Remembrandt by Robin King

Author:Robin King [King, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Published: 2015-01-14T05:00:00+00:00

13

Fight or Flight

I strolled into The Company headquarters that day with a smile on my face. It had been two weeks since my bench chat with William, and I hadn’t let myself get caught by his gaze again. I didn’t shut off my emotions completely, but I found as long as I avoided meeting his eyes and stayed at least a few feet from him, I could be in his company without my heartbeat increasing any more than it did on an easy run.

I still met with him a few times a week for Spanish practice, strategically choosing the locale of The Ratty (I’m not sure how it got its nickname, but the food really was good). It was public and we didn’t sit too close. By the end of the second week my knee had recovered, so he tutored me while we ran together. I was happy to be getting a two for one deal: cardio and Spanish study, not to mention William and I enjoyed hanging out together. That was the reason for my smile.

I was also excited for another training session with Sensei Itosu. He didn’t talk much, but when he did, he got my full attention because I knew what he said would hold great value.

Working with Daly was another story, but somehow I managed not to wring his neck. Since he knew about my perfect recall, he didn’t bother reviewing concepts or procedures from the manuals, and we spent most days doing simulated missions on his computers. We practiced protocol, code words, strategy, and equipment use. Our last few sessions even included medical training for a possible upcoming mission.

As I entered the gymnasium, I glanced up to Daly’s office. His eyes followed me down the stairs. He really did take the getting-to-know-your-operative job seriously. It wasn’t the first time I had caught him staring at me. When I would hone my skills in the gym or work with Golkov on Russian and puzzles, Daly seemed to always stand somewhere in the distance, watching me.

The techno-savvy Millard caught me just as I descended the last few stairs into the gym. “Alex, I have a surprise for you. Your new cell phone is ready.” He adjusted his blue-rimmed glasses.

I smiled. “Do you realize you’re now on my list of top-ten favorite people?”

“Uh, thanks.” He scratched his head and looked at the floor. “So, do you want to see it?”

“Of course. Besides, I’m sure Sensei Itosu could use a few more minutes of meditation.” I glanced over at my teacher in the corner of the gym. He sat in his usual cross-legged position with his hands on his knees, his eyes closed and all his facial muscles relaxed.

I followed Millard along the side of the gym and up the stairs to his office. He reminded me of a nerdy, awkward version of Casey. Where she had fashion sense, he had a brain laced with the 1’s and 0’s of computer language. Casey spent hours sewing sequins to a boring old vest, creating a whole new piece for her wardrobe.

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