.o London o.
Zach POV
I paced in the hotel room Joe and I were staying in, the stupid note looking up at me from the table. The note had appeared on the mat in front of the door of the hotel room. The security caught nothing of how it got there though. Zachy, the envelope said, in a penmanship, I didn't know- I hated that name. Who would call me Zachy now? The only person who used to is dead. My mother destroyed herself with Gallagher. And the only one who knew she called me that was- Could it be? No. No, she's dead. Catherine said she was taken, and there is no way they let her live after what she did. We did.
She was caught because of you- a voice in my head said. No. She made her choices. She decided what she wanted to do. It was not my fault. Besides, I had looked. I had searched everywhere. I would have found her if she were alive.
But then again, there was that last line. Oh, and have you heard about that crazy breakout at Youngblood? Tell Cammie I say hello.
This gave me the most worry out of the entire note. I had heard about the attack. I hadn't given it my full intention until now though. After I had read the note, I looked into the breakout. It was strange how little information I found. But the details I did find were scary.
If who was broken out is who I think they were, the President's daughter was in more danger than anyone thought. But who broke them out? Who would know them and help them? There was no one left. Unless- No. I would have found her if she were alive.
As much as that bothered me, there was also the fact they mentioned Cammie. Why would they mention Cammie?
I told Joe all my theories. He understood my worries and agreed that there was no reason to worry everyone about a crazy ghost from the past, or to start worrying about Cammie- she could take care of herself. I just couldn't shake the feelings of anxiety that had curled into a knot in my stomach. I had been searching for weeks for something that might tell me who was behind this. Now that I actually had an idea, I almost wish I didn't know anything. Ignorance is bliss after all.
I tore off the bottom of the note and put it in my pocket. I was confused. But I knew one thing for certain. We needed to get to London.
Bianca POV
I was so excited! This was it! It was the day we were going to London!
The day started at six A.M. Macey and Tina had just finished overlooking all the security to the airport when I finished getting ready. I said a quick goodbye to my parents. (Not that they really cared. I'm pretty sure they were glad they wouldn't have to put up with me for the next week.) Then we were off to the airport.
We rode in a limo to the airport. Macey was riding with me, Tina was in the car behind us and other Secret Service guys were in the cars in front of us. It was a fun ride. Well, as fun as going over security plans with Macey is.
The security when we got to the airport was boring as always though; Because Macey wasn't in control of that. But soon we were on the private jet and flying across the Atlantic.
I passed the ten hours in different ways. I read a bit, listened to my favorite bands for a while, watched a movie, and talked to Macey and Tina a lot.
"So what did you want to do in London, Bianca?" Tina asked.
"Well, I've always wanted to ride on the London Eye," I answered. "I saw it when I was little and have wanted to ride it since. I've also always wanted to see Buckingham Palace, and some of the art museums, and well, just go there." I said. All of that was true, but not the full reason for wanting to go.
Tina nodded, "I get it. You've always heard about it and wanted to go."
"Yeah."
"Oh, is that all?" Macey asked, smirking.
"Uh-"
"Or is it also that you've always wanted to know what it would be like to be a whole continent away from your parents?" continued Macey. Ugh, she always knew.
I nodded. She didn't say anything else about it.
Later I took a nap. When I woke up Tina was on the phone and I couldn't see Macey. I lay still and listened to Tina on the phone; it seemed like it was important.
"Alright,- we should be landing in forty-five minutes- no- well tell him no- ugh, I know, I know- but- uh huh- greeaaat, what- but I thought you were- fine fine, Macey won't like it- alright, - wait, who's there?- uh huh, why?- alright, I'll tell Macey- see you then," she hung up, then pressed the button that called to the pilot, "Macey, I need to talk to you- oh, and Bianca's awake."
Woah, she knew I was awake? I didn't even move or open my eyes! Okay, they are awesome.
I wondered who Tina was talking to. It sounded important. Macey came out of the cockpit. Wait, what was she doing in there? Can she fly a plane? It wouldn't surprise me too much.
While Macey and Tina talked, I went to the window and looked at the ground beneath us. It was so cool. I could see buildings made of stone and cobblestone streets, but we were up so high, they looked like a Lego toy set.
I had time to think while I was looking through, which I was trying to avoid. If I was alone for too long, I would start freaking myself out about the crazy attack a few weeks ago. I tried not to think or talk about it. Tina had tried to ask me about it, but Macey had shut her down. But, I knew there was a reason for all the extra security. Someone was after me; some crazy person thought it would be fun to attack the President's daughter. Why would- No. Stop it, Bianca. I told Myself. Macey won't let anything happen to you.
I snapped out of the freaky thoughts and looked out the window again. As I was looking, I could hear Macey and Tina's conversation across the plane. They seemed upset about something.
"Why would they need to come? Did they find something?" Macey asked.
"She didn't say, but there's been a change in the lineup," Tina said.
"What? Where? We agreed-"
"It wasn't her decision," Tina said.
Macey groaned. "Ugh. Fine."
I think they said something else, but I couldn't understand it. It sounded like Chinese. They speak Chinese? They came back and Macey sat next to me.
"So we're going to land in a few minutes. Then we're going to go to the hotel for today; we'll do what you want tomorrow, alright?" She said. She phrased it like a question, but I knew I had no say in it.
"Alright," I said. Just then the pilot's voice came over the speaker.
"Alright, we are beginning our descent. Please remain seated and buckled up."
After we landed, we were met with a group of MI6 agents. As we walked to the cars, they stayed in perfect formation around us. When we got to the cars, someone stepped out of the formation. I turned and saw a stern looking man, with black hair, and professional looking posture stepping towards Macey. He looked like every other 'professional security agent' I've ever had. Well, I guess there was something different about him, but I couldn't place it.
I disliked him instantly.
"Miss McHenry, Miss Walters," the man greeted stiffly.
"Why couldn't -" Macey was cut off by Tina. She didn't seem too upset about it though- I'd noticed it happened a lot.
"Agent Townsend, it is good to see you. How-"
"Now is not the time for an interview, Miss Walters," Agent Townsend said curtly. Then he finally turned to me, "Miss Davis, I am here to-"
"To ensure my safety and help me have the safest possible trip- blah blah- protect me from crazy bomber guys- blah blah blah- I've heard it all before," I muttered. I couldn't stand that speech. Every guard ever feels the need to say it.
Agent Townsend looked like I almost surprised him- almost. A second later his stern mask was back onto place. He sighed, shaking his head. "I can see you are her guard," he said to Macey. "The only one who would be worse would be Agent Cameron."
"Who?" I didn't know who he was talking about, but Tina seemed to.
"Oh!" Tina burst, "How are you and-"
"Miss Walters, I believe I said this is not the best place for an interview. We must get Miss Davis to the hotel." Agent Townsend said. He turned and got into the driver's seat of the car.
I turned in time to see Macey rolling her eyes. "C'mon, Bianca. Don't worry, he gets easier to be around after a while."
"You know him?"
She nodded, "Don't ask."
When we got to the hotel, we were met with more MI6 agents, but Macey and Tina seemed more excited about something. Then they both put their hands to their ears and grinned.
"Come on, Bianca," Macey said, leading me through the agents to the elevator. When we got to the twentieth floor, Macey and Tina grinned. I couldn't see anything to grin about though. I looked around, then jumped when I saw a girl appear seemingly out of nowhere. She looked the same age as Macey and Tina- how many young agents are there?
The girl had cappuccino colored skin, dark hair, and eyes the color of caramel. She looked like an exotic supermodel.
"Hello, Bianca," the girl said. Whoa, she had a perfect American accent. I thought she was MI6.
Then there was a squeal. The new girl was attacked in a hug from Tina. "Bex! Oh, gosh, it's been forever! How are you? What have you been doing? How's-"
"Tina!" Macey said, "Let her breathe."
"Right, right, sorry."
"It's good to see you again, Tina," the new girl- Bex apparently- said.
Then Bex turned to Macey and gave her a hug. "It's been too bloody long, Macey!"
"I know, Bex." Then Macey turned to me. "Bianca, this is my friend Rebecca-" she dodged a hit from the girl- "Baxter."
"Ha. Ha.- call me Bex," she said, glaring at Macey.
"Hi, Bex," I said. I liked this girl. She seemed cool, like Macey. Plus, it seemed like Macey and Bex were good friends. I wonder where they met- wait, could they be friends from school like Tina? If they were that would be three people from Gallagher that are spies. How did they train if they were at boarding school, unless - no that would be crazy? Besides, I'm just assuming Bex went to Gallagher.
Bex led us to our suite. It turns out Macey, Tina and Bex were going to be rooming with me. When we opened the door, I was surprised to see two guys in our room. One was older, about Agent Townsend's age. The other looked Macey and Bex's age. I seemed to be the only one surprised to see them though. Gosh, how many security agents do I need? Am I in that much danger? Don't think about that.
"Hey, Zach, long time no see," Macey said, walking in.
The younger boy looked up from- assembling the outlet? "Hey, Macey, Tina."
"Hi, Zach. How have you been? Any leads on-"
"Tina," said the older man. Tina nodded.
After I thought about it, I remembered seeing Macey talking to this man before. I had never met him though. No one seemed to be taking a lot of notice of me, so I started backing away.
"Where do you think you're going?" I heard Macey and Bex say together. I turned back around to see everyone staring at me.
"Uh-"
Macey chuckled.
Bex pointed at the two guys. "Bianca, this is Joe Solomon and Zach Goode," Bex said. "They were just doing a bug sweep."
I nodded and waved. "Hi."
"Hello, Bianca," said Mr. Solomon. Zach just nodded and stared at me. He seemed worried about something- more than everyone else. I wondered why he was there. He didn't seem like my normal guards.
"Joe is Bianca's room cleared?" Bex asked.
Joe Solomon nodded, "Yes, it's clear."
"Bianca, why don't you start unpacking? We'll be there in a minute," Macey said.
"Okay," I said. Great, a 'grown-up' talk, and I hated unpacking as much as packing!
"We'll help in a second. We just need to talk about some spy stuff- security details, very boring," Bex said, she had a thick British accent now. Huh.
"Alright," I said. Sure, 'boring spy stuff' yeah right. But I left; I didn't want to hear all about potential threats to my life- stop thinking like that! I went into my room in the suit. It was amazing. I large bed against the far wall, a tv was on the left wall. There were beautiful purple and green blankets and curtains- my two favorite colors! The dresser was black, like the bedpost and the floor had this cool black and green rug. I started unpacking for a few minutes. One stupid suitcase refused to open! After about fifteen minutes, I got bored. There was no music, and I normally had music when I was bored. I decided to go ask Macey where my iPod player was.
As I got closer to the door, I stopped because I heard them talking. But again, I couldn't understand a word anyone was saying. They were talking in some language I had never heard. They seemed to be agitated about something- or maybe that was just how the language sounded.
I waited for a few more minutes, then finally they stopped talking. A minute later, Macey, Tina, and Bex opened the door.
"Is everything alright?" I asked.
"Oh yeah," Bex answered, "Everything's bloody brilliant!"
"Oh, okay. Macey, I can't find my iPod player!"
Macey POV
"Bianca, why don't you start unpacking? We'll be there in a minute," I said. We needed to talk to Zach and Joe. They must have found a lead if they are here. They were not part of the plan.
Bianca's face dropped, "Okay," she said.
"We'll help in a second. We just need to talk some spy stuff- security details, very boring," Bex said in her normal accent. I rolled my eyes.
Bianca went to her room and closed the door. I hoped she was okay. She had been avoiding talking about the attack. Not that I wanted her to think about it a lot- I just didn't want her to be worrying and not tell me. But, right now I had bigger problems.
I turned to Bex. "Boring spy stuff? Really?"
Bex snorted, "Yeah, I-"
"I believe we have matters to talk about," Mr. Solomon interrupted.
"Joe's right," Zach said. "This was delivered to our hotel room anonymously yesterday." He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and placed it on the table.
I leaned over, with Bex and Tina to read it. It seemed like a normal notebook page with red ink writing on it. The penmanship was one I didn't know.
Really, Zachy? I'm disappointed you haven't figured it out yet; you used to be so clever. Oh well. Guess you won't be able to stop the attack in London. Too bad, I was hoping you would find me. See you as soon as you do.
The bottom of the page was torn off. I wonder if the writer did that or Zach. I read it over three times. Then it was snatched off the table by Tina.
"Zachy? Who would call you Zachy?"
We all looked to Zach. He shook his head and muttered, "No one." Watching his face I noticed that he kept his expression completely blank. Was he lying? Why would he be lying?
"Well, whoever they are, we are not letting anyone attack Bianca," Bex said, crossing her arms.
I heard a bang from Bianca's room. Bex walked over and looked around the room quickly. She closed the door again and shook her head, "She's just mad at a suitcase."
I nodded, thinking of the times I've caught Bianca listening in. I switched to Swahili, "Alright, lakini nini sisi kwenda kufanya kuhusu hili mshambuliaji siri?" I asked. We needed to have a plan.
"Vizuri, je, sisi kujua? Zach je, una wazo lolote nani huyu ni nani?" Tina asked. Though why I don't know. If Zach had any idea of who this was, he would have said so- right? No one asked why I had suddenly switched languages.
Zach shook his head. Though he still didn't meet anyone's eyes but Joe's.
"Well, we need to put additional monitoring on Bianca. And ensure this 'attack' it will never happen," Bex said in Swahili. I agreed- we will need to keep a very close watch on anything suspicious and keep someone with Bianca at all times. She may not like it, though.
"Joe and I will stick around here and help provide additional surveillance, but I'm going to keep looking for any more leads too," Zach said, continuing the Swahili. We all nodded. It was good to know that they were staying to help, but also nerve-wracking they had to keep looking here now.
We discussed the new schedule that Townsend had made to include Zach and Joe. Then Zach left with Mr. Solomon. After they left, Bex, Tina, and I went to help Bianca, who I knew was probably going mad with boredom.
"Is everything alright?" she asked when we came in.
Bex was the first to answer, "Oh yeah. Everything's bloody brilliant!"
"Oh okay." Bianca said, then she turned to me, "Macey, I can't find my iPod player!"
I laughed, "Come here; it's right in there," I said, opening a suitcase in the corner.
The rest of the day was spent unpacking and Bianca getting to know Bex. She seemed to like her. Later, Tina pulled me aside while Bex was teaching Bianca British phrases and how to speak with a British accent.
"Did you notice the way Zach was acting?" Tina whispered.
"Yeah," I nodded, "I think he knows more than he's saying."
"He's been acting weird since he found out about the breakout at Youngblood," Tina said.
"Do you think he knows the girls who escaped?" I asked.
"I don't know, but the way he and Mr. Solomon were looking at each other makes me think they both know more than they're saying."
I thought about this. "Well," I said finally, "If they do, they must not be telling us for a reason. I don't believe they would keep anything we really needed to know a secret."
Tina nodded. "Okay, I just don't like not knowing something."
I snorted, "I know. But you know we have to be 'need to know only' people."
She sighed, "I know."
Bex POV
It was good to see Macey and Tina again. I hadn't seen Macey since my birthday in April. Bianca seemed like a cool girl too.
Three days after they came to London, everything was going to plan. Bianca had been able to visit the London Eye like she wanted on her birthday, and she got to go to some cool art museums. That day we were visiting the Tower of London. Turns out, as much as she acted like this girl who finds things like history, art, and governments boring, Bianca is really enjoying all the stuff she's seen and I had been telling her.
We were walking around the tower. Bianca was with me, Macey was tailing us, and Tina was in front of all of us. Agent Townsend was watching all the transportation routes within half a mile from the bridge. Zach and Joe were tailing us and roaming around here somewhere. Then there were all the other MI6 and CIA agents scattered around us. Bianca was well protected.
Zach still seemed to be acting strangely. I just knew he was not telling us something. I just didn't know what- or why.
It was getting dark and we were getting ready to head back to the hotel. I saw the woman, by the coffee stand holding two cups- the signal that it was all clear to move. I nodded and continued to answer Bianca's questions.
"So they say if the ravens leave, London will fall?" Bianca was asking.
"Yup, they even clip their wings so they can't fly away."
Everything seemed to be going according to plan. Until...
"Peacock, Duchess, I have suspicious movement on the bridge," I heard Townsend's voice in my ear. I changed Bianca and my course instantly. I started leading her toward the safety of the tower.
"Copy that, Capricorn. Miss Know It All, what is your position?" I heard Macey ask.
"East alley- Nightingale would be clear here. Wise Guy, what's your position?"
"I'm investigating the bridge, Shadow will be there with the car in less than two minutes," I heard Joe's reply.
Everyone continued there course. Then we all heard something that sent a panic through us all. A small, strange girl's voice giggled, "That's all we need."
Instantly all of us tensed and moved with a new urgency. Someone was in our comms. How was that possible? Someone knew what we were going to do. MI6 and CIA agents swarmed out of the crowd, looking for the threat. I saw Macey break ranks to run towards me and Bianca. As I rushed her to the tower, Bianca panicked. "What's going on? Macey!"
No one talked on the comms; we couldn't risk anything. Suddenly there was a muffled cry, then nothing but static in my ear. A gunshot rang out, and all the lights went out.
"Macey!"
I warned Bianca to be quiet. Tourist screamed and ran around panicking. I was hit by a sense deja vu. Memories of when I was seventeen and Cammie was staying with my family for protection flashed through my mind. Another shot rang out. I remembered watching as my parents corner Joe Solomon on the bridge. I grabbed Bianca's hand tighter and pulled her closer to the tower. The emergency lights flashed on. Then I heard another shot and saw the bullet hit the ground two feet in front of me. I pulled Bianca to the right. Macey was ten feet behind us. Another bullet hit the ground two meters in front her. She swerved, rolled, jumped back up and grabbed Bianca's other hand.
We ran through the screaming tourists. Another gunshot hit the ground behind us. I could tell Bianca was going into shock. Once we got to the street, we saw a car speeding towards us. Zach stopped in front of us, and we shoved Bianca into the car, jumping in after her.
"Drive!" Macey and I yelled. We ripped out our comms and threw them out of the car; who knows if they were tracking us.
"What's going on?" Bianca yelled. "Where are they? Who are they?" She sounded like she was about to cry.
"Bianca, it's going to be alright, okay! You're going to be fine!" Macey said as I gave Zach directions on where to go. No one said anything else until we swerved through a tunnel and drove straight at a wall.
"You're driving into a wall!" Bianca screamed.
But in a few seconds, we were entering a wide station, filled with other cars, steel staircases, and swarming MI6 agents. As we got out of the car, I heard Bianca ask Macey where we were.
"Bex?" Macey asked.
I turned and said, "Baring Cross Station. You're safe here, Bianca."