulled out a syringe and then got on top of me.

"Say goodbye Nightmare."

They must have wanted to take me down as fast as possible, so they cut a few corners it trying to kill me. He brought the syringe down but I had no real effective way to block it. Since he was either gonna hit my chest or neck I held my hand up and he hit that instead. The needle pierced through my hand but pain was the last thing I cared about. I grabbed his wrist with my free hand and used the leverage of my legs to toss him behind me with a reverse summersault throw with me landing on top of him. I then brought my knee down onto his neck, he let out a choking gurgle. The thug with the night stick then charged at me while swinging the nightstick down hoping to hit me in the head. But used my forearm to block the strike while pulling out my .45 and putting two rounds into his chest and putting one in the head of the bastard I was on top of. The shots then started causing panic among the crowd, I used that time to take the needle out of my hand but there was a very sharp pain in my left arm. The bastard definitely cracked it but I'd have to power through it. Koko was still in the grip of Hex's third goon and he was hunched down while holding her, I didn't have a clear shot.

"Let her go fuck face!"

The creep then chuckled. "Looks like we do this easy way."

I then heard more gunfire, this time it was automatic. Hex was shooting the cops around her car. But she wasn't aiming at me after that. In my tunnel vision of focusing on Koko, I didn't hear the black SUV screech to a halt next to us. I then turned to them but they already had the drop on me, two men armed with assault rifles came out of the driver and passenger doors. I then turned back to Koko, her face said it all, we were both about to die.

"I'm sorry Koko."

"Damien!" she said almost sobbing.

I shut my eyes hard and braced for the inevitable. But the fire that came was from much further out, followed by the shouts of two men being torn apart by bullets. Thinking quickly I turned back to the thug holding Koko pointing my gun at them both.

"KOKO!"

She then stomped on his foot and wrestled from his grip just enough to give me a headshot. It made its mark and Koko got out of his grip and ran to me. I then heard a familiar voice from behind us.

"DAMIEN! KOKO! GET OVER HERE!" R was pouring covering fire two cars down from where the SUV was and we bolted to him.

"Thanks man. You're a lifesaver…AW SHIT!" I gripped my arm in pain.

"You ok?" He asked handing me a backpack.

"I can still shoot, but we need to go now! It's her."

We then got hit with more automatic fire. There were two more shooting from the SUV. But as I was rummaging through R's pack I saw what I wanted to see, they wouldn't expect this. Making sure it was loaded, I flipped the safety off, took aim and fired.

THUWMP! BOOM!

The grenade hit its mark and the front of the SUV exploded. Hex's two goons caught in the blast of shrapnel.

"Nice."

It looked like fight was about to kick into high gear. But as I kneeled down to figure out a plan to run, R spoke up while looking at us apologetically.

"Koko, Damien, I need you both to listen to me. This whole time I've been working for Bookman, I'm a spy. And I am so sorry."

I couldn't even process what the fuck I just heard. The CIA was right next to me the whole time? I couldn't think of anything to say, Koko was no different, it looked like her world was crumbling apart.

"After I take out Hex I'll disappear, you'll never need to see or hear from me again. And Damien, I swear I didn't tell the CIA anything about you, not till much later. You're not the Nightmare they claim you to be, I know that for a fact."

Before I could respond we got hit with another barrage of gunfire. They were advancing on us, having no time to deal with the massive information dump that just landed on my head I then looked to Renato with the same trust we shared for the last year and both stood and returned fire at Hex's thugs. Koko shouting as we lit them up, agreeing with her completely.

"Damnit Hex. I'LL KILL YOU!"