What She Thought She Knew (Rachel Moore Mystery Book 1), стр. 84

My friend continued to stare at me for several minutes, before he looked away and grabbed his weapons.

He then looked back at me. "Come on, we've got a mission to complete." He said.

I knew that I wouldn't get any answer out of him, so I nodded and together we hurriedly made our way down the hallway.

Chapter 40: Goodbye, My Friend

Fear and I spent a good couple of minutes sneaking down numerous hallways once we got the armored door open.

We were in the prison cell block.

I anxiously, and rather impatiently, slammed each cell door open, only to be disappointed by the lack of occupants.

With Fear's help, we divided the side of the walls and the task went by faster.

I was immensely disappointed when we reached the end of the hallway with still no sign of Rachel. "Where is she?" I asked frantically.

"I don't know John." Fear replied. "She should be close by. Maybe they're keeping her in an interrogation room?"

That news gave me a new sliver of hope as I nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, the echo of barely muted footsteps reached us, and we tensed up in anticipation.

To my relief, the Medic's figure quickly made its way towards us. "Where the hell have you two been?" He started once he reached us.

He glanced at both of us, and a questioning look appeared on his face. "Where's Agent Claire?"

I glanced at Fear and saw that he too was looking at me.

I gave him a sympathetic look before I turned to face Agent Arrow. "She was a Phantom agent; she didn't leave us any choice." I answered as I slightly bent my head down.

The older man's eyes widened slightly as he understood my meaning.

He sighed tiredly as he paced around. "Agent Cian is not going to be happy." He commented.

"He'll have to understand." I said.

Agent Arrow stopped in his track, and turned to face me. "Easier said than done kid. Who's going to tell him that his only niece was a traitor to our organization?"

Fear stepped forward. "We won't tell him the truth. We'll say that she gave up her life for use to complete the mission."

Both Agent Arrow and I looked at him in disbelief as he stared back blankly.

"Fear," I started, "you don't have to do this. You don't owe her anything."

"I'm not asking for your permission, John," he replied. "I was aware of Agent Claire's 'feelings' for me. Despite her betrayal, she still had a good heart. I owe that to her, at least."

I was about to retort when each of our ear pieces abruptly beeped simultaneously.

Curious, I activated it.

A muffled voice came through. "Hello there, Seeker agents!" It said excitedly. "I'm so glad that you answered my call. No one likes being ignored." The voice then snickered.

In the background, there were noises that sounded like there was a struggle.

"So sorry about that, my guest is not at all well-mannered."

"Oh yeah? Screw you!" Came the second voice.

I recognized it as Gizmo's.

"Yikes, no need to be sassy lad! I'm going to have to teach you manners." The first voice replied.

For a moment, there was silence, before the voice returned. "I've got a question for you, Seeker agents. What do you reckon will happen if I place an active grenade in his hand?"

At first, there was nothing, but then Gizmo's agonizing screams echoed like thunder through the pager's speakers.

I winced at the intensity of his reaction.

"Oh what do you know? His whole bloody hand explodes! Hah, get it? Bloody." The dominant voice laughed.

I narrowed my eyes in fury, but the voice resumed speaking before I could have taken any course of action. "Alright, I've had my fun. Now, it's time to get to business. I know all about your little rescue operation, so I'll make you a deal: surrender yourselves over to the Phantoms, and Agent Moore will be given back unharmed. However, if you fail to cooperate, we will not hesitate to kill her. You've got thirty minutes." With that, the connection was cut.

I looked up at Fear and Agent Arrow.

Both had a serious look on their faces as they reflected over the demand.

Alas, Fear spoke. "John, there's no way we're doing what he said."

I stared at Fear in confusion. "What are you talking about? That's the only way to get Rachel back!"

Fear shook his head. "What if it's a trap to kill us all in one spot? We have to assess the situation before we make a move."

"I agree." Agent Arrow added in. "We can't make a move until Pete and the rest of his team draw the attention of the bulk of the Phantom forces. Once we have a safe passage, then we'll focus on getting Agent Moore."

I stubbornly refused their answers. "You two heard what the voice said; if we don't surrender ourselves soon, they'll kill Rachel!"

Fear placed his hands on my shoulders and shook me. "Get a hold of yourself, John! We're not suggesting to abandon the mission. We just need a better alternative."

I stared at Fear wide-eyed, before I willed myself to snap out of my slight hysteria.

I nodded my head in agreement.

Fear appeared satisfied for he removed his hands from my shoulders and leaned back.

"So, what's the plan?" I asked.

It was Agent Arrow who answered. "We've got to lay low until Pete and the rest of the Distraction team do their job. When that's done, we'll eliminate Agent Moore's captors, and free her. Then, it's hasta la vista from here.'"

Fear nodded in approval. "I like it. It'll give us a chance to get back at the bastards."

I nodded as well, as I didn't feel like talking. My only thoughts revolved around Rachel.

With a mutual agreement, Agent Arrow activated his ear piece. "Pete, are