Chapter 13. Ghost

Leon drummed his fingers over the countertop as he waited for the milk to boil. Ashley was smiling as she listened to music on her laptop, nodding her head along the tempo. He'd caught her stealing glances at him whenever she thought he wasn't looking. It made him smile, despite himself. After their second kiss – which she had initiated, they'd both been acting like a couple of goofy teenagers, and it hadn't improved with time. It wasn't a bad feeling. He sure didn't think he'd ever feel like this again, given his lifestyle, but here he was. All thanks to this girl.

He turned around and carried the steaming cups of hot chocolate over to the coffee table, handing one to Ashley. "Hmm, this smells delicious."

"What are you doing ?" He asked as he took a seat on the couch, glancing at her laptop without trying to pry.

"Oh, I'm looking at all the classes I missed. Luckily I can view some online, so I'm taking as many notes as I can." Classes. Right. Ashley was a college student, majoring in politics. With everything that had happened, Leon had completely forgotten.

"You want to be a politician ?" He had a hard time imagining that…but then again, she'd be one of the good ones.

She snorted, shaking her head. "I only took politics as my major because my mom convinced me to, and before I was kidnapped by Saddler, I pretty much did everything she wanted."

"What about your father ? Didn't he have anything to say about that ?"

She shook her head, her mouth pursing into a bitter line. "He was never around to notice and it didn't help when he became the president. His job meant he was always somewhere else in the country, and when we were together…well, I didn't want to ruin the moment by complaining."

"I'm sorry. I'm sure your father didn't mean to be away so much. But if there's anything I know – it's that he does care about you. When he gave me the mission to rescue you…he did it personally, not through someone else. He was really worried about you." Leon remembered that day like it was yesterday. It was his first time meeting the president, but all he had seen was a father frightened for his daughter's life.

"I know. Some things you can't help. It's just the way things are. I couldn't accept that, growing up, and a part of me hated him for never being home, but I understand now." She shrugged, and Leon knew she was thinking about their play to save the government – and the country, from Simmons and whoever else was involved, if he really had as much influence as Mr. Thompson suspected.

"Some things can be helped. Like that," He pointed toward her laptop. She gave him an inquisitive look. "When this is all over, you could change your major, pick something you actually want to study."

"Honestly, I don't know what interests me. I've been following my mom's lead my entire life…I never stopped to think about the things I wanted to do."

"Well, you'll have all the time in the world to change that."

"Will I ?" The space between her eyebrows creased. "I mean, time I have – but is it even possible for someone like me to have a normal life ? It wasn't normal to begin with, being the president's daughter, so what are the chances now with my mutation ?"

"It's true you might never lead an ordinary life like most people," The words stuck to his throat like glue on their way out, but there was no point in denying the truth. "But that doesn't mean it can't still be a good one."

"You're right."

"Besides…being the president's daughter also means you'll be able to loosen the D.S.O's leash on you."

"Leon !" She gasped in mock-surprise, feigning indignation. "Are you suggesting I use my father's status as leverage to get my way ?"

He smiled, both amused and glad that she was doing well enough to joke. "Yes and no. You should be the one to prove them that you're trustworthy…but if they ever get too overbearing, strict, then you should use whatever means at your disposal to get some breathing space." Ashley nodded, looking grim at the thought of her future. It wasn't what she deserved…but Leon would do his best to get it to her. A thought he kept to himself.

"What about you, though ? After you're…um, done being my bodyguard, what are you going to do ?"

He smirked at his charge. "Maybe I'll ask for a contract renewal."

She shoved at his shoulder, making him grin. "Shut up ! You're just saying that."

"No, I mean it. Being your bodyguard has helped me recuperate. I'm thankful for that. But…maybe it is time for me to don my agent shoes again." He said it in a joking manner, but…was it him, or had disappointment flashed in Ashley's eyes ?

"If that's what makes you happy. But be careful, okay ?"

"I'm not going anywhere just yet. But you know what would make me happy ?" She seemed surprised by his question, leaning forward with an eager expression. It was adorable.

"What ?"

"If you keep your end of the bargain."

A moment's pause passed. "My…what ? What bargain ?"

"The silver-lining. I want to know what it is." Her face instantly took a red sheen, and she averted her gaze – before bringing it around to throw him an accusatory look. "I thought we had a deal ! When this is all over, you tell me your secret and I'll tell you mine."

"Change of plans. I just told you mine."

"When did you…" Her voice trailed off, and Ashley looked at him without really seeing him. When her eyes focused again, she had taken an even brighter shade of red. "Oh. That was your secret ? That you're…that you feel…" She cleared her throat. "…you know what I mean."

He chuckled at the flustered state she was in. "Yeah. So it's your turn now."

"But wait. How do you owe the president, then ?"

"Because through him, I got to meet you."

"Oh…"She blinked. Leon's face was neutral, stoic, but inside his heart was pounding. "That's actually really sweet." Ashley smiled.

He arched a brow. "And corny."

She laughed, looking self-conscious. "Not like what I'm about to tell you…"

"Finally, the suspense is coming to a close." He grinned, obviously trying to help her relax. She sniped at his arm playfully. "You said your therapist told you to find a silver-lining, right ?" He asked.

"Yup. Basically see the light in all the trauma that was caused to me. And, well…you're it. You're the silver-lining, Leon." She flushed at the admission. "The positive thing that happened to me during those times."

"…because I saved you ?"

"Yes, but not only. You made me feel safe. You taught me to stand my ground even when I'm scared shitless, and you made me smile no matter how much the situation sucked. You…gave me a reason to fight." She paused. Lifting her eyes upward, clear and green, they connected with his – piercing right to his soul. "You still do."

Slowly, he leaned forward, until his cheek was almost brushing her face. Her lips parted at his approach. "You give me a reason to fight, too…" He whispered, and then his mouth was on hers. Immediately she wrapped her thin arms over his shoulders, and his hands found her waist.

He sucked in a breath when she suddenly climbed across his back, straddling him. Keeping an arm around him, her other hand slid from her neck to his chest, where his heart was beating up a storm. This time, their kiss was a hungry one, full of need and desperate passion. Reluctantly, Leon pulled away. "Sorry, did I…?"

"No, no, it's not that…" He quickly amended at Ashley's uncertain expression. He wanted nothing more than to keep her on his lap and continue making out with her, but..."But we do need to talk about Simmons."

"Damn, that's one hell of a mood-breaker," She joked while sliding off his lap, reclaiming the seat beside him. She reached for her mug again and sipped on the liquid chocolate, her lips a bright pink.

He chuckled. "Sorry, but I know you're gonna want to hear this."

"Okay…now you've piqued my interest. What is it ?"

Leon felt a sudden stab of guilt at what he was going to say. "I…had to leave you for a while, while you were in the simulations. I used the time as an opportunity to search Simmons' office."

Her eyes widened. "You did ? Oh, please tell me you found something to throw the sucker in a hole."

He almost smiled at her eagerness. "Not exactly. I went looking in Simmons' office and…something was off. I could barely find any files on anything – even you, which isn't normal if he's doing as much research on your mutation as he's claiming. It led me to suspect…what if Simmons isn't even a real scientist ? What if it's only a secret identity to hide who he really is ?"

"But why would he do that ? I mean, what's the point of pretending to be a scientist ? I feel like you'd get caught really easily if you didn't know anything."

Leon thought about this for a minute, scowling as the seconds passed. "Have we actually seen him do anything so far, though ?"

Shock spread over Ashley's face, along with disbelief. "He talks about stuff, but…no, actually. It's either Shepherd or Emily doing things. Shit. Leon, I think you might be right."

"Let's not jump to conclusions just yet, but assuming this theory is correct…the only way he'd be able to keep his cover-up would be if the people around helped him do it."

"You think those two are involved, then ?"

"Maybe…Emily said she'd cover for me while I left."

"Wait – like she actually knew what you were going to do ?"

He nodded. "And hear this; she's the one who gave me a map of the lab with Simmons' office circled. Looks like there's more to our scientist than we thought…"

"Maybe she noticed something wrong about Simmons'. She did give me strange vibes today…but how would she know about what we're doing – unless she doesn't, and she just gave you that map because she wants to put a stop to him !"

"It's possible. There are too many loose ends to make a firm decision, right now. But there is someone I can call to help us out."

"Who's that ?"

"Hunnigan. She's the one who operated from base to help me rescue you."

"Oh, then I'll have to thank her."

He smiled. "Don't worry, you'll get your chance. But for now…" He dialed her number and put the phone to his ear.

…

Ashley had gone into the bedroom to chat with this Hunnigan. She'd tried to eavesdrop at first, but quickly gave up on that. If there was anything to tell her, he would. Instead, her mind returned to the things they'd talked about. It seemed like they were just falling deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole – but instead of discovering Wonderland, they were discovering a world of conspiracies and lies.

Flashes of what had happened while in the simulations appeared in her head, and she screwed her eyes shut. Ashley had been doing so good so far. She didn't want to break down now, or anytime in the near future. She was done with that – done letting her enemies win by getting the better of her. She couldn't say she was quite happy about gradually getting desensitized to getting tortured, kidnapped, and generally enduring horrible things, but…she was tired of being the damsel in distress. Most importantly, she didn't want to be a burden on Leon, anymore.

Talking about the man, he stepped back into the living room, looking satisfied. "Good news ?" Ashley inquired, even though her eyes immediately zeroed in on his mouth – which reminded her of what they'd done just minutes ago…of what she'd so boldly initiated.

"Yeah. Hunnigan said she'd look into Simmons, see if she could scrape up anything suspicious about him. She's mighty good at what she does, so I'm hopeful."

"What about Ada ? Could we ask for her help ?"

"We could, if we knew how to contact her. She'll show up when she wants. Anyway, you and I have got plans for the day."

She straightened at his words. "Wait, what ? What plans ?"

He smiled ever-so-slightly, dangling his motorcycle keys. "Wanna go for a ride in the city ?"

Her heart thumped in anticipation, but she hesitated. "What if someone notices me, though ?"

"Just wear one of your hoodies, maybe a pair of glasses, and you'll be fine. Besides, it's getting dark so we'll use that to our advantage. So, what do you say ?" He extended a hand. "I promise I'll keep you safe."

She grinned at her bodyguard. "Never doubted you." She took his hand, and they were riding off into the night.

On the bike. Despite the day's events, Ashley had a hard time controlling the less reasonable parts of her body – like her very active hormones. She was still a girl, and ignoring the way her arms felt around Leon's waist, the broadness of his back as he drove, well, it was more than a little distracting after the subtle change in their relationship. After they'd kissed, not once but twice. Her mind was all over the place, but at least she was glad to be able to focus on something other than Simmons and his less than desirable methods.

Like the city lights. Even though it was full-on dark now, everything was lit up in some way. Stores that stayed open late, restaurants, lightbulbs hanging above the open streets…and it looked like Leon was taking her to the mall. The entire building was like a torch in the night, the signs blinking pink or neon, flashing ads and still buzzing with people even in the evening. "Thought we could get a bite in one of those fast food joints." He said as they got off the bike.

"Now you're speaking my language." She grinned, already salivating at the thought of some yummy grub. She didn't even care that it was unhealthy. What Simmons was doing to her was unhealthy – at least here she could enjoy herself.

As they walked toward the mall entrance, she adjusted the cap under her hood and, heart pounding, slipped her hand into Leon's. She caught just the smallest hint of surprise before his fingers tightened around hers.

They settled at an empty table at the Queen Burger. "I'll go order the food – you keep our spot warm, yeah ?"

She saluted him. "Aye, aye, Captain !" She watched him leave with a smile. She looked to the window beside her, wanting to adjust her bang, and just about screamed when red eyes stared back with her face. She clapped a hand across her mouth to prevent the gasp from slipping out; even as fear made her ears ring, she didn't want to cause a commotion. She didn't want Leon to notice.

She started trembling when the reflection waved all on its own, grinning wickedly. It was her. That thing was back – the thing she'd banished… Hello, me, it spoke in Ashley's head, removing any possibility that this could've been her imagination.

"You okay ?" She nearly jumped out of her skin. Leon was back already, looking down at her with a frown. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

She laughed humorlessly at the irony of it. "Well...kind of, yeah."

To be Continued...