What She Thought She Knew (Rachel Moore Mystery Book 1)

by Jack Parker

  That's not to say that the Phantoms were super beings or anything of that nature. It's just that their agents tended to avoid conflict. Instead, they preferred to observe from the sidelines, and plan one major attack.

  On top of their ability to "vanish" into thin air, if one did manage to see them, they'd be freaked out of their wits. The Phantoms' glowing eyes made them resemble more like cyborgs rather than pro-destruction extremists. The hairs on the back of one's head neck surely stand on end just by staring into those lifeless eyes.

  Instinctively, my torso spun around only to come into contact with another figure. The unexpected collision pushed me down hard, and I struggled to catch my breath. The mysterious figure didn't seem affected. Instead, they ran down the hall.

  I cursed under my breath, and briskly jumped up as I went after the figure. Whoever it was led me back to the building's parking lot. As they rushed out the door, I gathered speed, and bolted through. I then jumped down the five meter high staircase.

  I landed smoothly on the ground, but when I looked around there was no one.

  Frustrated, I swore yet again at my bad luck as I restlessly paced around. A minute later, I felt my phone vibrate, and once again I activated my earphone. "Yes?" I asked impatiently.

  "There's definitely something weird going on in here. I could have sworn I heard footsteps leading away from a storage closet. When I went by it, I heard something like a rapid ticker." There was a slight pause followed by an audible gasp. "Oh my God…" he trailed off.

  My eyes widened in realization as I knew what it was. "Get out of there! It's a…"

  I didn't get time to finish as a strong rumbling erupted. The entire parking lot and surrounding buildings shook. Madison Square Garden itself flamed up, the numerous windows shattered, and I had to run to escape their sharp fall.

  Another explosion caught me off guard, and I was thrown backwards. My back collided painfully against the hood of a random car, and my body slid down onto the concrete pavement.

  My vision was dizzy and blurry. My mind scrambled all over the place as I thought that the mission was a trap. I weakly cursed in my breath just before everything went dark.

  Chapter 3: Unexpected Visitor

  My whole body felt as if it had been trampled on by a herd of raging elephants. The sound of murmuring and an annoying beep overpowered the deafening silence that was in my head. I tried to move, but all of my limbs just gave out. I lay there helplessly like a newborn deer desperate to learn how to walk before a predator killed it.

  I waited for a few minutes as I allowed my brain to regain control over my body. Little by little, I was able to move some parts; whether it was a timid roll of the shoulders, or a small jerk of the elbows, to the tingling in my fingers. Once that was completed, I attempted to open my eyes.

  It was easier said than done as my eyelids felt like they weighed at least a hundred pounds each. Again, I played the game of patience as I allowed my eyelids to regain strength for a few minutes. I tried once more.

  Immediately, my eyelids shut as they were met by the glare of an incredibly bright light. Slowly, I opened them anew, and winced as they attempted to adjust.

  Eventually, they were fully opened, and revealed a plain white ceiling above me.

  I stared at it for a bit, before I diverted my attention to the rest of the room. To my left was an open window that brought in the special scents that came only during the spring. A cool breeze blew at my face, and comforted me for a moment.

  I turned my head to my right, and saw equipment by my bed, one of them was hooked into my arm. I then realized that I was in a hospital.

  Memories from the stadium ventured back into my conscious, and attacked it in waves.

  The heart rate monitor escalated as I had a brief panic attack. The annoying beeping sound intensified in volume and speed, and caught the attention of a nurse. She hurriedly came in, grabbed a needle, and filled it with some sort of clear fluid. She called other people over, and before I knew it I was surrounded by doctors and other staff in white lab coats.

  My breathing became faster as I struggled to calm down. The nurse knew that I couldn't calm down on my own, and injected the fluid into my IV.

  I briefly felt a cool sensation pass through my veins that were attached to the device, before I steadily felt the effects of the drug.

  My breathing slowed down, my heart rate went back to normal, and my thoughts were no longer swirling.

  Exhausted, the back of my head hit the pillow with a loud thump, and I was out again.

  ________________________________________

  It must have been several hours later when I woke up again, if the setting sun was proof enough. That time, I focused on remaining at ease to prevent another situation like the morning to occur. It was not pleasant as the drug left me feeling woozy.

  Carefully, I raised my upper body slightly so that I could adjust my posture to a sitting position. I couldn't believe how much effort was needed to do such a simple task.

  Once comfortable, I gazed around the plain room, bored to death for having to just sit tightly. I contemplated getting out of my bed, but with the effects of the drug still in me, I wasn't prepared to take that risk. Someone would eventually come.

  As if reading my thoughts, a different nurse from the morning came in. She seemed surprised to see me awake. "Oh, you're up already? Well then, I'll go get the Head Warrior. He's been wishing to speak with you."

  With that, she went out the door, and I was left wondering what the Head Warrior would have wanted with me.

  They only focused on the huge cases that involved Phantom Assassins, or other serious situations. Then again, there was the paranoia over the former Head Scout's assassination. There was also the fact that my location was practically blown up with the other Seeker agent still inside.

  I winced as I hoped that Michaels somehow escaped, but I really knew that it was unlikely he survived the blast.

  I was pulled from my thoughts by the arrival of the Seeker Head Warrior. He was a tall man with dark features, and had a lot of scars covering his worn face. He must have been in his thirties, but the scars only made him look older.

  He nodded at me in acknowledgment. "Good to see that you're awake, Agent Moore." He started. "You're lucky that one of my teams was there to rescue you."

  Casually, he pulled up a chair and sat down beside my bed. "How are you feeling?" He finally asked after staring at me for a moment.

  "I'm good I guess, considering that the building I was in blew up and killed my partner." I replied bluntly.

  "Yes, I'm sorry about the death of Agent Michaels. He was an invaluable member of our organization." The Head Warrior replied, hardly passionate.

  A small frown appeared on my face as I took in the tone of his rough voice. There seemed to have been some concern hidden in it.

  "I take it that there's more to your visit than patting me on the back, and kissing my wounds." I commented.

  The Head Warrior raised his thick eyebrows slightly at my weird remark. "You're right; I did come here for a reason." He then leaned towards me, and slipped a small piece of paper into my bandaged hand.

  Curious, I unraveled it and discovered a short, but direct message. Can't talk here. When you're released, come by the Frog's Leg pub.

  I looked up at the Head Warrior, and nodded my understanding.

  He got up, and pushed the chair away from my bed, before he walked out of the room.

  The nurse from before came in again, and checked the status of the machinery.

  I slid back into my bed as I pondered upon various explanations as to why the Head Warrior needed me to see him.

  Chapter 4: A Head's Warning

  After many physical exams and simple questionings, I was finally released from the hospital three days later. I was relieved as I was sure I would have gone insane if I stayed any longer.

  As I was walking down the crowded street, my hand felt for the small note in my pocket. Can't t
alk here. When you're released, come by the Frog's Leg pub.

  I had made arrangements with the Head Warrior to meet with him immediately after my release.

  Since I was able to walk on my own, my curiosity was getting the best of me. What was so important that the Head Warrior couldn't tell me back at the hospital?

  I quickened my pace. There was only way one to find out.

  ________________________________________

  Not long afterwards, I arrived at the infamous Frog's Leg pub. It was mostly occupied by civilians, although some Seeker agents did come on occasion due to its proximity to Seeker HQ. I personally had never been to the pub before, therefore I didn't have a valid opinion of it.

  As I stepped inside, I started to get a picture as to why the Head Warrior had chosen to meet here. Despite it being packed, there were a line of separate booths along the wall which offered some privacy from the public. Whatever the Head Warrior wanted to tell me, it must have been extremely sensitive. It only deepened my curiously of his refusal to meet at HQ.

  At the far corner, I saw the outline of the Head Warrior. I casually made my way over as I didn't want to attract unnecessary attention.

  The man looked up at me, and silently invited me to take a seat. As I was about to sit down, I abruptly had the sensation of being watched. I scanned the room through the veil of my hair, but didn't see anything suspicious.

  Finally, I turned my attention to the Head Warrior who was looking at me with a questionable glance.

  "I thought someone was watching me." I stated.

  The Head Warrior nodded as he understood my precaution. "I wouldn't be surprised; there are Phantom agents everywhere."

  With that, he briefly stood up to pull the cover over our booth. We both sat down, and he went straight to business. "I know you must be wondering why I asked you to come here, Agent Moore." He began.

  I nodded my head in confirmation, and allowed him to go on.

  "There have been many cases in which reports were made to Seeker Headquarters about sightings of Phantom agents. The dispatched Seeker agents were either killed or M.I.A." He paused, and took a brief sip of what I assumed was beer.

  He set the glass down, and continued. "After your experience with your last mission, Seeker Headquarters made some inquiries into these situations. It turns out that your 'partner' was not actually who he claimed to have been." The older man stopped again as he waited for my reaction.

  My face remained blank, therefore he took that as a cue to carry on. "The body of the real Agent Michaels was found strangulated in a dumpster yesterday. There was no time to warn you."

  That time, my eyes widened.

  After a few minutes of taking in what the Head Warrior said, I finally spoke. "You're saying that my partner was actually a Phantom agent sent to kill me?"

  The Head Warrior nodded. "That is what Seeker HQ believes. He is dead now, so we cannot explain as to why the Phantoms bothered killing him when you were their supposed target. Perhaps it was a plan gone wrong, or maybe there is more to their intentions than we know."

  I frowned as confusion filled me. "That really makes no sense. Why bother killing their own agent? What proof does Seeker HQ have about the Phantoms' intentions of eliminating me?"

  The Head Warrior gave a small shrug. "I honestly don't know. I'm merely telling you what Seeker HQ told me. The Directors are on the alert now more than ever after the Head Scout's murder." He paused as if to recollect himself. "There are many reasons why the Phantoms would want to eliminate you: perhaps they see you as a threat. You and I both know just how deep your roots with the Seekers go."

  I stared blankly at the Head Warrior, a bit of annoyance boiled beneath my skin. I didn't need any more reminders of my past than were necessary. "That was a long time ago." I said quietly.

  Luckily, the Head Warrior didn't seem to have heard me.

  I remained silent as I reflected on what I was told. I then took a deep breath, and willed myself to maintain control. "What do you suggest me to do?" I asked quietly.

  The Head Warrior looked at me in slight pity. "I would advise you to return to Seeker HQ and receive your next round of orders. After that, go home and rest. It has been a long day for you."

  I didn't bother to say anything so I stood up, and was about to leave when the Head Warrior called me. "One last thing, Agent Moore. Beware of your surroundings; you will be around people you will assume can be trusted. However, you never know who they really work for." He simply said.

  I glanced at him momentarily, and then nodded.

  With that, I left the older man to finish his drink in silence.

  As I opened the main door, the feeling of being watched crept onto me again.

  Instinctively, I turned, and scanned the entire bar. Once again, I didn't see anything that was out of the ordinary.

  I stepped outside, and closed the door behind me. Even as I walked away, I couldn't stop the shivers as the hair on the back of my neck stood on end.

  Chapter 5: An Unwanted Guardian

  Immediately after I left the pub, I took the Head Warrior's advice and went straight to Seeker HQ. I contacted High Command, and requested an audience with the Directors. They would surely have the answers to all of my questions.

  The walk was a brief ten minutes south of where I was. I shivered again, although that time it was from the cold as the early spring sun had already set beyond the horizon.

  I pulled my signature leather jacket closer to me as I tried to prevent the warmth from being swept away by the chilly breeze.

  I distracted myself by humming a random tune. It helped me block out the cold, and time seemed to have gone by faster. Before I knew it, I was at my destination.

  Seeker HQ resided in the building that was once known as the World Trade Center. I wasn't sure why the Seekers choose that particular building. It probably had something to do about proving to the Phantoms that they were not afraid of a few bomb threats.

  Personally, I thought that the Directors were trying to tempt fate. New York did not need a repeat of history.

  The Seekers were cautious, though, for they set up anti-missile guns on the roofs of the main building as well as several neighboring ones. Security ground forces were constantly patrolling the area. They even set up motion detectors and heat sensors in the sewers that came out from the main building. All in all, it was impressive.

  There were a group of civilians standing outside as they protested in of the building. Once they saw me walking towards the stairs, they immediately tried to reach me.

  "Look, it's a Seeker agent!" one guy stated.

  A short woman shoved him aside, and glared at me. "How could you Seeker agents use the World Trade Center as your Headquarters? That's a disrespect to the men and women who died during the attacks. You even kept the memorial wall inside. We have a right to see it!"

  Her companions shouted in agreement, and I winced at their ferocity.

  Luckily for me, a security team from HQ came outside, and ushered the upset group away.

  I sighed at the mistrust of the civilians, and went up the steps two at a time.

  Once I arrived at the security checkpoint, I took out my ID, and swept it through the slot.

  "Seeker ID #171010 recognized. Scout agent: Rachel Katherine Moore."

  The scan confirmed that I was really who I claimed to be, and the security guard acknowledged my rank. He then unlocked the electric door for me.

  I nodded in thanks, and proceeded inside.

  Coming from the excited city, the interior of HQ's main hall was rather dull-looking. The walls were all the same shade of grey, fogged up glass covered the offices, and everything looked clean.

  Too clean, I thought with certain distaste.

  I sat down by the artificial waterfall, the sound of rushing water did wonders on calming my nerves. I definitely needed more than that though.

  I was still trying to process everything that the Head Warrior told me. I attempted to convin
ce myself that it was simply a bad joke, but I knew far too well that it was the truth. It still didn't explain the sudden feelings I got as if someone was watching me.

  Thankfully, I didn't get that feeling where I was as I sat in one of the most secured places in North America. There were other stationary Seeker bases throughout the country, Canada, and they even extended as far as Eastern Europe and South Africa. The Middle East and Asia publicly announced their neutrality as they considered the Silent War to be an "occidental conflict".

  The Australians, New Zealanders, and Japanese reacted the same way. The reported justification being that they were isolated islands who suffered little to no effect from the war.

  I snorted at their foolish decision. They may not have had much Phantom activity compared to other countries, but they failed to realize that the Phantoms were everywhere, and they didn't care about who they targeted or why. The conflict may have been centralized in North America and parts of Europe, but sooner or later, the rest of the world would feel the full impact of this invisible battle.

  The sound of my phone snapped me from my internal reflections. I took it out, and read the message as it addressed me to go to the Directors' room. I stood up, and made my way to the designated area.

  I had to take a heavily plated elevator down multiple levels. The Directors' room was moved underground after several bomb threats plagued the original one. It was necessary that the room must be held in an area where it would be difficult for Phantom agents to infiltrate.

  There was even a camera right at my face. It obviously showed that it was watching my every move.

  The armored elevator finally arrived at the intended level, and I was more than relieved to get out of that annoying camera's view. There were several pairs of armed guards with rather big guns stationed along the hall leading to the Directors' room. They briefly glanced at me as I walked towards my destination.