What She Thought She Knew (Rachel Moore Mystery Book 1), стр. 46

I made my way to the agents, though they stiffened as I approached them. "What's going on?" I asked.

"Something's really weird boss." Gizmo replied. "About fifteen minutes ago, our systems received a signal, and it's gone completely dark. I have no idea where it came from."

I furrowed my eyebrows in worry as an unsettling feeling took place in my gut. "What could have caused this?"

Gizmo shrugged. "I can't tell boss. We're running blind, essentially."

The appearance of Olsen startled me from my worries.

He too looked concerned. "Agent Moore, the pilot is requesting to speak with you."

I gave him a look of confusion, but did what the Scout told me.

I stepped out of the sitting area, and proceeded up the stairs to the cockpit.

The door was open, and exposed the many complex mechanisms within.

The pilot turned around, and gestured me to come in.

I did so, and awkwardly sat down in the co-pilot's seat. "You wanted to see me." I said.

The pilot nodded. "Ma'am, I've received strange signal from Seeker HQ before they went dark." He answered. "Attempts to contact HQ have been useless. I even contacted other Seeker installments in the area, yet I got no answer from them either."

My heart began to beat faster. "Is there any threat to us?" I asked.

The pilot looked back at the screen, and contemplated. "I honestly have no idea. What do you want me to do?"

I leaned back into my chair, and rubbed my forehead.

It was worryingly that Seeker HQ wasn't answering our calls.

I looked back at the pilot. "Stay on the designated flight path for now, but keep on trying to contact HQ."

The pilot nodded, and turned back to his instruments.

I got up and left the cockpit.

I sighed loudly as I leaned against a wall.

I closed my eyes momentarily as I willed myself to calm down and take the necessary actions.

Olsen came up the stairs, a questioning look plastered on his face. "What's happening?" he asked.

I glanced at him; my inner worries came to the surface. "I'm honestly not sure. Something's wrong with Seeker HQ's communication. It could be a mechanical error, but I doubt it. Be prepared for anything."

The Scout frowned, and nodded.

I decided to take my leave, and went back downstairs.

Gizmo was still on his laptop while Elvira checked some of our equipment.

"Any news on that signal?" I asked.

The Tech Expert shook his head, still busy typing away. "I can't do anything. The entire system has been shut down." He replied.

My eyebrows furrowed as I bit my lip. "Just keep at it." I ordered.

"Damn right I will," Gizmo commented to himself.

I sat down on my seat, and rubbed my temples.

I leaned back, and exhaled sharply.

I didn't consider myself as a religious person since my family died, but at that moment I silently sent a prayer to keep my team safe.

Chapter 24: A New Perspective

~ John's point of view ~

A million thoughts whirled around in my mind like a remote control car spinning out of control.

As I watched Rachel leave, a sense of dread tightly gripped my soul.

I was determined to see the mission through as quickly as possible so that I could see her again.

Rachel… She didn't have the faintest clue of how she made me felt.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by the appearance of my good friend Fear at my doorway.

He was leaning against it, his arms were crossed in his signature pose.

I gestured him to come in.

"Having problems with the wife?" He teased as he sat down beside the table.

I snorted, and ignored his remark, though it did give me butterflies in my stomach.

My mind trailed on its own as I packed. "This isn't right." I said. "We shouldn't be leaving them like this."

Fear inhaled deeply. "Are you referring to the team, or just Agent Moore?"

Smartass, I thought, yet I wasn't surprised. Fear was exceptionally sharp.

"I just can't believe that I have to leave her behind. I was assigned as her Guardian to protect her, yet now I'm being sent away. I feel like I'm abandoning her," I replied.

Fear said nothing.

I continued. "I hate this goddamn war. It's been nothing but trouble, and the Phantoms are always one step ahead of us. I just wish that I could protect Rachel during the hard times."

There was a shuffle of movement as Fear adjusted his position. "Agent Moore is more than capable of taking care of herself, John. You should know that."

"I know," I sighed. "Guess I should place more faith in her, huh?" I shrugged my shoulders halfheartedly.

Fear was quiet as he watched me pack the last of my belongings.

I sat down on the chair beside him, and crossed my arms as well. I focused on the floor as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.

A comfortable silence settled between us, something that I could have never experienced with anyone else.

"Do you love her?" Fear asked after some time.

I turned my head to look at him, his eyes were already in my direction.

I was about to answer when a loud ping noise interrupted.

I took out my phone, and realized that our ride had arrived. I winced, not at all pleased with the order, though I had no choice.

I looked up at Fear. "It's time." I said.

He nodded, and pushed himself off the wall.

After grabbing my belongings, we both walked down the hallway. We made a quick stop at Fear's room before we arrived at the opening of the garage.

Fear opened the garage door, and revealed a black SUV that was parked outside with its engine running on low.

A man who wore simple black shades stood by it. He