Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes

Author:Julia Sykes [Sykes, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-03-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Jason

“I don’t like it,” I struggled to remain calm as I challenged Director Parkinson. “I don’t want Natalie Simmons in the field with Trent McMahon. Not even for a test run.”

The Director’s brows rose. “Are you questioning my judgment? Let me remind you that it’s within my power to keep you here at Quantico. Dr. Larson might have cleared you to go back in the field, but ultimately, it’s up to me.”

My fists clenched, and I forced my fingers to unfurl. “With all due respect, I don’t trust McMahon. I know this is a test mission, but the team could still get into trouble if they don’t support each other properly.”

“And that’s exactly why I’m pairing them together,” she replied pointedly. “I’m well aware that Simmons and McMahon don’t like each other. There have been rumors among the recruits since the first week. The way I hear it, she nearly broke his jaw twice.”

“He deserved it,” I said, before I could stop myself. I was coming dangerously close to revealing Trent’s abusive nature. And if I did, he’d go public with the video he had of Natalie and me in my car. I couldn’t allow that to happen. Not when we were so close to being together, away from Quantico.

“Yes, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did,” Parkinson responded coolly. “I’m also aware of McMahon’s relationship with Elena Briggs. She’ll be on the same team, as will Simmons’ friend, Nathaniel Cross. The point of this exercise is to prove to me that they can work together, regardless of their personal feelings. Once they’re assigned to a field office, they might not like everyone they work with. That can’t interfere with their ability to do their jobs. If the four recruits can make it through this op without turning on each other, they’ll all graduate. If not, I’ll have to reconsider my assessments. That’s my final judgment on this situation, Harper. You’re dismissed.”

I gnashed my teeth together, but I turned stiffly and strode out of her office. I couldn’t argue with her, or I’d risk Natalie’s career, and my chances of getting to be with her outside Quantico. If Parkinson decided to keep me here rather than putting me back in the field, I’d be separated from my sweet kitten. I didn’t know if I could maintain my sanity without her. I’d become shockingly dependent on her in the span of a few months, but I didn’t even care. I refused to be parted from her, and I’d do everything in my power to ensure we were together, even if that meant allowing her out on an op with McMahon.

Parkinson might have forbidden me from putting a stop to it, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have a hand in the proceedings. As an instructor, I had every right to monitor their movements, and I’d make sure I was on one of the comm units as they were tested. I’d be with Natalie every step of the way, even if I couldn’t be there with her physically.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.