What She Thought She Knew (Rachel Moore Mystery Book 1), стр. 70

The rest of the occupants, including me, shuffled nervously as none of us had ever seen Pete so angry.

He continued. "The spy was working in coalition with Mr. Martin Hill, the man that agents Moore and Delta brought in all those weeks ago. His current whereabouts are unknown, but it seems that his involvement with the Phantoms is much deeper than we initially thought."

My mouth twitched as Pete brought up Rachel, but I held my tongue.

From the corner of my eye, I saw that Fear was staring at me, but I refused to look at him.

"In our current situation, the Phantoms have us nailed right to the wall. They've taken over our weapons system, they have access to every single Seeker agent record, including yours."

We all tensed as he shared the rather alarming news.

"The Phantoms have also stolen vital documents from our computers: defense codes, and basically any other Intel that could start wars between countries."

Shock was an understatement to how we all felt then. The news that Pete threw at our faces was almost too much to take.

Finally, I gathered the courage to ask Pete the question that I'm sure was on everyone's mind. "What are they doing with the information?" I asked.

Pete glanced at me with an indecipherable look. "We're not sure. For all we know, they could be keeping the information to themselves. Another possibility is that they are planning on selling our information to the top bidder in order to put us in a vulnerable state. This is no child's game, lady and gentlemen. This is an act of war." Pete stated seriously.

"What was the point of attacking the Shroud if the Phantoms were after Seeker HQ?" I asked.

"It was an ambush to try to eliminate as many Seeker agents as possible all at once. Since only higher leveled Seeker agents were stationed at the Shroud, the Phantoms were essentially able to kill two birds with one stone." Pete said solemnly.

Agent Cian cursed openly, while the rest of us couldn't even form words.

I was at such a loss that it took me much effort to keep my composure.

"Sir," Claire finally started, "you said that Agent Moore and her team were attacked at the airport in New York. What proof do you have that any of them are still alive?"

I knew that it was an innocent question, but inside I wanted to strangle the life out of the woman.

"There was one survivor that managed to evade the Phantoms." Pete said.

I looked at the Head Warrior in curiosity. "Who?" I asked.

On cue, footsteps echoed in the vast room which made them sound like tiny explosions in the shallow silence.

We all turned towards the source and from the shadows came the familiar form of Agent Olsen.

He appeared wary, and had thick bandages covering his head.

"Olsen, how did you get here?" I asked surprised.

The Scout stepped forward. "It's not a pretty story," he started gravely.

________________________________________

The flight at last touched down smoothly at JFK International Airport.

The simple grey plane stood out underneath the scrutiny of the mid-afternoon sun as it taxied to a Seeker-designated terminal.

The space was available, and so the plane parked inside.

Within the aircraft's spacious interior was the team of jet-lagged Seeker agents who stretched and rubbed the sleep from their tired eyes.

Their leader, Agent Moore, got up from her seat, and entered the cockpit. "Well done on a smooth flight," she complimented.

The pilot nodded, yet a small frown was plastered on his face. "Just doing my job, ma'am."

Agent Moore raised an eyebrow at the pilot's reaction.

She looked out of the window, and narrowed her eyes at the sight. "Why is it so dark?" She asked.

"I'm not sure," the pilot replied worriedly. He then activated his comm. link. "JFK Control Tower: flight S-828 has landed and is currently parked at Terminal 13. Waiting for ground crew to commence After Landing procedures."

There was a slight pause before the air traffic controller finally responded. "Flight S-828, we have received orders to detain your plane. A team will board shortly. You along with your crew are expected to comply."

Both Agent Moore and the pilot were stunned at the response. Neither had been in such a situation.

It left a feeling of foreboding within the young woman's stomach.

Suddenly, a spotlight was pointed at the plane, blinding both the pilot and Agent Moore who were in its immediate view.

The team's leader bit her lip in nervousness as she reflected upon which course of actions to take.

As her eyes adjusted to the blaring light, Agent Moore was able to make out several cloaked bodies running towards the aircraft.

She was startled by a bang noise that came from outside the cockpit.

Agent Moore stepped out, and was met with her worried team.

Agent Elvira walked over to Agent Moore. "Someone's trying to open the door," she said.

Her statement was emphasized by another banging on the door. "Flight S-828, we order you to open the cabin door immediately," came the declaration.

Agent Moore cursed in her breath, and went back to where the pilot was. "Is there any way we can prevent them from boarding?" She asked.

The pilot shook his head as he opened a compartment underneath his seat.

He took out simple pistol, and checked to see if it was loaded.

Agent Moore's mouth opened slightly at the pilot's action, but her jaw closed once more and she nodded in understanding. "How much fuel do we have?" She inquired.

The pilot looked at the specified instrument. "We've got enough to make it to Washington. I hope that we'll receive a better reception there," he commented.

Agent Moore nodded, her eyes darkened even more at the realization of what would happen.

She turned around, and gestured to shut the door. "Make sure