Once my classmates had left, Ms. Blackwell smiled at me. She never showed her true feelings to the class. "I wanted to thank you again for your fine work yesterday," She said. "If it wasn't for you, things could have turned out horribly for everyone."
I shrugged modestly. "I just had an idea and followed through. Have the Rogues been found?"
Ms. Blackwell hushed me and looked around. "We shouldn't say that too loudly, Miss Bianca. All I know is that the powers that be are working on it and we need to carry on as before. I promise I will let you know more if I can."
An alarm started sounding. The beeps were rapid and loud.
I groaned and put my hands over my ears. "What is that?" I shouted over the noise.
"Looks like it's time for me to let you know more." Ms Blackwell said with a shake of her head. "Come, follow me."
She walked off at such a speed I struggled to keep up with her. How she walked and fought in stiletto heels was beyond me. We stopped at a door near the Major's office. It was unmarked and I hand always assumed it was a janitor's closet.
Ms. Blackwell knocked a specific rhythm on the door and it opened a few seconds later.
This was no janitor's closet. Instead, it was a boardroom with seating for about twenty people, computer screens on the walls and another screen built into the table. The lights were dim. A dozen students were sitting at the long table accompanied by Major Griffiths, Professor McTavish and a few others I didn't know the names of.
"Holy shit," I said, unable to control myself.
Ms Blackwell nudged me forward and closed the door behind us. The muffled sound of the alarm stopped abruptly as she hit a button on the wall.
"So, we're all here then." The Major looked up from the screen on the table and his eyes widened. "Ms. Blackwell, Bianca is not part of the student task force."
I stiffened, noticing Ryland and Luke at the back of the room. They both looked as surprised to see me as everyone else. "Student task force?" I repeated.
Ms. Blackwell stepped in front of me. "I think she'll do just fine. She's the reason we know where the Rogues are, she deserves to be here."
"The FBI called for backup because the situation is dire. This is not a field trip." The Major said, his face turning red.
Professor McTavish stood up. "Give her a chance!"
I stood awkwardly as the teachers fought amongst themselves.
The Major sighed and raised his hands for silence. "Bianca, this is a serious mission. There is a real risk of danger and injury. My colleagues seem to think you are ready and I'm willing to give you a chance. The most important question is: do you want to join us?"
I looked around the room and my eyes locked with Ryland. He gave me a reassuring smile and a discrete thumbs up. "I do." I said firmly.
In the next hour that followed I learned what the student task force was. The top students from the academy volunteered as reserve agents for the local FBI branches in situations where more manpower was needed. It was on a volunteer basis and only the best students could join.
It seemed almost surreal sitting at a table with everyone while the teachers discussed what happened. I stayed close to Ms. Blackwell, but unfortunately found myself sitting across from Zoe McMahon, who I had avoided like the plague since the competition. The bruise around her eye had faded to a dull yellow.
"The situation is dire," The Major continued. "The FBI has reason to believe that the psychic Rogues outnumber the staff on hand. They've asked for our assistance. In return, you will be rewarded for your efforts. If the situation gets too dangerous, we will pull out."
I glanced around the room. Everyone was quiet and serious.
"Any questions?" Major Griffith asked after showing us the map of the area and circling the target island.
Ryland raised his hand. "Sir, how many Rogues are we expecting?"
"It may not be the number of Rogues that matter, but their collective power. They have evaded all attempts thus far. This is our chance to grab them while they are trapped."
"What about teleporters?" Luke interjected.
"We'll deal with that when we come to it," The Major said. "I've heard rumors that the FBI has developed a device that emits distracting frequencies and makes it difficult to teleport. However, if we use them, our own agents will not be able to teleport either. I will notify the team if we have access to one."
Luke nodded and leaned back in his chair. He and Ryland exchanged glances. They were all business now. On edge and chomping at the bit, the boys were eager to get out to the front lines, I could see it burning in their eyes.
Zoe raised her hand. "Sir, what makes them think that we have any chance against them if their own agent are struggling?"
"Times like this call for desperate measures. Scouts have confirmed ten kidnapped youth are in the stronghold. It is not time to second-guess our abilities." The Major replied. "As always, these missions are voluntary. If anyone wishes to drop out, speak now." He held his hands behind his back, looking at each of us in turn.
No one spoke up. They were in this for the long haul. My heart pounded in my chest. I was both terrified and honored to be among them.
"Excellent. We depart before midnight. Go and prepare and we will reconvene here in three hours."
"Yes, sir." The replied echoed in the boardroom.
#
"So this is how you guys knew about all this gear," I said, leaning against the door of the supply closet.
Ryland tossed me a pair of night-vision goggles. "Hey, we would have told you the truth if we could." He jumped down from the ladder with a fully prepped backpack of supplies and hooked it over his shoulder.
I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I slipped the goggles onto my utility belt. The uniform was the same as the off-site training outfit I wore last night, except we had a reflective red band stitched on our belt to distinguish us from the fully fledged agents.
Luke came around the corner with more gear. "Tell me how we got stuck with prepping the bags again?" The bags were heavy but designed to take up as little space as possible.
"To show me how it's done," I replied with a smile.
"I thought we were done babysitting you." Luke teased.
I punched him in the shoulder gently. "You know you love it." I laughed. "I'm totally stoked to be going out on a real mission with you guys."
Ryland's grin faltered. "We are too, but please be careful. This isn't school. It's real life. People might get hurt," He said.
"I'll be fine." I promised. I had no doubt that I could take anything the Rogues sent my way now that I was better trained in combat and psychic defense. These assholes had kidnapped my friend and now they were kidnapping psychic teens all over the city. They had to be stopped and I would not sit on the sidelines to watch the action.
"Are we packed?" Ms. Blackwell said. The sounds of her heels on the tiled floor announced her presence before her voice. She inspected the bags briefly, checking that everything was in its place.
"Yes," Luke said. "Checked them all myself."
"Alright, let's get going then," She said, picking up four of the bags and walking out with her heels echoing with every step.
"She's so cool," I said wistfully.
Ryland and Luke chuckled. "Don't go getting a crush on the prof now," Ryland added.
"What? No way!" I shouldered two more bags. "Haven't you guys have heard of woman crushes? Geez, not everything has to be about physical attraction." I stomped off down the hall, not waiting for them to catch up.
I lined up the bags against the wall. Everyone had changed into their tactical clothes, including Professor McTavish and the other professor who I didn't know. The Major would stay back with the surveillance team to control communication between both parties.
"I hope you packed those bags right," Zoe hissed under her breath as she walked by.
I bit back my angry retort and shook the tension from my shoulders. Now was not the time for fighting, especially if she needed to walk.
I'd deal with her later.
"Actually, I packed them." Luke cut in. He must have heard her.
Zoe looked away and busied herself with her reflective belt.
Ryland dropped the last few bags against the wall and adjusted his t-shirt that had ridden up as he walked. "That's the last of the gear," He said.
I caught the smallest glimpse of his abs and felt my thighs tremble. I would need serious bedroom therapy once this was all over. Nothing like a hot man to de-stress and take my worries away for the night.
The team put on their trackers and bags, lined up and then waited for instruction. I stood between Luke and Ryland, not sure if I should be scared or excited. I looked up at Ryland and caught his eye.
"Don't worry, I'll be looking out for you," He said.
"I'm not scared." My voice sounded braver than my heart.
Ryland smiled as if he knew I was lying. "It's ok to be nervous," He said.
"We will leave from the teleportation point. The agents have set up a temporary camp outside the Rogue territory. I have the coordinates to get everyone there safely. We will need to make two trips in order to take everyone over. Professor McTavish and I will help out with the transportation of other students." She walked back and forth as she spoke.
Ryland touched my hand and knitted his fingers between mine. A feeling of reassurance surged through me when we held hands.
Once the instructions were complete, we filed out of the building and towards the teleportation point. We didn't encounter a single other student as we walked. The lights in the dorm were almost all dark. The moon shone above, casting long shadows behind us.
"You're the only student who can teleport on the team?" I asked Luke as he reviewed the coordinates.
"Yes," He said.
"Doesn't that put us at a disadvantage. We can't move as quick." My voice trailed off.
"I prefer not to take more than two students at a time," He said. "But in an emergency, I think I could do four." He shook his head and pocketed the location that was scribbled on a piece of paper. "I'd rather not think about it ,though."
I nodded.
"Ok, first group, let's go." Professor McTavish called out. Zoe and another guy stepped forward. She took them by the hands and vanished.
"Next!" Ms. Blackwell called out and motioned to Luke.
I said a little prayer as Luke took my hand. In a pop and a flash, we were gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
We reappeared in a parking lot. There were trucks and trailers parked around us and the area was buzzing with activity. Agents were everywhere. I caught a glimpse of Siobhan as she teleported back to the academy for the next group of students.
Ryland shook his head and leaned against the trailer. "God I hate that," He grumbled.
"I think I'm getting used to it," I said with a laugh.
"Still better than getting sick on a plane," Luke said and handed me his bag. "I'll be right back." He vanished.
Zoe and the other student were waiting nearby. An FBI agent in uniform approached us with a clipboard. "I take it you are the students from the academy?" He asked.
We all nodded.
The agent scribbled something on his notepad and walked away.
"Geez, thanks for the warm welcome," Ryland muttered sarcastically. "We're just risking our necks out here to help, no big deal."
Ms. Blackwell appeared with two more students and left as quickly as she came.
Once everyone had been teleported safely, the teachers left to meet with the agents and get filled in on what had happened since the SOS call went out. We had nothing else to do but wait.
One trailer had been set up as a temporary lounge with coffee and snacks. My appetite was overpowered by my nerves, so I just sat with a cup of coffee in my hands. Everyone was quiet and focused on their own thoughts. Ryland rubbed my knee as he stared at the floor.
We didn't have to wait long for Ms. Blackwell to come back with instructions. We all flinched at the sound of the door banging shut.
"Ok, everyone, gather around. We've been given our instructions. The main force will teleport to the island in half an hour. We are to follow behind them and stay hidden for support if it's needed. We have a team of thirty psychic agents armed to the teeth, so if all goes well, we won't need to take any action at all."
"And if it doesn't?" Someone asked.
There was a long pause. Ms. Blackwell cleared her throat. "Then we'll deal with that if and when we get there," She said. -
The seriousness of the situation hit me. This was a real mission with real risks. I glanced at the students standing around me, none of them looked scared. I wondered how many of them were as nervous as I was behind their poker faces.
A man entered the trailer. He practically radiated with authority. His uniform was crisp and his mustache was so straight someone could use it as a ruler. He cleared his throat and the room silenced. "Good evening, students," He said. "Ms Blackwell, thank you for collecting some back up so quickly. Please send my regards to the Major."
Ms. Blackwell nodded and introduced him. "Everyone this is Agent Radcliffe. He oversees all the FBI's involvement with Rogue activity. Tonight, you answer to him."
We nodded in unison. My hands were trembling again. I did my best to keep them still at my sides.
"Very good," He said. Agent Radcliffe took a small device from his back pocket.
It was a foldable tablet, I'd never seen one before and had to hold in a gasp as he unfolded it. It was incredibly thin and sleek, nothing like my mom's iPad at home.
A map loaded onto the screen. "The Rogues have made a temporary stronghold on this island. There are no proper roads or bridges to lead to it. It is marked as a wildlife reserve, which is likely how they went undetected for so long." He explained. "The island is large enough that we will have to split into groups to cover the ground. The Rogues are using an old research building for shelter. We have every reason to assume they are armed, dangerous, and will not hesitate to harm the youth they have kidnapped."
I swallowed hard. My mouth was dry and my throat felt prickly.
He began shouting off names. "Hernandez, Williams, McMahon, you'll be with delta team. As is the protocol, all student teams need a supervisor. Blackwell will accompany you."
I breathed a sigh of relief, at least I'd have Ryland with me. Too bad Zoe would be there, but someone as powerful as her might come in handy, if I could survive her constant glares.
Ms. Blackwell ushered us out of the trailer as Agent Radcliffe continued breaking students off into groups. "We'll wait here for the rest of the team," She said.
Ryland was bouncing from one foot to another. He was the most eager person in the group. "I'm ready," He said.
Ms Blackwell shot him a look. "Agents go in first, Mr. Williams," She warned. "We're back up only. I don't need to remind you of that, do I?"
Ryland frowned. "No, ma'am." He lived for action and craved battle.
I hoped some of his energy would wear off on me before we headed out.
A small group of agents in black uniforms approached us. I assumed they were the delta team that Agent Radcliffe mentioned. They spoke to Ms. Blackwell quietly before pulling their face masks up.
"We're ready to go, team," Ms. Blackwell said.
Ryland pulled his face mask up and I followed suit. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might break through my chest.
Ms. Blackwell checked the coordinates and we teleported out of the base camp.
We landed in the middle of a forest. The ground was muddy and the trees blocked out the light of the moon. There were no sounds around us. The delta team appeared a moment later. They had two teleporters bring in all ten of them, which was more than impressive.
Our small student group hung back while the agents went to work. Ryland nudged me and slid his night vision goggles over his eyes. I took the hint and unclipped mine from my belt. Once they were on, I could see clearly again.
I watched the agents
disappear into the night. They moved swiftly and silently like shadows. I waited impatiently, fidgeting and moving from one foot to the other.
Zoe shot me yet another glare. "Hey, chill out." She hissed.
I crouched down and forced myself to keep still. A moment later, I felt a strange pull in my chest. The feeling was calling to me. It was loud and intense. I put a hand to my chest, trying to calm my nerves.
"Are you ok?" Ryland asked.
I swallowed hard. "I think so. I just feel it."
"Feel what?"
"There's an intense energy pulling towards me. It was the same as last time and the same feeling the first day my powers emerged." I tried to keep the panic from my voice. "It's stronger now. It feels angry somehow."
Ryland stared at me for a moment.
"You must think I'm crazy," I said quickly.
"No," Ryland said. "Just worried about you. Are you sure you're up for this?"
His question only strengthened my resolve. "Yes." I looked back out into the darkness. There was no sign of the agents or anything at all for that matter. Darkness stared back at me through the trees.
The feeling in my chest grew stronger. It was pulling me like a magnet. I held my breath and ignored it. I didn't need anyone to think I was weak or scared.
"Bianca." A voice rang through my head.
I forced myself not to panic. It was the same voice that I heard during the last battle. The voice of the floating woman. What did she want with me?
A bright light flashed in the distance.
Ms. Blackwell snapped to attention. "It's beginning," She said. "Stay low and stay quiet."
Zoe whimpered.
I didn't bother glaring at her. I had no time to be drawn into her negativity. The pulling feeling felt as if it was tearing my chest in two. I dropped to a knee, pressing my hand against my chest.
The walkie-talkie on Ms. Blackwell's hip crackled with static. Someone said something that I couldn't make out over the feedback.
"Bianca. What are you doing here?"
Psychic Lies: An Urban Fantasy Academy Romance (Psychic Academy Book 2) Page 16
