“Oh...”
She followed him to the opposite side of the room so he could explain further.
“On this wall, as you guessed, these TVs are getting a live feed from the training area and show each recruit using a specific machine and their body's stats. We can keep track of heart rate, breathing, and how hard they are pushing themselves during that workout. It's like working out at the doctor's office with the doctor monitoring your workout.”
“Okay, I get that. What are the desks with the computer screens? What's their purpose?”
Getting more excited with each new explanation, she was now right next to him as he walked to the nearest station with a screen.
“These are not TVs, they are computers with large screens. From these we monitor leads, camera feeds in locations we suspect trafficking is going on and things of that nature. We call them Groid Feeds, it's like Google on steroids. These allow us to generate information, public, private and even some 'how did they find that out', on people and places of interest. Based on the information we get from these leads, is how we gain our missions. Its gives us a starting point and is useful when making contact. We watch the video feed and learn who the 'ring leader' of that particular organization is, plus we also gain access to his or her associates. We need all of this information to help gain their trust when we first contact them. If we go in there and we know no one in this line of work or we can produce very little information to this line of work, it’s a dead giveaway we play for the 'good guys'. This program we run was designed by a group of Intelligence higher ups, there are two from the CIA, two from the FBI and five from Homeland Security. Oh and a handful of retired agents working in intelligence like your uncle. I told you, Vylette, I have come a long way.”
“I had no idea. I mean I know you said you had worked very hard to get where you are, I just didn't know you had so much backing.”
“It growing to this is due in part to your uncle. He is the one who pitched the whole idea to the different branches...and there is a lot more.”
She gazed at him and his smile, suspiciously. “How much more?”
She found herself in his embrace as he led her to a wall sized window looking out upon the grounds and the outside training area.
“What do you see?”
She stared out the enormous plexiglass window at the beautiful landscape as far as she could see.
“I see the grounds and people training in the different training areas. I see buildings and trees...” She turned back to him. “What exactly am I supposed to be seeing?”
“Do you see men and woman training?”
“Yes, but you said all the recruits are rescues.”
“No, I said all the people we save get a choice. Not everyone chooses to join our cause, in fact that is a small number. Most are too scared that things will go wrong and they will end up back where they were.”
Shrugging, she said, “Okay, I'll bite. Where do the other recruits come from?”
His smile was like a slice of heaven with a healthy dose of devils foods.
“They are chosen by the Secret Service. Most of these men and woman, worked their way up to eventually land themselves an opportunity to work for a branch of government as agents. Each agent goes through an extensive background check, a mental evaluation and a fitness examination as well as a 'that's life' questionnaire. Which is basically testing them to find out their views on things like laws, politics, religion and such. This helps to place them. I don't know what answers get them here, but I am very grateful. I even have several retired Navy Seals who I love because they are balls to the wall. My only issue is they sometimes go off protocol, but they never fail in their mission, so I let them have that free reign. As I said they are retired, and all of them served in several tours while they were enlisted and they pretty much have the experience and the know how, to go off track. I trust them and they have never proven me wrong.”
Clearly this is his passion. He is just so...into it. I swear the more he talks the more animated he is becoming and man, that light in his eyes...bright, vibrant, full of life.
“And the virtual map on that huge desk in the center?”
“Oh, come and look. It is my favorite toy. I call it ‘Happy Fantasy’.”
He had her full attention. Happy Fantasy? She had to know what he meant, it seemed out of place in this 'spy saving the world' high tech extravaganza they had going on. She followed him over and looked down at the cyber map as she explained.
“This is the only machine in this entire operation that is dedicated to happiness only. We do not look for crimes, suspects, or anything negative. With this we can tap into any camera anywhere in the world. We use it for happy things. For instance, earlier last year we rescued a woman who had two children while she was with her captors. They allowed her to keep her children as another way to control her. When we showed up, she refused to go and it took us three hours to get it out of her, that they had her children somewhere else. We got them all. After they had all been rescued, and through the program, we brought them in here and turned on this map. It was glorious, Vylette, to see these kids' faces light up. We pulled up camera views of fun parks, kid friendly places, oceans, hotels, adventure tours, anything we could think of. We spent the entire day planning a much needed fun and loving vacation, all expenses paid for them. We sent them with undercover guards posing as family. It was wonderful. I came in here every day and pulled up cameras and watched those kids and their poor mother have the time of their lives...”
A tear ran down her cheek when he turned to her, fire in his eyes and excitement in his tone.
“This is what we do this for. The smiles and happy laughter from men, women and children and the relief and over all well being of all concerned. We don't just save lives here, we give them back hope and offer healing for not only their physical and mental being, but for their soul. Your soul is the core of your being and is deeply connected to every part of you and enriches the spirit. A healthy happy soul leads to a healthy and happy life. But when too much darkness and devastation attacks the soul it can be shattered and ripped to shreds leaving a person broken. It takes a lot of healing to overcome that, but when a soul if flooded with happiness and love, even a damaged one, it can heal. It will be forever scarred, but it will be mended and healthy once more. I told you saving them is only a small part of what we do and now you have seen the rest.”
She knew very little about Dorrian Buchanan, and what she knew was based on what she had seen. He was caring, compassionate, deeply devoted to his cause and consciously conflicted about his actions. Yes, in her mind, he was a real life hero and angel, and he had the devilish good looks to pull it off. Vylette did something she had never done before. She threw her arms around him and kissed him, hoping he’d kiss her back. This man gave so much love to others, and she quickly found herself falling for him. In that second, when her lips first touched his, she held her breath waiting and hoping, but when the warmth of his arms encircled her, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss, she was thankful he had asked everyone to leave upon their arrival and were now the only ones in the room.
Her temperature rose higher with each swish of their tongues, butterflies fluttered in her stomach and heated desire spotted her skin with sweat and she didn't care, she didn't pull away, but was left breathless when he did. Her eyes, slightly glazed over took in the horrid expression on his face and sobered her up quickly. Her chest tightened and she was sure if she looked down there would be someone holding the proverbial knife twisting it in her chest, adding to not only her embarrassment, but her feelings of rejection. Just as she was about to storm away in tears, his hands caught her face, his smooth voice caressing her skin.
“Please, no don't cry, Vylette. It's not what you think. I see that look in your eyes. I am not rejecting you, I swear it. God, please help me.”
She took a step back when he let go of her and ran his hands through his hair. “You were just rescued from a nightmare a few days ago...this is
too much, too fast...I mean...I don't...Ugh, I don't want you to feel like I am taking advantage here...”
Wiping the tears from her eyes, “Do you do this with all of the girls?”
He spun and faced her. “No. I usually try and stay away from them as much as possible. I don't give the speech at the seminar, I don't talk to them about their decisions, hell, you are the first recruit I’ve shown all of this too. This right here, explaining all of this, of what we do and showing you this place, this is done by the recruit's assigned person only. Other than checking on them here and there, I rarely interact with the rescues until they have been here a while. Most are women, and since I’m a man, I make sure I give them room to breathe. I don't want them to feel uncomfortable.”
“Well...”
He went on as if she hadn't spoken.
“But you... There is something about you...I can't put my finger on it...You are outspoken, spunky, full of life...I just...I don't know...”
To lighten the tension in the room, she said, “You forgot hot and awesome.”
Blush flooded her cheeks when his gaze slid over her, stopping at her eyes and the look he held, made her tingle in places she never knew existed. His words were like silk across her skin. She shivered and damn near exploded.
He makes me want to save the world and rip his clothes off all in the same instant. Sinner and Saint, indeed. Damn, he is quite the combination...that look...mmm, perhaps angel in the streets, but I bet a demon in the sheets. Oh God, I can feel myself blushing again.
“Yes, that too.” He shook his head and her heart rose. “I have never been in this situation before. I really don't know what to do...”
She stepped up close and grabbed his hand. “Me either. But you are freaking out because you rescued me, but remember I’m not like those other women. As you said, I was very lucky. I’m not going to fall for you or into bed with you because I fear that is what you expect. Quite the opposite. I rarely do anything I don't want to. That is what you were afraid of, right?”
The inferno of his touch on her skin, fell from her grip when he moved a few steps away. “Yes...No...Kind of. It's more like I am concerned that what you feel for me is just because I rescued you...Like the damsel in distress and I was the hero kind of thing. It happens and I understand it, which is why I keep my distance from the women we save. The last thing I want is to give any of these girls the wrong impression or put them in a position that would compromise their healing process.”
More tears, happy tears this time. My God, he so good down to his core.
“I swear to you this is the first time I have ever felt...whatever this is, but I assure you it’s not the whole hero-saved thing.”
“Are you sure?”
Nodding, Vylette replied, “I am positive.”
Finally, another sweet smile on his face. His voice back to normal.
“Then...okay...how about we just see where things go?”
“If that will make you feel better.”
“It would.”
She cocked her eyebrow. “Subject change, then?”
Looking at Dorrian, the relief was not just written on his face, but throughout his entire body. His face and shoulders seemed to relax with the exhale of a large a breath.
“Please.”
“Okay, how's this...When does my training start?”
“Tomorrow morning, 8:00 a.m. sharp. You need to be in the training room and dressed in something tight enough it doesn't fall off, but loose enough you can move.”
“Great. I’m excited.”
“Good...Oh, and Vylette, be ready to get your ass handed to you.”
Narrowing her eyes, she replied, “What does that mean?”
“It means, training is not easy. The instructors are ruthless and uncaring and they should be because out there in the field, the world is too and you need to be able to handle it.”
“Okay. I will see you in the morning.”
She noticed a troubled expression cross his face before he clarified.
“Actually, no you won't. I won’t be here. I have errands to attend to. Plus I don't usually attend training classes with the recruits.”
“Oh…”
“Come, let's go. I'll walk you back to your room.”
As he turned to walk away, she fell in step beside him, thinking of the day to come and what it would bring. She was unaware if it was the memory of his kiss and lingering gaze or the thought of beginning her new life, or both, but her stomach was both in knots and churning. Her head was spinning, life had changed so much in just a few days time.
The elevator doors closed and she turned to him.
“What will happen now? I mean what will my days be like?”
“Well, you will be given a schedule when you arrive at training in the morning. Most likely, it will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You will have physical training, combat skills and field training. Tuesday and Thursday you will have languages, culture and etiquette and dress...”
“Sounds like college.”
His laugh always made her smile. “Well, it kind of is. Granted this is more extreme classes and lessons, but it's something you need to learn none the less. How else do you expect to be taught what you need to know?”
Shrugging, Vylette replied, “I don't know...I just didn't think it would be like school. I guess it makes sense. As you said, it is what I need to know.”
“It is, and it takes time. Don't worry, Vylette, you will not, I repeat, will not, go into the field until you know it all and pass several mock missions. The last thing we want is to lose agents. I mean it happens, because we can't control everything, but we do put as much in place as possible to ensure the safe return of not only the people we are trying to save, but the agents themselves.”
“Sounds reasonable and well thought out.”
“Good.”
The door of the elevator opened and they were facing the west side of Mr. Buchanan's office, her uncle's loud laughter billowing from behind the closed door.
“Well, sounds like your... Mr. Blackstone, is in a good mood.”
“I have never seen him, with the exception of earlier when he found out I was missing, to be anything but in a good mood.”
Passing the closing doors, she followed him toward his office.
“You two are very close aren't you?”
“Yes, since I was little. I’ve always spent a lot of time with him.”
“I have always known he was a family man, it's just nice to see. In this business you learn to really appreciate the easy happy things in life since they are few and far between sometimes.”
“I can only imagine.”
“Save your imagination. With the decision you made, in about two years, you are going to more than understand...”
She stooped and stared at him, he grabbed her hand and halted their advance.
“Vylette, are you sure this is what you want?”
Nodding, Vylette assured, “Yes, I am sure. Given who my family is, I knew deep down that I would eventually end up in this lifestyle. I tried to deny it and pretend otherwise, but I have always known. This way, I can at least enter in on my own terms.”
“Okay. Know this, Vylette, if you change your mind, you can leave the Mission Program at anytime, no questions asked.”
“Noted. Thank you.”
“Okay, are you ready to tell your uncle about your decision?”
“I am. Damn, Lewis was right...can we keep that between us, though.”
She laughed along with him.
“You can try, but I assure you, he knows. That is why he told you beforehand. I told you, he is very good at what he does and his talents are many.”
Just as they reached the door it flung open and she came face to face with her smiling uncle and Lewis. Her uncle eyed them both before he asked what she knew he was waiting to hear.
“Well, Vylette, are you joining us? It is okay of you don't want to.”
In that moment, it seemed as i
f everyone was holding their breath. She walked up and hugged her uncle close, taking the moment to inhale his cigar aroma stuck to his clothes. She always loved that smell, it always reminded her of home. She pulled away and smiled.
“Yes, uncle, I have decided to join the team.”
Hugs and cheers all around.
Chapter 14
She arrived at 7:54 a.m. in the training room and surveyed her surroundings. Men and women from fifteen to forty were dressed and stretching, readying themselves for today's lesson. Next thing she knew, she was getting grabbed from behind and slammed onto the mat she stood on. A man's face came into view, his voice very audible.
“Rule number one, recruit, always be ready!”
She glared at him as he removed his hands from her. As she got off the floor, she noticed he had turned back to address the group and was not paying attention, she kicked out and nailed him in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
Smiling, she retorted, “Back atcha.”
“Touché.”
Stepping back in case he planned to attack her again, she watched him get up from the floor wearing a smile of his own. “What is your name, recruit?”
“Vylette. Vylette Echo.”
“Nice to meet you, Vylette, please take your place in one of these rows with the rest of the recruits and we will begin.”
A little brunette next to her piped up, “That was a ballsy move! He is the instructor you know.”
She turned to the girl. “What’s your name?”
“My name is Brianna.”
“Well, Brianna, never let anyone assault you, no matter who they are. Just because he is the instructor doesn't mean he is going to make things easy for us, therefore, I am not going to make it easy for him either. The world is full of asshats, while we are in this class, that instructor represents all those asshats. If you can't defend yourself against him without thinking, how do you expect to do it out there?”
She loved to see the looks on people faces sometimes. Her favorite was always like the one Brianna wore now, those confused expressions that begged the question, “Is this chick really crazy or just a weirdo?”
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