Three Days.

Japheth 

“A million dollars!?” I asked in sheer shock, not wanting to believe what I just heard but Captain nodded to prove that I didn't hear him wrong.

“This mission is a matter of national security. Which is why we're sending you because you've always kept a low profile.” He replied and I tsked softly.

Low profile? What does he expect of a low-life constable?

“So, what you're trying to say is, I get to travel to California, get a new life and identity, which includes a new house and car, and then I still get a million dollars?” I asked to be sure I wasn't dreaming or tweaking and when Captain nodded with a smile on his lips, I nearly punched the air in excitement.

“But—”

Of course, there's always a but.

“You only get half the payment now. You'll use that to take care of yourself for the next six months. Once you complete the mission, the rest will be yours.” He explained and I nodded in understanding.

“So, I have six months to complete this mission?”

“This is why I like you, Jared. You're so smart.” He said in satisfaction and I scoffed lightly, not wanting to admit that I was a sucker for compliments.

“What now?” I asked and he clicked his fingers before gesturing for me to come over to his table.

“This is your new identity. Japheth Wilson.” He pointed to his computer and my face scrunched into a frown.

“Why Japheth? You could have chosen a better name—”

“Are you arguing with the higher-ups now?” He asked in annoyance and I immediately mimicked zipping my lips. “Everything about your new identity is in here. I've sent it to you. Take your time and go through it, study every detail so you don't mess up. You'll be a professor at the university where the suspect studies. You've always been good at teaching anyway so this should be a piece of cake for you.” 

I let out a sigh, feeling slightly overwhelmed but I knew that this mission held excitement that I couldn't just let go of.

“Alright, Captain. Thank you for entrusting me with this mission.” Even though he had almost given it to someone else. Such a two-faced man. “When do I leave for California?”

“By Monday. Here,” He took out a big file from his drawer and my lips thinned into a small line. Why didn't he just give me everything at once?

“This contains your new identity passport, ID card, everything you might need as Japheth the professor.” He said and handed me the file while I nodded in response. “The whole nation is putting their trust in you. Don't let us down.”

Monday. Three days. Three days until my life changes. Until I take on a new identity.

And I would give it my all.

“Yes, Sir!”

**************************

Three days had passed, slowly at first, then like a flash. I had spent every hour researching on the Martinez’. I avoided my family as much as I could but Jackson remained a huge thorn in my flesh. When I packed the few things I needed from the house, he had mocked me, telling me that I couldn't run away from him.

Like hell, I was running away. None of them knew of this mission. None of them even knew where I was headed or why I was leaving. My stepmom had a look of satisfaction on her face when I dragged my small suitcase out. My Dad? He didn't even acknowledge my presence.

I could tell Jackson was curious with the way he followed me around until I got into my pickup car. Shifting the gear into reverse mode, I nearly let out a yelp when I saw Jackson right beside the window.

“Tell me the truth. Who are you going to live with? Do I trouble you that much?” He asked, but I simply let out a sigh and tried to raise the windows, which, of course, didn't care about me.

“You wanted me out so I'm leaving. Shouldn't you be happy?” I replied and he smiled, his hand moving to touch my hair, causing me to flinch instantly.

“You're so gullible and fragile… look at you. You have such a small, lean frame that if you weren't tall, no one would believe you're in your thirties. The world out there isn't kind and it'll break you before you know it.” He muttered, his eyes holding a weird kind of emotion that had my skin crawling.

“Fuck off, Jackson.” I spat in anger, my hand reaching out to push him away from the car, but he suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me closer, so close that our faces were only inches apart, and I yelped in shock.

“Only I can treat you better. I don't care where you're going. I will find you, make your life miserable, and bring you back to where you belong.” He mumbled, his eyes trained on my lips and everything in me recoiled as I yanked my hand out of his grip immediately.

I stepped on the accelerator and the car immediately reversed out of the parking lot before speeding out of the house. I glanced at the rearview mirror to see that he was standing by the gate, his eyes fixed on my car as I sped away.

What the fuck was that all about? I shuddered slightly, feeling weirded out by the way he stared at me and the words he uttered. That fucking prick.

He was just a lawyer, and I am a police officer. There's no way in hell that I'll let him make my life miserable again. Besides, how would he even find me in California with a new identity?

I drove to the station and the car finally came to a stop. The moment I stepped into the building, everyone's eyes were on me. Like I was some kind of unreal being.

Pushing my way to the Captain's office, I saw him standing by the window with a lost look on his face. When he finally noticed me, he cleared his throat and gave me a very serious stare. 

“Everyone's waiting at the airport.” He muttered and I sucked in a sharp breath, my hands getting clammy all of a sudden due to nervousness.