Enemies in Disguise

“This must be it.” I pushed open the rusted metal door of the abandoned building where my employer had assigned me. From the outside, it appeared empty, with jagged holes punched out of the windows, molds embracing the cracked walls, and lights out that seemed to have gone off years ago. However, this place wasn’t abandoned at all. It was a hideout.I pressed onward, each of my senses on high alert as the profound silence of the empty space magnified every subtle sound. The cracked windows allowed the moonlight to filter in, casting eerie shadows and making the dust dance in the air with each of my careful steps. I know that any noise could reveal my presence to the men waiting in the dark.Until, a faint creak echoed from the far eastern corner. My heart raced as my fingers instinctively tightened around the cold metal of the gun concealed within my coat. They already know I’m here.A grin tugged at my lips.Wow, a welcoming party just for me? How thoughtful.The first man lunges to

“So, how are you going to contribute to the team?” Across the table, two people stared at me. Mrs. Poppins, with her blonde bob and thick red glasses, is in charge of asking questions. She had the presence of judging you from how you breathed and sat. Beside her is an intern, a young man, probably a senior college student, with fierce determination in his eyes, who aggressively writes down notes as if his entire future depends on them.It’s been about twenty minutes since the interview started, though it felt longer. The necktie around my throat grew tighter with each passing second, and the polished black shoes squeezed my toes like they were being punished.I hate the feeling of it. This feels like torture compared to my loose shirt and leather jackets that allow me to move freely and fight faster. Not to mention, it doesn’t cling tight to my skin and make me sweat like I’m in an incubator.“Simple. I eliminate problems.” I shrugged, crossing one leg over the other like I owned the

“She’s playing disguise, Russo. Same as you.”The handler’s words haunted me through the entire day. Today’s work involved fixing minor errors in the system and organizing the company’s site. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t shake his words. The easier the task, the louder they echoed in my head.Since my station is in the back corner, it sits across from Isabella’s office. She has a separate room for herself that’s made with glass. From here, I could see her every move, from how she professionally picks up the phone without losing focus on her monitor, fixes her hair before typing at her keyboard, and motions to her secretary to make her coffee.It was no wonder why the entire department admired her. She was efficient and effortless. I was still studying her when a folded paper slid across my desk. I glanced up. A woman from Team A walked past me, angelic in looks with golden hair and wide, doll-like eyes. She turned back and winked at me before proceeding to her seat.I unfolded the not

Without any words, we both let our weapons fall and catch our breath. Isabella loosened her grip and lay down next to me. For a moment, we both had escaped death because of a baby’s cry.“Saved by an angel’s cry,” Isabella murmured. She got up first and dusted off her clothes clean before extending a hand toward me. “I guess we have to call this another draw.”I looked at her, searching for any little tricks she had on her sleeves. When I found nothing, except how her eyes now softened out of concern, I finally accepted her hand and let her pull me out of my feet.The cries turned from desperation to fragile whimpers as we went to my doorstep. All those wailing probably made the baby tired and dehydrated. There, a baby wrapped in a pink, thick blanket just lying there alone. Isabella was the first one to move. She crouched down and gently lifted the baby up. “Who would leave a baby in that state?” I broke the silence. The baby finally calmed down as Isabella rocked her in her arms

“Now, let’s get on with round two.” The leader pulled out a cigarette from his pocket. Isabella managed to elude from the man’s grip by twisting and staggered back to catch her breath. She bolted to my side, chest heaving with each breath. “You okay?” I asked, not daring to break my stare from the enemies closing in.“Better than ever.” Her breathing steadied as she tied her loose hair into a high ponytail, exposing the curve of her neck. Her aura completely changed to something far more stronger… and deadlier. Even the men before us froze, as if they too, could sense the beast Isabella had been holding back. And damn, it’s turning me on. She brought out two fresh daggers from her coat and turned to me. “I hope you saved enough bullets to take these giants down.”“Of course, sweetheart.” I twirled both of my guns the same way she does at her daggers. The first man charged with all his might, swinging his fist overhead. I ducked, cold air breezed over my ear with the speed and s