I took the stairs two at a time as i tried to control my anger, it was burning a hole in my chest and I had just done the unthinkable, I had just assaulted a member of my team!
I paced on the landing outside the corridor for a moment trying to breath again, getting my words into order for what i was going to ask - what i know was going to have to happen. I didn't want it to come to this, to have to leave them so suddenly, without a clue about what was going on and where i was. I managed to suck in some deep breaths and made my way through the secure door system and along the corridor to where our Chief's office was based on the top level; his assistant was away from his desk and I nodded to the others passing by the office entrance - it was now or never.
"Okay Mackenzie - you can do this!" i whispered to myself.
I had barely knocked on the door and a voice called me in, I entered and took a deep breath as I nodded to him.
"Constable Fraser – wonderful to see you again!" he said smiling.
"You too Sir - but unfortunately I am here to ask for time off; I just had to tell them about my past and training and I assaulted my team leader. I wish to be removed from active duty for a month and if things have settled down then with permission I will return as agreed with our superiors."
He looked at me and sat on his desk while crossing his arms; he had been briefed about my training background and had no issues with it as it supported the application – he was thankful that I had been honest from day one and it was still stinging to hear Ed accuse me of lying.
"Where are you going? I am aware of the letter the MOD sent you, JTF2 received one as well and have support on standby if required – Toth can't touch you or the teams if that's what is causing you grief!"
"Sir, I can't thank you and everyone enough for the support you have shown me – but I have a target on my back and it needs dealt with sooner than later. A month is all I need, I will use all my holidays if needed to cover and will submit to anything you want once I am back." I replied.
"I know you would Mackenzie, but are you sure this is neccessary? This is the last step protocol for you and it puts you straight back into hell; I don't want you to run if there is another option!" he said gently, taking in my pale skin.
"He'll use everything and everyone against me, his hate is that focused - I will not take the chance with their lives!" I replied.
He looked at me for a long moment then nodded; he made a quick call and handed me a piece of paper with an address on it; he put his hands on my shoulder and squeezed gently – he was worried.
"Be careful, for the love of everything holy, please be careful!" he whispered as i nodded.
"Shall I tell your team? What about Spike?" he whispered.
"No – it will be easier on them to just believe I left on temporary duty assignment and if anything did happen – well the army can deal with that." I replied.
I got a quick hug from Halloran and headed down the backstairs to the female change rooms, I could hear the others look for me and I quickly grabbed my bag and headed back through the concealed corridor. Shoving on my jacket I grabbed the keys and made a dash for the car and sped up the road seconds later.
An hour later the whole place had been searched and Parker was talking to Spike who was trying the GPS marker again; Ed was nursing one of the sorest noses he had ever had and Sam was pacing again in the room. Wordy had been called in by Parker and entered the room with a face like thunder – I always got on with Wordy and being the adopted baby sister along with Jules, he was very protective of his family. He walked over to Ed and slammed him against the back of the chair as he glared at him.
"What the hell did you do to her? She's run because of you!" he yelled.
"She ran because she was scared and didn't want us hurt Wordy!" Parker replied pulling the two men apart.
Wordy looked at Parker and shrugged as if saying 'what the hell you talking about?' Parker pointed to a seat and pushed the man into it.
"Sam – time for the full story!" he demanded while closing the doors again.
I had parked up nearly three hours later at the address Halloran gave me; it was the pre-arranged drop address if this issue ever arose and I had just left my team behind and drove through some of the worst weather on the planet to get to this area. I got out of the car and felt like I was under immediate threat within seconds, I dropped behind the car and pulled out my firearm – standing up I faced two men fully armed and aimed in my direction.
"O'Brian if that is you then I'm going to be really happy to see you!" I hissed over the adrenaline rush.
The man looked at me then slowly lowered his weapon in surprise, I am pretty sure I was the last person he expected to see again.
"Mackenzie – what the hell are you doing here?" he demanded.
I looked at him and sagged slightly, I was exhausted from the lack of sleep and workouts over the last week and I huffed out the adrenaline.
"I'm marked and need help – I'm heading back to the sand tomorrow and could use a hand to go after the men before they are deployed or go outlaw on my ass – you up for sunny climes?"
He looked at his partner and then me; making a quick call he gave me another address to drive us to and told me to explain everything that had happened over the last few months. A few minutes later after they grabbed their gear, we skidded out of the wooded path and back onto the highway – I looked in the back mirror and after willing the tears not to fall I hit the accelerator and settled for a long journey.