Then next morning I awoke alone. The heat of being encompassed in the bed sheets managed to confuse me early in the morning, knowing I hadn't crawled under them last night. Melissa must have covered me. With that thought I threw them off.

My feet touched carpet as I rubbed my eyes, realizing the feeling of being well rested was unfamiliar. I heard voices from the living room. Willi and Melissa. They were probably waiting on me to wake up, so I dressed myself and headed out the door.

Three pairs of eyes took me in, only two faces giving me a welcoming smile. I asked, "What time is it?"

"Almost noon."

"Holy shit," I went for the door but Derik grabbed my hand.

"Lex, relax. It's fine," he claimed, "Chapman agreed to meet as soon as you've eaten lunch."

I shook my head, "I'm not hungry, let's go now."

Derik stood then, Melissa's eyes watching the interaction curiously. I went for the door again but Willi stepped in this time.

"We're eating lunch," he ordered, "Then we'll see Chapman."

"Fine," I obliged, opening the door and heading towards the elevator. There was no point in arguing. But I was dying to talk to Chapman and relieved to know he was keeping his end of the deal.

My appetite was nonexistent as I stared down at my plate. I forced a few bites to make my friends happy while they ate with no problem, talking while I remained silent with thought.

"How's your arm?" Derik asked, his curious eyes lingering on my own.

I shrugged, "Sore but that's all."

I caught Melissa's eyes scanning me and it took everything I had not to blow up. Sleep hadn't dimmed my anger at all. I didn't want to be mad but was finding it hard not to be. The disapproval in my eyes was clear, so I was sure she was ready to part ways as well.

Lunch finally ended and we headed out to meet Chapman. I was more than ready to talk. There were a lot of questions, and I had a good feeling he would answer them. I believed we had proved ourselves enough last night to deserve it.

His door stood open, as if he was expecting us.

"Close the door behind you."

I did as I was told and sat with the others, waiting for him to continue.

"I have to say you four surprised me last night," Chapman admitted. "I have an agent searching for Welsh. Alexa, the files were very beneficial. I should get word on him within the next hour."

At this I just nodded.

He sat on the edge of his desk, those eyes never leaving mine. He lifted his hand, "I believe you have questions."

"How long have you been watching us?" Derik jumped in without hesitation.

Chapman answered bluntly, "A few months."

The truth behind our assumption seemed to hurt a little more than expected, but at least we knew. I thought back on what I had done during that time and realized nothing special until the bank job.

"Why?" I threw out.

"We noticed suspicious activity around the bank you hit. No one's tried to rob that bank in years, so when they reported a car driving around late at night we looked into it. That led us to you."

I leaned back in my chair, "You mentioned Victoria."

"We knew to break into the bank you would need an experienced hacker so we waited. She had tapped into the system a week prior to the hit and fried one of the security circuits. It's kind of her signature. We knew it was her before she even helped you get in."

I frowned, "How had you known it was her and not someone else?"

At this Chapman leaned back and crossed his arms. "How well do you really know Victoria?"

Derik shrugged, "I've known her for several years."

"Did you know she used to work for the GIB?"

My heart felt like it had stopped in my chest. The air left my lungs, reminding me of last night when I had encountered the guard in the stairwell. Victoria had worked for the GIB? The very people we had been working against?

I looked between Derik and Willi, they were all as shocked as me.

"I'm guessing you didn't know that," Chapman went on.

"N-No." Derik shook his head, "We hadn't."

"To answer your question, Alexa, we knew it was Victoria because we've studied the way she works for years. Just like we do for all the techs in the government system."

I couldn't believe it. All this time we had been working with Victoria, who had previously worked for the GIB and never told us? The betrayal I felt right now was worse than last night when Melissa bailed on me.

"If it makes you feel any better she left for a reason. She's the most intelligent person they've ever had work there, but she's not a robot. She's human. So when she felt working for the GIB was wrong she quit. She's been in hiding ever since."

Things began making sense, and now I understood why the NIA wanted to bring her in. If Chapman was telling the truth maybe there was something weird going on with the GIB.

I wanted to ask more. I wanted to know what was wrong and why this Edward Welsh person was so important, but it didn't feel like my place to do so. We were strictly here because they had offered a pardon for our crimes after denying them access to Victoria. We had no right to ask those types of questions.

"Anything else?"

I snapped out of my trance, remembering the conversation Melissa and I had heard.

"Last night while Melissa and I were in the informatics room we heard two workers talking." Chapman's eyes locked onto mine, waiting for me to continue. "They knew we were coming."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying one of your people must have informed the GIB that it was in their best interest to double security last night."

The tension in the room thickened, knowing the only people who had known were me and Melissa. I hadn't told Willi or Derik, not even Chapman, but I was laying out the truth right here for all of them. If I was going to part ways with this agency I was going to leave a good guy.

Before Chapman could react to the news his cellphone rang out, catching all of us off guard. He forced his gaze off of me and answered, "Monroe."

I recognized the name immediately and figured he had been the one sent to retrieve Welsh. This was the moment of truth, at least a little bit of it. If they had found Welsh that meant our job hadn't been for nothing. It meant the light at the end of the tunnel, but watching Chapman's expression proved otherwise. His eyes fell and his shoulders slumped in what seemed to be disappointment.

Chapman answered, "Report back to headquarters, we have bigger problems now."

With that he hung up, his eyes staying locked on his desk for a full minute. All of us stared, silent with anticipation.

"Welsh was found murdered in his house," Chapman finally said, which furthered proved that there was something weird going on.

After everything we had done last night we had still failed. I suddenly debated whether or not waiting to tell Chapman of the snitch had possibly ended this man's life. If I had told someone sooner, would he still be alive? Why had I waited in the first place? Now that Welsh was dead I had meaningless blood on my hands, a filthiness with no escape.

A knocking on Chapman's door pulled us out of our shock. An agent peeked her head through the door. "Chapman, the Director needs you in her office."

He just nodded while rubbing his eyes. It was back to square one for him, but all I could wonder was how this affected us.

Then he spoke, "You're free to go."

Derik started, "Does this mean...?"

"Your crimes are pardoned," Chapman confirmed, "You did your end of the deal, so I'm doing mine."

The heaviness in my heart eased and I stood along with the rest of my friends. We were escorted through the building and down to the parking lot where a designated driver would take us home. Three separate cars waited for our arrival. I couldn't help but pray I never had to see this place again.

While exchanging goodbyes with Willi I told him we would see each other again, maybe sooner than later. As for Melissa, I wasn't really sure where we stood. Last night she had tried to sound sorry, but I couldn't help but think her apology was forced. There was no need to associate with her, not even for a final goodbye, so when I finished with Willi I climbed into the car to wait for Derik.

Derik presumed with his goodbyes to Melissa while I watched from the car. Her eyes traveled over to me one last time but I felt no pity for her. After today I wouldn't have to see her again. If Derik and Willi asked me about my attitude I would tell them the simple truth, and that I would never trust her.

Eventually we went our separate ways, Derik joining me as Willi and Melissa disappeared. Holding a grudge against someone I would never see again was a waste of energy. But I couldn't shake the feeling no matter how hard I tried. Once you broke my trust it was near impossible to get it back.

"So," I asked, "Now what?"

He sighed, "Maybe we can get real jobs."

"As if we haven't been trying," I sighed in response.

"Well, our slates were finally wiped clean. You never know."

I just gazed out the window, watching the city rush by. Clean records were great considering I had a few minor charges before this weekend. That coupled with no high school degree didn't get me very far in the working field, but I tried. It just never really worked out in the end. Odd jobs that paid cash were short term, and even those came rarely for someone like me.

It didn't take us long to make it to the outskirts of the city, and when we turned down our street my heart began to hammer. Explaining to Anna where I had been would be a task I had never attempted before. I had always told her it was business and that was that. She would never question me, but I knew it would be different this time.

The thought dug up memories of when our father would leave for weeks, sometimes even months whenever I was much younger. Mom had basically raised me alone, but I never remembered there being a problem between my parents. Mom told me dad had to go for work; that it was business and it wasn't his fault. I would beg him to stay every time he went to leave, asking why he stayed away for so long but never receiving any answers. He would just tell me I would understand once I got older.

Yet, ten years later, I still had no idea where he was and left with more questions than answers.

I remembered the pain from the decline of my family, but Anna had only been four when everything had spiraled out of control. At least I had parents for a good sum of my life, she hadn't. With dad gone and mom in and out of rehab the only person she had was me. And now I was going to have to explain that I was no better than our parents?

I was a criminal, and the shame weighed heavy on my heart. If Anna shunned me I would have no one left.

"What should I tell Anna?"

Derik's brown eyes locked with my own as I watched an expression I couldn't read cross his features. Derik didn't have this problem because Mia knew the truth, so I would be surprised if he had a clear answer.

He grimaced. "Whatever you think is best to protect her."

Then we were pulling up into the driveway of the familiar two-story, Spanish Colonial house I thought I would never see again. I was glad to be home, and although the fear of Anna confronting me was strong, the need to see her was stronger.

Walking through the front doors and up the stairs I made my way to her room, my heart beating in my head. What would I say to her after almost three days of being out of touch? We were usually together almost twenty-four-seven, except for school. I could lie, Lord knows it was one of my best skills, but did I really want to do that to her? Did I want to do what my parents did to me for years, resulting in permanent trust issues? Of course not. But I didn't want to tell my little sister the truth either.

I didn't see a right answer.

Standing in the doorway I watched her lying in her bed reading a book, headphones over her ears. It didn't take her long to spot me in her peripheral vision. She jumped off of her bed, darted over to me, and threw her arms around my neck. She was nearly my height now, same dark brown hair and naturally tanned skin. It was obvious we were sisters, but I found she looked more like mom while I resembled dad.

Her curious hazel eyes flickered up to mine, awaiting answers. "Lex, what happened? Where have you been?"

I realized I couldn't tell her the truth. Not yet. She wouldn't understand, and I couldn't stomach the thought of my own sister resenting me.

"We ended up wrecking on the road and I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. It wasn't that bad but I had to stay in the hospital."

I knew she didn't believe me. She tilted her head in thought, looking as if she wasn't sure if she wanted to demand the truth or not.

"You were gone all weekend," she countered.

I stayed silent, showing her that questioning me wasn't in her best interest. I hated lying but there really wasn't a choice. Involving her in my situation would only confuse and put her in danger.

"All that matters is that I'm here, Anna," I answered,.

I could see a hint of anger in those eyes, the ones that used to look up to me before she started growing up and questioning everything. Now she knew better than to remain naïve, and it didn't help that her teenage angst had kicked in.

"So you're lying to me," she concluded. I watched her turn around and climb back on to her bed. The pain in my heart made me shudder but I remained stoic. She couldn't know the truth, not after I had put everything involving the government behind me. We were finally in the clear, the last thing I wanted to do was included my sister in all of this.

I decided it wasn't worththe fight so I left her room. This weekend had been the worst. I just wanted tomove past everything, and the only way to do so was day by day. Just like Icoped with everything else.

* * *

My mind had been distracted enough the next day with Mia, Derik, and me readying the house for a dinner, guests included. Willi was coming, courtesy of Derik. After a job we usually had a dinner like this, so it wasn't something out of the blue.

Anna had yet to talk to me since last night, which I wasn't okay with. But she had every right to be upset. I had lied to her and disappeared for an entire weekend with no contact. Arguing and lashing out on her wouldn't make anything better so I would let her get over it on her own.

I was in the middle of fixing my hair when the doorbell rang. Willi was here.

Derik yelled from the kitchen, "Lex, mind getting that?"

I jogged downstairs and to the front door, opening it and locking eyes with Willi. He smiled warmly, his gray beard trimmed since yesterday. The bags under his eyes were gone but his familiar wrinkles were still there on his face.

"How you feelin' kid?"

"Better than yesterday," I joked, earning me a laugh as I welcomed him inside.

To my utter surprise Melissa was behind him, cautious eyes scanning me. I hadn't expected her to show her face around me anymore after this weekend but she had managed to pop back up. Anger wasn't exactly what I felt, it was more like irritation, but I would attempt to ignore it for the sake of dinner.

"Hey," she greeted. I could tell she was still wary of me considering I hadn't spoken to her before leaving yesterday.

"Uh, hi," I nodded, "Did Derik...?"

"Yeah, he invited me," she confessed, which made me more annoyed. Although the incident was in the past, the anger I felt about that night hadn't faded.

Without another word I led her inside towards the living room where everyone had congregated. I should've figured Derik would invite Melissa. It only made sense. Of course, he had no idea what had gone down between us. Maybe if he had he wouldn't have invited her.

I introduced her to Derik's wife, and then led her over to my sister who was sitting on the couch playing on her cellphone.

"And that's Anna," Melissa smiled at my younger sister. I continued the introduction, "Anna this is Melissa."

"I love that color," Melissa complimented, signaling down to Anna's hands. She was referring to her nail polish.

"Thanks," Anna replied. The excitement in her voice led me to believe she was already fond of Melissa. I rolled my eyes.

Then Melissa turned to me, "So you live with Derik?"

I nodded. "Moved in a few years ago."

She probably wanted to ask about my parents but felt like that was crossing a boundary, which it was. I was managing to stomach her after this weekend, but prying into my personal life was a pet peeve of mine.

Then Derik called out, "Let's eat."

Melissa and Anna followed me into the dining room where a lengthy table awaited us, food laid out for our taking. I chose the seat across from Melissa and watched Anna, my own sister, choose the seat next to her. She always sat next to me at dinner but I knew she was doing this on purpose. She was still upset with me after yesterday.

The immaturity of the situation irritated me.

Watching Melissa and my sister converse seemed to consume my attention throughout dinner. It was as if I expected Melissa to be hateful, to further prove that my gut feeling was right. Yet she helped Anna fix her plate and made her smile with some corny jokes I didn't find all that funny.

Derik nudged my shoulder, "Don't look so jealous."

I rolled my eyes while picking at my plate, "I'm not."

"Don't lie," Derik countered, "I know Anna's still mad and won't talk to you. She'll get over it though."

I remained silent after that, playing with the last bits of my food while everyone talked. The conversation stayed light since Anna was there. The last thing anyone wanted was to talk about the weekend we had anyway.

But as soon as we thought were in the clear Derik's phone rang, pulling all of us out of conversation. Taking his phone out of the back pocket of his jeans, I noticed an unfamiliar number flashing on his screen. He looked at me before excusing himself, "I'll be right back."

Then he walked out the backdoor.

Willi and I exchanged glances, letting me know I wasn't the only one who sensed something bad going on. No one else seemed to be aware, but the longer Derik stayed outside the more anxious I became.

It wasn't long before Willi stood, indicating he was finished, "Mia, this dinner was phenomenal. Thank you."

I did the same, resulting in Melissa and Anna following us into the kitchen. We began cleaning up until Derik finally came back.

He pulled me aside first. "We have a situation. Get Willi and Melissa to meet us in the backyard."

Without hesitation I found Willi first and let him know what Derik had told me. Locating Melissa proved to be a challenge, so I turned to the person who had saw her last, Anna.

"Hey, where's Melissa?"

"She went to the bathroom," Anna replied bluntly, still looking unamused.

I sighed, "Are you still upset with me?"

"Are you going to tell me the truth?"

I straightened, feeling the burn in my heart from her words. "Anna, it's complicated..." With that she just rolled her eyes and headed back upstairs.

Sighing I walked towards the bathroom. The door was closed but I waited impatiently, my foot tapping the entire time.

Finally the door opened, the sight of me startling Melissa. "Shit, you scared me."

"Derik needs us outside."

Turning around I expected her to follow, but instead she grabbed my wrist, forcing me to face her. I yanked my hand away. "What?"

"Are you gonna tell them what happened?" she asked, her voice trembling. I assumed she was referring to her bailing on me, and I should tell them, but it was obvious she didn't want me to.

"No. Not unless they ask me."

A hurt look crossed her face but I felt no sympathy. Even though I wanted to tell Derik and Willi I knew they would never ask, not unless something happened to bring it up. But a part of me wanted to punish Melissa, even if it seemed harsh. To be honest, I felt she deserved a lot worse than my attitude.

With that I headed back outside, Melissa following this time without protest. Outside, the look on Derik's face wasn't good, and I had the sinking suspicion that this had to do with the NIA. Letting us off the hook was too good to be true.

"Okay, what's going on?" I asked, ready to rip the band aid off.

"Agent Monroe just called me," Derik held up his phone then shoved it back into his pocket. "Apparently he needs our help."

I shrugged, "Why us?"

"Because what he wants to do isn't on the NIA's agenda, so he needs help from the outside."

I should have known this would happen. Once you got involved with something like this there was really no getting out. Even when we had done what they wanted, they still had information which allowed them to blackmail us into submission. Of course, we could refuse, but who was to say that was the safest choice?

Willi asked, "What exactly does he want?"

Derik just shook his head, "I don't know, the conversation was vague, but he said if we were interested to meet him at the tow yard off of Ferguson in an hour."

We all remained silent, contemplating the pros and cons of the situation. We could help if we wanted, but what was in it for us? Was it monetary? What was Monroe planning that wasn't part of the NIA's initial plans? Naturally we didn't have enough time or information, which seemed to be a common trait between Chapman and Monroe.

I couldn't help but ask, "What's in it for us?"

"Ten thousand each," Derik nodded.

Well, when you include money, it was a bit of a game changer.

"I say we do it," Willi voiced, "I mean since we came out dry this weekend, we need something."

Derik rubbed his temples and nodded. The only one that was silent was Melissa, but I figured her opinion wasn't important. Was she even included?

"So are we doing this?" I asked.

All of them agreed, including Melissa this time, which completely shocked me. Looks like she wasn't bailing this time.

Derik announced, "We should get going if we don't want to keep him waiting."

With that we left in thenight, all four of us wondering what on earth Monroe could possibly need ourhelp doing, and if the reward was worth the risk. Then again, if the NIA hadanything to do with it, the consequences always exceeded the prize.