Tears—for her. Why? I didn’t love her anymore. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.
When the first rays of sunlight seeped into the room, I wiped my face clean, collected the spent cigarettes, and threw them into the trash. Along with them, I tossed years of feelings I could no longer bear to hold onto.
By tomorrow—no, by the end of today—this would all be over.
***
Scarlett stood by the door as I prepared to leave, her reluctance almost tangible.
“Hubby, when this mission is over, I promise I’ll stay with you. Just wait for me!” She kissed me over and over, delaying until the last possible second before she finally ran out the door, afraid of being late.
I watched her car speed off, her words echoing in my mind, hollow and meaningless. I turned and climbed up to the roof. The waiting helicopter blades sliced through the air, a reminder that there was no turning back now. As I boarded, a faint, familiar scent drifted toward me.
Moments later, a woman stumbled as the aircraft made a sharp turn, falling into my arms. “Still time to back out, you know,” her voice teased, low and melodic.
I helped her to her seat and closed my eyes, feigning indifference. “Brigadier General Gardner, you’re unusually talkative today.”
Bianca, the Secret Service’s only female brigadier general, was known for her icy demeanor, her presence commanding respect and fear alike. Yet now, her laughter—soft and lilting—filled the cramped cabin.
“Henry,” she said, her voice lowering, “this operation is critical. Taking down this network will destabilize the underground forces in the southwest for good. But you’ve been handpicked to be the bait.”
She hesitated, her tone tinged with rare concern. “Promise me you’ll prioritize your safety. No unnecessary risks, understood?”
I nodded silently, securing my gear as the helicopter neared the drop zone.
***
The field command room was ready and waiting, but as soon as I stepped inside, something felt off. The third operator through the door didn’t act right. His movements were stiff, deliberate. Instinctively, I turned to retreat, but a sharp prick in my neck stopped me.
My vision blurred, and the world tilted sideways as I heard a voice, smug and triumphant. “Finally. We’ve captured the famed intelligence analyst. Inform the chief immediately!”
Darkness swallowed me whole.
***