Chapter 74

We were numb, yet restless. Restless enough, we hardly received any sleep last night. Francis didn't get any at all. It resulted in us staying mostly quiet throughout the next day. Talking about anything took too much emotional effort. So instead, we let our shitty predicament sink into our heads. It motivated our brains to spiral into a sorrowful state. Not to mention, there wasn't much that could be said or done until our new agent got here.

He was apparently supposed to show up sometime today. Hours of waiting in our motel, depressed and sad, we couldn't take much more. The TV was our only distractor and it was a piss-poor one. Thankfully for Francis, his distraught was defeated by his body's need for sleep. He went into the adjoining room by himself and passed out around 5:30 in the evening. As for the rest of us, we didn't have that luxury. Stuck in our heads, restless and even pacing occasionally, we waited.

After placing bets on whether the agent would show up or not tonight, I lost 10 bucks. The digital clock was nearing 7:00 when pronounce knocks against the door alerted us. Jackson answered, and a man joined us. Excuse me, I mean a ginger joined us. His naturally red hair was trimmed neatly, framing his round face well. Freckles also spotted his nose and cheeks. They moved with his skin when he produced a small smile. He also looked rather young to be in the FBI; maybe mid 20s.

"Hey guys," he said, blue eyes taking turns on us. "I'm Agent Weston Rossgram." Then, he awkwardly proceeded to approach each of us and shake our hands. "I'll be taking the place of Agent Tate, may she rest in peace."

Shaking his hand, it was already obvious how different he was compared to Agent Tate. From his sad knowing smile, the informal introduction, politeness.... The man gave off a laid-back vibe; he didn't seem strict. Maybe this dude would cut us some slack. Hell, we even got a first name from the guy.

Jackson noticed too. He critically eyed up the man. "Wonderful, another fucking kid to deal with," he mumbled from where he was perched in the chair. Louder, he asked, "This wouldn't happen to be your first case, would it?"

The man – Weston – didn't allow his smile to falter. "Actually, it is. I've finished training months ago, but until now, they didn't think I was ready."

Gee. Wonder why. Showed how much the FBI really cared about us. Then again, they assumed we wouldn't be needing an agent anyway. Thanks to Reid's note, the FBI probably figured we wouldn't dare look for the headquarters anymore.

"Well, I'm thrilled the FBI finally found you competent enough," Jackson grumbled sarcastically.

Though he was new to the FBI and still had a soul, he wasn't stupid. Smile dropping, he stared blankly at Jackson. He didn't say anything. Instead, he rested his hands on his hips. The movement caused his fleece to raise slightly and expose a gun latched to his side. I was liking this guy already.

Directing his attention to me, Weston took a deep breath. "Um, Albany. As you know, I will be here to report to if you find any more evidence leading us closer to Reid Taylor's location. You have just over a week until our deal expires and we'll be forced to arrest the three of you."

Hmm. Maybe he was stupid. "Don't you know about the note? We're done searching."

He took a deep breath. "I know about the note and am aware of what happened. I... I can't imagine. I was informed you likely would ignore our deal – with good reason. I know you probably won't be needing me or contacting me. But the deal you have with us is still in place so I'm here."

This wasn't sounding good. Not only did he not bring up anything about helping us, but he was speaking about a deal that I didn't care about anymore. Did that mean there was no help?

Luke sighed from where he sat on the edge of the bed next to me. "We know our agreement with the FBI is still an option. With my niece at risk though, we won't continue looking. We asked your superiors if they can possibly help us."

It was clear the guy was updated on everything. You could see it in the sympathy crossing his expression. This would not be good. "I'm sorry," he said, looking between us. "We won't be offering you additional help."

My stomach dropped. His words echoed harshly against my eardrums. Was this a joke? Because last night, it sure sounded like there was a chance they would help us! Yes, if they helped, it still might have been too risky, but to not even have the chance now? Oh my god, no help. None. I closed my eyes.

Fast friction of chair legs dragging against the carpet reached me. I could just imagine how quickly Jackson stood up, not pleased by this news. "Additional help?" he hissed with disgust. "What the fuck are you guys doing now to help?"

Hiding in the darkness behind my eyelids, Weston's voice rang through the air. You could tell he had sympathy, but it was understandably easy to ignore it when it came to Jackson. "Yes, additional. We are offering help with our agreement. You have until October 1st to find the headquarters."

"Well guess what," I groaned, opening my eyes to him. Standing up, I clenched my fists at my side. We weren't getting help; that was devastating enough. To have this stupid deal thrown into our faces as an 'option' was plain retarded. "It's not happening. By the time October 1st comes, my ass will belong to Reid. It's not a coincidence he wants me to surrender the day before our deal with you losers is over. October 1st, you guys stop giving a shit about finding Reid. He snatches me away and nothing will happen. You'll arrest Luke and Jackson when they don't fucking deserve it – and when you know, you fucking know, how close we got to finding the headquarters. You cannot expect us to be that selfish, keep looking, and allow a little girl to be killed! So I'm sorry. I'm so damn sorry we won't be taking advantage of the 'helpful' deal we have with the FB-fucking-I!"

Despite my dread and immense sadness, I couldn't stop fuming. Who do they think they are? It's one thing to not help. That alone just cost me my life. It's a whole other thing to suggest they have already been helping. Their 'help' would get Brooke killed. So thank you, FBI, for giving us no other choice but to let Reid get away with this. Nice knowing you assholes.

Staring into the ginger's sad blue eyes, he sputtered words frantically. "I want to help you. Personally, I want to offer help. I don't have that power in the FBI. I'm so sorry—"

"I know, but it doesn't matter," I said, sucking in a hard breath.

Jackson spoke in a threatening tone, brown eyes shooting with fire to the man. "She's not just giving herself up. You need to work with us because this shit is not—"

"You heard him. There is no help." Looking down, staring at his white tennis shoes, my chest received spurts of shocks. It begged me to cave in because the future was clear now. Time to face the facts. This was it for me, ladies and gents. "I need some air. Nobody follow me," I said. Slipping on my shoes, I marched out the door.

Greedy lungs sucked in the fresh evening air. My feet had a mind of their own. Which was necessary because my brain was lost in space. After going down to the parking lot, I rounded the building. To my surprise, behind the motel, was a nice courtyard maintained for the guests. Small fruit trees were scattered. A winding sidewalk offered a nice path through the courtyard. However, my destination was set when I saw a picnic table. It was on the left side of the yard near a messy plum tree.

My shaky nerves pushed me to book it to the picnic table. Plopping down on the long plank, facing the rest of the courtyard, I rested my hands on my knees. The sweet setting sun warmed my face. Despite the chill, it was a nice evening. I probably wouldn't have many more to enjoy.

No, there was no probably about it. I wouldn't have many more to enjoy. It was definite. Soon enough, the life I have strived for would be destroyed.

Ugh, I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to deal with it. I just wanted to accept it and get over it. I didn't want emotions. I hated that they were welling up within me at a speed I wanted to fight. But I needed to face the truth. I pumped denial and hope through my head until now, it drained. My life... my future, my everything, was changed. I wouldn't have the life I dreamed of. The life others fought beside me to save and keep. Now, it wouldn't happen. My future with Luke....

No matter what, if I wanted to keep it together, I could not think about Luke. Tears already clouded my vision without Luke invading my thoughts. A hard lump formed in my throat and weighed heavier with each second. Coming to terms with my life ending though, it was hard not to think about the most important person in my world.

No, no, stop, stop, don't break down. You just need to calm down. I just needed to calm down. It's not like I was dying; I needed to remember that. I needed to remember turning myself over to Reid wasn't death. Hell, who knows, maybe it won't be that bad. Yeah, I mean... this guy was obsessed with me. For all I know, he might fucking pamper me.

I would continue telling myself it might not be too bad. Ridiculous? Well duh. But it at least held back my sobs from releasing into the air. Somehow, for a good 15 minutes, I managed holding it in. I held it in as I slowly accepted my unknown future. However, the floodgates soon broke. Because deep down, it had nothing to do with my future as Reid's bitch. It was about what I would be losing.

It hit me like cinder blocks. Across the courtyard, I spotted a middle-aged woman. She was walking her little white dog, moving slow as her pup sniffed each oncoming bush. A man walked beside her. They were far enough away, I couldn't hear them, but they were speaking. I could only imagine the words being exchanged. Maybe something about their dog. Or the reason they were staying at the motel; a trip, a family get together. Maybe they were talking about their day or a little work drama. An innocent thought, question, or joke. Probably one of those. The next moment, faint laughter from the woman reached the air. It was hard to see details, but the man took hold of her free hand not holding the leash.

It grabbed my heart in a vice and didn't let go. They were far enough away to not notice me. Regardless, I doubt I would be able to hold it back. Vision blurring, tears immediately spilled over. Rough jolts of a cry climbed to the surface. Face scrunched, I shakily turned and maneuvered my legs over the picnic table seat so I was facing the other way. Elbows on the wooden table, I cupped my mouth and nose as I cried. Keeping my volume down, my body jolted, mouth releasing a quiet cry. Tears running into my fingertips bordering my nose, I closed my eyes tight.

That would never be us. That would never be us! We didn't belong together; the world didn't want us to live a happy and peaceful life together. We wouldn't have the normal life we fought so fucking hard for. We weren't going to get married, we weren't going to have each other. We would never see each other again! I didn't want to contend with my relationship with Luke. I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to feel the pain of what would ultimately happen. But I was forced to face the ugly truth.

My Luke, my sweetheart, my beautiful man! How in the fucking world was I going to survive letting him go again? Jesus fucking Christ, how was I going to leave my man behind? And that's not even the worst part! Luke is still probably going to prison. We never see each other, I'm owned by a psycho, Luke's behind bars. Oh my god. No, no, no! No!

I stayed there for a while, sobbing as silently as possible. My lips parted and released a few cries before I forced them shut, turning them into whines and internal sobs. I didn't want to draw any attention – and for maybe 30 minutes or so, it worked. Then, the man on my mind decided to intervein.

Crying at the picnic table, slumped into my hands, I didn't hear him approach. Instead, I was snapped from my crying state by the feeling of a hand resting on my shoulder. It made me straighten up and find the source.

Luke stood behind me. With his other hand, he was setting his crutches aside, planning to sit down next to me. Before he could, I stood and stepped away from the picnic table. I slid my arms into Luke's parted jacket. Shaking and crying softly, my fingers gripped his cotton shirt against his strong back. Burying my head into his warm chest, I felt home and safe. He smelled like my man. His arms folding around me were claiming. I didn't want to lose him. I was so fucking sick of this game of losing him.

"Why?" I cried.

He rested his chin against my hair. "I don't know," he said, the last word cracking and causing him to tighten his hold. The man began trembling. One of his hands slid up my back and cupped my head, keeping me close.

The last thing I wanted was to be weak. I didn't want to be weak and I did not want him to see how much this ate me alive. Being in my man's arms though, realizing this was it, I completely broke. Crying, shaking my head against him, I let it out and just cried. What did we do to deserve this? I knew I had to turn myself over, but how was I going to survive it? How was I going to live without him?

You could tell those thoughts started to occur to Luke as well. His breath picked up, chest moving faster against my forehead. Finally, he said, "Albany, I am as... scared as you are. But I'm not losing you again," he said, voice turning hoarse. "I-I'm not, I'm just not. I'm not going to let you get away."

Tipping my wet face up from where I was half swallowed in his jacket, our eyes met. "Luke," I sighed, shaking my head. He would have to accept and understand I had to do this.

He stared at me with red and wet eyes, hand stroking my hair. "We will find a way without the FBI's help."

Good god, we wouldn't find a way because we couldn't afford to. Reassuring me gave me hope, but I should not let it. Cupping his cheek, I took a deep breath. "Luke... it's—" I cut myself off, the thickness in my throat rising. It's over. Yet, how could I say that when I still had a hard time believing this was happening? Tears streaming down my cheeks, I swallowed my hiccup sobs back. "It's going to end with me handing myself over."

"No, baby," he said strictly.

"Are you kidding? Brooke is in there."

"I—" he groaned, closing his eyes. Hurt and stressful lines invaded his face. "I don't know what to.... I need you both to be safe. I—" Breath shaking, he opened his wet eyes to mine. The power and emotion building in them infected my heart. There was just so much love, so much damn love and pain. He couldn't finish because he didn't know what to say, what to do. Which was exactly why my mind was set.

"I have to do this." On the verge of buckling into a mess and sobbing again, I had to clench my jaw and shakily breathe through my gritted teeth. I must do this... and it broke my heart. It twisted my insides as I stared up into his beautiful begging eyes. They broke me down and I let it out. "I have to. Fuck me man, but I need to! I need to and I don't want to but I will, I will without a second thought! I love you more than anything and I need you and I-I-I—don't want to do this. I don't want to leave you," I said, breaking off into a soft cry again.

My emotional state and words hit him in a sore spot. Holding me tight, cupping my face, tears slowly crawled down from his wide eyes. Rubbing his tight lips together, he shook his head. "You don't need to do this. You don't—"

I'm sure breaking down like a little bitch did not convince Luke I was right, but I couldn't help it. Forcing myself to stop crying, I took a deep breath. "We can't. I don't want to lose you again, but... this your niece. This is Brooke. Out of every one of us, she does not deserve this. It's sickening she was dragged into this. It's time I pay the price. We.... Luke, we can't be selfish. We can't put her at risk over trying to save me."

He thumbed away my tears. "If you do this... you get taken. Jackson and I go to jail and we won't be able to go after you—"

"We cannot be selfish though. Luke, believe me, you going to prison is so much worse than never seeing you again." I shook my head, sucking in a rough breath. "I can't even stand to think about you going to prison. Trust me, that makes coming up with a plan very tempting. Very fucking tempting. But we can't."

Luke would be charged with murder. That... fuck, that would be more heart-breaking than my personal pain over losing him. He was being strong, but I knew prison would break his spirit. He was a police officer; being charged damaged him enough. To even entertain the thought of him being locked away, it made us feel both sick.

Which was why Luke's next words appealed to me more than I expected. "I'm trying not to be selfish. Look, if it means Brooke is safe, I'll happily go to prison. But I cannot handle the prospect of being in jail because I won't be able to go after you. Albany, you will be gone with zero hope of getting you back. Zero. So, we will find a way to stop this, okay? We will find a way to get out of this – with Brooke safe."

"First of all, in prison or not, you're not coming after me. You will put me in your past and move on," I pushed firmly. "Second... whatever you think of, it's not worth the risk."

"Whatever I think of, there won't be risk," he said.

This man was just... holding onto hope. There was no plan he could come up with that would be safe enough. If he happens to come up with one though, then maybe we will see. Good luck with that, Luke. "Start brainstorming. Unless you come up with something safe, I'm still doing this. Do you understand?"

He slowly nodded. Not saying anything, he just searched my eyes, caressing my face. There was no way he would be able to come up with something. But if it made him feel better to think there was a way, let him. The pain and heartbreak were unbearable; I didn't know how I would survive the next week, knowing my fate. If he wanted to have hope, I wouldn't stop him.

"I'll think of something," he finally whispered in an intimate voice. Lowering his face, he pressed his forehead to mine. "I'm not letting you go again."

It would be relieving to let myself believe Luke. Those words and his sweet touch were convincing. But I knew better. Leaning up, holding him to me, I took in my man. Tilting my head slightly, I latched my lips to his. Quick to capture my lips in return, and hold his with determination against mine, we allowed ourselves to enjoy this moment.

Though Luke and I didn't agree with what the outcome of this would be, we knew this whole thing was life changing. Accepting the more depressing outcome, I was more emotional than him. It stayed that way for the rest of the night. After we went inside and saw the agent was gone, there wasn't much else to say. Luke and I stayed in our room where I eventually managed to fall asleep in his arms.

I expected the next day to be as depressing. What I didn't know about last night though... was Luke stayed awake. He laid there with me, thinking, working multiple scenarios and ideas out in his head. Then, in the middle of the night, he decided to recruit the one person he knew was as persistent as he was about protecting me. Luke got out of bed, went into the adjoining room, and woke up Jackson to pitch him his idea.

Luke and the ass in question explained it all to me and Francis over breakfast. We drove to a fast-food place, ordered sausage and egg croissants sandwiches, and decided to eat in the truck. We parked on the side of a gas station after fueling up. Even though we needed to be careful and didn't know the area, it was still a relief to get out. Well, it was a relief until they dropped their plan on us.

Dipping my egg sandwich into the ketchup spread on a napkin, I took a violent bite. "So how is this safe for Brooke?" I hissed through my food. Please, guys, if you happen to know how this is safe, let me know. Because having Luke and Jackson stationed away from the trade, with fucking sniper rifles, was not my idea of 'safe.'

Jackson sat next to me in the backseat. "It's safe because by the time Luke and I decide to shoot, the exchange will be over. Brooke will already be out of the way. She won't get hurt and Reid won't have power over her. They will be escorting you away."

Swallowing my bite of food, I rolled my eyes. "Okay but how won't Reid know you two are already there?"

"We will be far enough away."

There were holes in this plan. And I didn't like holes – unless they were getting filled, if you know what I mean. I narrowed my eyes on Jackson. "Do you think the dude is retarded? Who's to say his men won't be stationed around the perimeter too? Who's to say they won't scout, looking for you guys? Even hours or days before we meet up with him? Reid is going to be careful – and he knows how likely we are to try to fuck him over. He'll have eyes all over the place."

From the driver's seat in front of me, Luke spoke up. Based on the smoothness in his voice, he was confident in his plan. "You're right. For all we know, he will secretly have his men surrounding the place. Nobody is going to see us though because we are going to be able to see them first."

I snorted, taking another bite of my sandwich. "How? X-ray vision?"

"The L85 devices we used before. The ones that could alert us of any major life forms in the area. We will be able to see anyone and know where to go to avoid them."

Diagonal to me, Francis was in the passenger seat. He hasn't said one thing yet since Luke and Jackson started explaining. I couldn't blame the guy. No matter what the plan was, it was his daughter on the line. Sipping at his drink, he aimed his baggy and bloodshot eyes to his brother. He spoke up in a quiet voice for the first time. "Dude, you got shot when those devices should have had your back. It didn't alert you of anyone."

We basically did conclude that our devices failed us. It's why we stopped relying on them. However, Jackson had answers.

"The devices were disabled because you were in range of their headquarters. Reid has advanced equipment and security that leave them untraceable. Otherwise, our shit still works."

I smacked Jackson's shoulder. "What the fuck? You knew that?"

"Not until Luke got shot. I checked and the devices still work. It just didn't when you guys got too close. Luckily, you will be meeting Reid at a random location."

Not being in range of the headquarters would definitely give us an edge. I could give them that. "Okay. So you guys will be able to detect anyone you will need to avoid. How do you know Reid won't have something on him that disables our things?" I asked, finishing off my sandwich.

Jackson angled his head in my direction. The window allowed the sun to move across his slicked hair – and the black strands that became more dominant with each day. He sipped at his coffee then spoke. "He has Brooke, he knows nothing will happen, and he will likely have a couple men at his side and a few spread out to make sure all goes well. He won't feel threatened enough to resort to having something that randomly disables shit." Taking a deep breath, he stressed his next words. "Besides, there is nothing that advanced that could fit in someone's pocket. Not to disable our equipment."

To be fair, it was a solid plan. They addressed some major concerns. But there was still a lot of things unknown. Flinging my trash into a plastic bag, I scooted closer to Jackson until I could see Luke in the driver's seat. "There are still a lot of things that could go wrong. That's not worth risking Brooke's life. What if you are still seen?"

After taking a bite of his hash brown patty, he glanced over his shoulder and met my eyes. "We won't be."

I scoffed. "You are a cop who is crippled. Jackson just sucks. Neither of you are in the fucking military. I mean, sniper rifles?"

"Did someone forget what I did for a living?" Jackson sneered.

Okay. Yeah, Jackson basically had the skills of a hitman. For several jobs, I'm sure he was one. "That was what, over a fucking decade ago?" I said, looking to him beside me.

His eyes pierced mine with his annoying familiar expression. "Listen, drama queen, do you think we would come up with a bad plan? It's not just Brooke's life on the line. You'll be in the middle of this exchange. You will be right there if our plan blows up. He will have no problem killing you the second something gets fishy. Do you think lover boy or I would be promoting this plan if we didn't think it would work? Because if it goes wrong, you're dead." His thumbs traced the lid of his styrofoam cup of coffee in his hands, eyes searching mine. "I wouldn't put you in jeopardy again, Albany. Have some faith," he said softer.

His words pretty much shut me up. I trusted Luke with my life, and though I shouldn't admit it, I trusted Jackson. They came up with this plan and they are right. If it goes wrong, I'm probably dead. And believe me, there were a lot of ways this could go wrong. What if they are seen? What if they are outnumbered? That was a big one.

"Yes, okay, it's a solid plan and I trust you guys. But please enlighten me about what's going to happen when my two snipers take out two people, one being Reid? Who's to say there won't be five or six of Reid's men involved and witnessing the exchange right next to me? The second you both start shooting, they are going to kill me and Brooke."

Feeling a hand rest on my knee, I looked forward again. Luke turned in the driver's seat to better face me. "Brooke will already be safe and with Francis by the time we start shooting anyway. And when we do... well, we're a good shot."

I waited for him to explain more. But, he didn't. Resting my hand over his, I stared blankly at the man. "We're a good shot? That's it? Hate to break it to you, but so are all of them. I mean you can't give me a gun to hide on myself?"

"When you meet with Reid, the first thing that will happen is he will search you," Jackson said.

"So that just means I have to start running when bodies start dropping? Hoping the ones still standing don't shoot me before you shoot them?"

"I... I don't like it either," Luke admitted. "But we will know how many men will be there beforehand. We have a say. We can probably persuade Reid to limit his numbers there – at least the ones standing with him."

Now, we're just getting stupid. Not only will I be running and dodging bullets, but we have 'a say' in the matter. When did we ever have a say? "What do you mean?"

"Somehow, he's going to get in touch with us. Details will be revealed. This is an agreement so we'll have some kind of say."

"What, and we can trust him?"

"Yes," Jackson said. "If Reid did not sign his name and declare that note a contract, his promises could be taken with a grain of salt. But he did. When Reid signs a contract, he stays true to his word. He's a disgusting fucked up pig, but he's a business man and doesn't fuck around when it comes to contracts."

"Well... I'm already feeling special and I'm not even in his care yet." I shook my head. Searching Luke's face, I sighed. "This plan is still risky."

"Not for Brooke. And it gives you at least a chance," Luke whispered, searching my face with eyes flashing in desperation. Begging me to understand and see their point.

His words were compelling – and I couldn't argue them. Luke was right. There was a chance this plan could end in me dying, but that was better than living a life of suffering from Reid. And even if I end up dead, Brooke won't be.

That was the biggest selling point. Brooke would be safe by the time they decide to act. All this plan changed was it gave me a chance at freedom, well worth the risk of getting shot. And even then, Jackson and Luke were convinced it wouldn't happen. They had enough faith in their plan. I could not blame them either. Every concern of mine, they addressed and put to rest. The chances of all of us getting out of this was high.

Staring into Luke's sweet eyes, it was hard to argue with him. Brooke would be safe, I would probably be okay, and Reid still goes down. My gut told me this was still a bad idea, but I couldn't argue anymore. I wanted to trust them. I wanted to trust their hope. Because avoiding becoming Reid's prisoner... me and Luke could have our future. Brooke would be okay and we would all be free.

The love radiating from him begged me to accept this plan. Enticed and drew me in. How could I not trust Luke? How could I not when all I wanted was for everything to be alright for each of us? Tracing my fingers along his hand resting on my leg, I bit my lip. "I trust you," I nodded.

It was all I could say. It was all I was okay saying. Glancing to Francis, he was facing forward. Just staring through the windshield blankly. He was the reason I could not vocally agree yet. Looking away from Luke's eyes, it snapped me back into my skeptic state. "Francis, we won't go through with this plan unless you are comfortable with it," I said.

Tipping his face in Luke's direction, I could see him better. The side of his face in view was guarded and stone. Through his glasses, his brows were dipped in thought. He stared hard at his brother. "If you wholeheartedly, unquestionably, know with your gut I'll get my daughter back alive... then I'll trust your judgement."

Luke returned his brother's deep gaze. For a long moment, he couldn't say anything yet. Whether he was contending with the emotion in Francis's gaze or potentially doubting himself, I wasn't sure. Finally though, Luke said, "You will get Brooke back. I promise you. I promise you with my life."

Pure heart filled Luke's voice. It filled both Francis and I with enough confidence to get on board. How couldn't we trust him? It was a solid plan and if Luke stood behind it, it would work. Believing that, hearing Francis was okay with the plan, it lifted a weight from my shoulders. Brooke would be okay. There was a huge chance that I would be okay. And therefore, with Reid dead, Luke and Jackson would be okay and escape their chance at prison. Holy shit, we might really make it out of this whole thing.

It made us all feel better. Enough for Francis to finally dig into his sandwich and for me to start on my second.

However, as the day progressed, Luke no longer was seducing my thoughts. He didn't need to because I agreed. The more I thought about it though, the less sure I became. After all, we were still going against Reid's wishes. If he found out, somehow or someway, if he found out, it was game over for Brooke. And knowing that, the weight gradually climbed back onto my shoulders.

It didn't make me feel much better when something happened I didn't expect that night. Not just because it happened in the middle of my relaxing shower. No folks, being interrupted while rinsing the conditioner from my hair was just the start.

Over the water crashing against the shower floor, the sound of the door swinging open reached my ears. From where I was being drenched, my fingers froze in my hair. "Shower time with me costs ten grand a minute," I said, confused. Unless someone needed to take a major shit and couldn't use the bathroom in the other room... what the hell?

Stepping back from the water, I opened my eyes just as the curtain flung open. Luke's wide panicked eyes reached mine. "Get out here, your phone is ringing," he said, turning the water off.

"What?" Everyone who had my cell number was here.

"It says Agent Tate is calling," Luke said, throwing me a towel before rushing out of the bathroom.

Shocked by his words, I caught the white towel and wrapped it around my soaked body. Stepping out of the tub, ignoring the cold air, I stepped out of the bathroom just as Luke returned to me. This time, with my ringing phone in his hands. He answered my phone, put it on speaker, and held it up to me.

What was this? I doubt this bitch was calling me from the afterlife. It left one other person. Staring at Luke with fearful eyes, it took me a long moment to answer. "Hello?"

"Albany Higgins?" the man asked in a casual voice.

"Maybe," I said immediately without thinking. You can't blame me though; it didn't feel safe verifying my real name when we're in danger. Then again, I was positive the man on the phone was the source of my problems anyway.

A genuine chuckle came from the phone. "Maybe? Wow, you're already exceeding my expectations. I can tell you're going to be a treat when I have the pleasure of meeting you again. Which is my reason for contacting you."

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Hey, I'm sorry this one is late. I've been taking care of my aunt who just had surgery and a lot has been going on so I apologize for how late this one is. It didn't help that this one was difficult to write haha. Anyway though, fun fact: I made sure I got some breakfast from McDonalds so I could eat along with Albany :P

Hope you guys have a great day! Please let me know what you think. Is Luke's plan worth the risk?