Chapter 3

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 3 •

"You look terrible today," turning my head to the right to see Sabina grinning. I rolled my eyes and raised an eyebrow at her. I haven't gotten any sleep in days because I've been concentrating on my grandfather's murder case while resuming my training.

"Uno, you should rest and sleep."

"I'm okay," I said, staring at Quatro, Singko, and Sais as they ran to the field. We've been preparing for the missions last week. Since we're back on the missions, my Uncle has ordered that we train again.

"What made you leave that night after mission 00923821L?" Hearing her ask, my body froze for a split second. I let out a sigh and kept silent. Remembering what happened on that mission gives me nightmares.

"You walked away without saying anything." I did leave that night, which I regret because maybe if I stayed and stopped being selfish. Maybe my grandfather would be still alive right now, but I've turned into a coward. I feel a sharp pain in my chest, making me want to escape once again.

"Fine, but don't do anything stupid," I said. I feel my blood pressure rises at the sight of him. I'm wondering if Grandpa is aware of this. 

"You don't have to be harsh, I'm on your side," he chuckled. I ignored him and continued to unlock the doors. This corridor has a lot of white doors, but it's all vacant.

"The way you stare at me can kill me in seconds," he said once again. I breathe deeply and turn to face him.

"Hey! hey! don't aim that at me! I can arrest you for that!" he cried. As I face him, I point the gun at his head. He looked stunned and shocked, which made me smile in my head. What a cry baby…

"My eyes cannot murder you, but my gun can," I replied coldly. I can see his adams apple moving up and down as he gulps.

He surrendered by raising his hands and nodding at me. I give him a smirk before going away. He's had a lot of fun pissing me off since he choked me earlier, so it's only fair.

"Put me down! Put me down! Help me!"

I swiftly change my sight to the end of the corridor and glance at Z, who is also searching for the source of the voice.

I moved my body and drew my gun, but when I looked around, he was still standing there. In a moment, he appeared startled and white. Is he afraid? There isn't time for it! The sound of footsteps is getting closer. I close the gap between us and open the door on my right.

"Please help me; I need to get home!"

"Shut up! You're not going to make it home alive!"

As I heard the child's wail, I closed my eyes. What in the world is going on?

The footsteps and voice vanish in a split second. When I felt someone poke my cheeks, I opened my eyes.

My eyes widened when I look at Z staring at me already with serious eyes. I realized our position and pushed him!  What the heck! I shift my sight away. For God's sake, I can feel my cheeks becoming red! We're pinned at the corner of the wall, and I'm standing in front of him, my hands covering his lips. We’re so close together!

"Jeez! What the heck!" he said, turning my cheeks bright red. I rolled my eyes and handed him my hands.

"You pushed me and rolled your eyes?" he asks, but when I glance at him again, my forehead crosses, and his eyes are amused.

"You deserve it! The mission might have failed because you're a moron for not moving and being aware!" I yelled at him.

His gaze shifted away, and he became pale once again. What's the matter with him?

"I-I'm sorry," he said, his face flushed with embarrassment and anguish. But it went fast, and his eyes became frigid as he stared at me again.

"Do you think your apologies would suffice if those kids died?"

"No, trust me, I'm sorry," he said.

"I don't trust anyone."---

"Agent Uno, are you listening?" I snapped back to reality when I heard one of the agents in front of me speak.

"No, what is it again?" I inquire. She look pissed because of what I’ve said but  Singko laughed and shook his head at me. I didn't realize my team had already completed their run on the field. I look at Sabina, who appears to be about to burst out laughing.

"Uno is thinking about the policeman again—shut up," I say, cutting him short and giving him a dagger look. I'm not dreaming!

"Mr. Davidson has arranged a meeting with your team in his office right now."

I gave her a nod. She walks away with a forced smile but you can see how pissed she was. I didn’t mean to piss her off. What does my uncle want this time? He has been bothering me and my team for the past few weeks. I argued, but he stated he simply wants to focus on us.

"Can we have lunch before we go to the old man's office? I'm starving!" Khalil asks.

"No, dumbass, didn't you hear it? Old guy wants us to come to his office right now," Sabina said. Khalil pouted and complained once again. It's twelve o'clock and it's officially lunchtime. They've been running and training since six o'clock in the morning.

"Please, Anastasia, let's eat first," Khalil begged.

"We'll eat later," I said as I stood up to walk.

"This will weaken my attractiveness!" I ignore him and continue going. I heard the others grumble as well, but I need to finish this meeting first so they may rest.

"What do you want this time?" I said as soon as I opened the door to my uncle's office.

He appeared surprised, but his expression was blank. Impressive. He can imitate Grandpa's facial expression.

"I'm sure you know how to knock first, my wonderful niece," he continued, oblivious to what I'd said. I gave him a sly smirk.

"Old guy, can you make it fast? I'm extremely hungry!" Khalil said. "I know, don't worry, I ordered my secretary to get you lunch," Uncle said.

"So, what do you want?" Primo inquired this time.

Uncle faked to cough before motioning for us to sit. We shift our feet on the seats in front of him.

"It's about Mission xxx," he said, causing me to freeze in my seat. This is Grandpa's case.

"W-what about it?" Fayre inquires. You can hear hope in her voice but everyone stayed silent.

"We already know who the last person he saw before he died." Nobody dared to move or speak. My body feels paralyzed. My organs feel like they're about to burst, and the air gets very frigid.

"These are the data we acquired; I want you to concentrate on this assignment and be prepared. I want you to find my father's killer," he continued, staring me in the eyes.

He handed the folder to me, but I didn't dare to move. Sabina's hand moved to reach my uncle's hand.

"We won't fail you," I murmured as I closed my hand. He was stunned by what I had said, but he forced a smile and nodded.

"Good. However, before anything else, you will have one additional agent on your team."

“What?!” We shouted in unison.

My eyes widened in disbelief. There's no way!

"No fucking way," I retorted angrily

"You have no choice, Anastasia," he said, returning to his chair and tangling his hands together.

"You know you have no power over my team! That was grandfather's order!"

"I know but I am trying to help you” He calmly answered.

I look around at my team, who are now staring at me with shock and grief in their eyes. They avert their gaze and remain silent. I shut my fist and return my gaze to my uncle.

"I know this is difficult for all of you after Tres disappears, but this will help you—" He was interrupted shortly by a knock on the door and opened it.

I keep my attention fixed on my uncle. When he saw who was knocking on the door behind me, he smiled.

"Good morning, Mr. Davidson, Agent, Zacharyx Miller reporting to duty."

My body froze. No way, that voice...