The only thing that stood between us and this insane mission was a quick brief, which I believed was unnecessary considering we had been informed this morning. Talking about it more wouldn't make it less dangerous, it would only solidify the fact that it was insanely important we succeed. All we could do was pray everything went well after what had happened at the bank.

"So, when you make it to the vent you'll remove the cover and someone will have to crawl through to the other side."

Suddenly everyone's attention was on me. I snapped out of my trance, "What?"

"Alexa?" Derik threw out.

I rolled my eyes, "Why me?"

"Because you're smaller than the rest of us," Willi agreed.

"Melissa's the same size! Why not her?"

Chapman ordered, "She'll follow you in there." Then he smirked, "In case you need help."

"I don't need a shadow," I claimed, refusing to look at Melissa who was standing across the room.

"Too bad," Willi said.

I stayed quiet.

In my opinion there really wasn't any point in her even being here. She was a liability, and I didn't trust her. Willi did though, and apparently so did Derik. But I couldn't. there was something unsettling about her. I just hadn't figured out what it was yet.

"Any questions?" Chapman asked.

"Yea," I piped up one last time, "When can we get this over with?"

He stood from the round table, his tall figure towering as he gazed at me. He didn't allow his dark eyes to leave mine while revealing four sets of earpieces and mics.

"Put these on."

We did as we were told. Nervous wasn't a strong enough term to express what I felt, but what we were about to attempt was dangerous.

Then Chapman slid a gun across the table to Derik, who put it in the waistline of his pants.

"Why don't I get a gun?" I protested.

Chapman scowled at me. "Because I think you'll do more harm than good."

My jaw clenched in anger, hating how Chapman seemed to look down on me. Then I thought about the guard whom I had shot at the bank, remembering how I had missed. Did Chapman know about that? If he did, refusing to give me a gun made a little more sense.

"Let's go to the elevator," Chapman ordered, Monroe following close behind.

I expected to be led to the parking lot. So when I heard Chapman and Monroe talking about the chopper waiting for us I was caught off guard.

"We're going in through the roof?" I asked, unable to contain my shock.

"Yes," Chapman answered, following us to the elevator. "It's the easiest entry point if you consider security features."

Another helicopter flight was not what I was prepared for. We made it to the helipad where the copper's blades were already swinging and preparing for takeoff. The gust it created whipped my ponytail around my face.

Shuffling onto the chopper, Chapman addressed us one last time before we parted. "Activate your earpieces."

We all followed his order; a small beep signaling it turning on.

"Get the job done and then we'll talk." The clarity of Chapman's voice echoed through all of our ears. His gaze fell upon me last, the stern look never faltering.

I exhaled and nodded stiffly.

Then the door was shut and we were fastened into our seats. The pilot wasted no time lifting us off the rooftop and into the Los Angeles sky. I still wasn't used to being in the air, but it actually had a nice view. The city lights were exuberant even at midnight, but this city never slept anyway.

"It's nice," Melissa stated, making her presence known.

I figured she must've sensed how I felt about her, which could be problematic in the long run. After this we probably would never see each other again, but there was no reason for me to ice her out. There was no incentive to like her, but I had to get along with her.

"Maybe I would enjoy it more if the circumstances were different," I answered.

And with that our conversation ended as the city slowly disappeared. The terrain changed from a concrete jungle to rolling green hills. The Bureau's headquarters were located more towards the outskirts of the city where not many people traveled unlike the NIA, who were expected to be right in the middle of all the action.

I glanced at Derik who was watching the tall building come into view, wondering out loud, "How are they not going to hear us?"

Before Derik could answer Chapman cut through my ear, "There are guards on duty, but none of them are allowed on the top three floors."

I nodded at his eavesdropping, "Good to know."

The chopper landed and shut off immediately. It was time to head out.

My chest was tight, but I had to remind myself this was just another day in the office. Get in, steal the files, and get out.

Chapman's voice came through again, "This shouldn't take any longer than an hour, if that. Have you made it to the door yet?"

"Waiting on your signal," I announced.

The LED light turned from red to green on the door, indicating the mission was a go. Yanking on the entrance it opened with ease, allowing Derik, Willi, and Melissa to file in behind me. The coldness of the building shocked me, hesitation settling over us.

"The stairwell should be to you right," Chapman said, and I allowed my hand to open that door as well. No alarms. We were free to proceed.

"Take the stairs to the ninth floor."

With this my team and I took off, refusing to waste any more time. The faster we made it to the ninth floor the faster we could get to the department and out of plain sight. We had six flights of stairs to descend. Going down wasn't the problem. Coming back up would take us longer. If anything went wrong, the stairs would become our worst enemy.

It took us four minutes to make it to the ninth floor. Willi was breathing a little heavier than the rest of us.

I hesitated at the door. "Is it clear?"

"Wait," Chapman ordered and all of us froze.

That's when a guard passed in front of the door window. I forced my back against the wall to remain out of sight. The pounding in my sternum was excruciating while the air stopped in my lungs. I had to hold my breath until the guard slowly eased out of sight in order to keep my composure.

Chapman cut through again, "Ok it's clear. When you exit the stairs take a left. Walk until the fork and take another left. The department door will be right next to the return air duct."

Derik proceeded first with caution, checking for the guard. He signaled for us to follow.

Darting down the hall we stayed close together, none of us wanting to get separated and screw this up. Our task wasn't even close to being complete, buy we were making good time. As long as the guards stayed away we would be fine.

At the fork Derik peeked his head around the corner, signaling it was clear as we cautiously proceeded. My legs shook with adrenaline while my hands remained clammy.

We reached the door. Willi took out the tools and got to work. Derik stood on lookout while I readied myself to climb through this damn vent, accompanied by Melissa. I didn't mind company, but I remained wary of Willi's friend considering I didn't know how good she was at keeping quiet.

Once the cover was off Melissa waved her hand, "Ladies first."

"Funny," I responded, getting down on all fours and crawling through the opening.

Luckily the vent was spacious enough for me and Melissa to crawl together. Our shoulders touched occasionally as we moved silently.

"Chapman, how far?" I asked through my mic.

"Go until you hit an opening on you left."

"I see it."

We continued on, the coolness of the metal seeping through the skin on my hands. I was hot from the rush, but my focus remained on finding those files.  No need to overthink anything.

"So you don't like me," Melissa stated randomly.

I rolled my eyes, wondering why she decided to bring this up now. "It's not that I don't like you, I just don't trust you."

"Fair enough," she confirmed, "But Derik and Willi do. Even Chapman. So why are you different?"

I contemplated an answer while studying the anatomy of the ventilation gate, debating on how to get to the other side. Luckily there were only two latches I had to pop from the inside to grant me access.

"I just trust my gut," I replied.

"And your gut doesn't like me."

Before pushing the gate open I looked over to her. "Like I said, I just don't trust you."

We quietly stepped out of the vent, making sure not to make noise just in case. I felt Melissa follow behind me, her question replaying through my mind. This wasn't the time to think about her or her question so I spoke to Chapman instead.

"We're in."

"Ok, we're sticking to physical files so stay away from the computers. Are there any files cabinets in there?"

"Yeah," I answered.

Melissa and I crept over to them, deciding the one labeled "W-Z" would be a good starting point. I opened it slowly, flipping through the names. The feeling of Melissa over my shoulder planted a seed of anxiety, which annoyed me because like I said before, I didn't need a shadow.

I glanced back at her, "Mind giving me some space?"

Her eyes flickered to mine as she backed up, not saying a word. I didn't want to be rude to her but I was finding it hard to be nice.

Then a deep voice echoed in the distance, and I knew it wasn't Melissa. I turned quickly. Someone was in here with us!

Melissa silently shut the cabinet while grabbing my arm, attempting to pull me back towards the duct.

"We have to leave," she whispered.

I yanked back, "I'm not leaving without those files."

Suddenly two men emerged from a back room, neither of them paying attention as they peered down into a file folder. I crouched down, pulling Melissa behind a desk. I prayed the men weren't going out the door where Willi and Derik were waiting.

One of them spoke. "So, what's with the extra security tonight? Something happen?"

The other shook his head. "There was a threat of a possible breach. I ordered double security, just in case."

They stopped at an open computer about fifty feet away and I tried to slow my breathing. The way they were talking led me to believe the GIB had been alerted of our plan. I didn't want to think the NIA had a snitch in their walls but that seemed to be the case.

"We shouldn't stay much longer. It's enough the headquarters has been closed for over two hours now," one of the them stated, shutting off the computer.

Melissa and I watched them close up the rest of the department, and all the while my heart pounding like a jack hammer. Then they headed for the exit. If I didn't do something they would discover Willi and Derik, ruining our plan.

Next to me Melissa stiffened while I searched frantically for an idea. A distraction. We needed to distract them. But how could I do that without getting us caught?

I looked around, trying to find something, anything to get the job done. Then I spotted a computer mouse, picking it up and hurling it all the way to the far side of the room where they had just come from. It ricocheted off of the wall, immediately catching their attention. I held my breath.

One of them spoke. "What was that?"

"Maybe something fell in the back annex?"

"Probably," the first one said, annoyance clear in his voice.

They made their way back, and as soon as they were out of sight I bolted for the file cabinet. But Melissa retreated, making her way back to the vent. She was leaving without me? So much for having her help if I needed! My fury at her cowardice powered my search. We were running out of time!

I found the files and closed the cabinet, making my way over to the opening and climbing back in. There was no time to waste, knowing that if the two men had spotted me making a break for it they would be right on our tails.

Crawling through the duct I saw Melissa climb out ahead of me, hopefully doing something useful and alerting the others. As I made it closer Willi's strong hand reached in, grabbing mine and pulling me out of the opening.

I shoved the files into my backpack, zipping it and throwing it over my shoulder. "We gotta go. Now."

Chapman cut through. "Alexa? Did you retrieve the files?"

"Yeah," I snapped, sprinting down the hall, "Have the chopper ready."

Reaching the stairwell, we started to ascend. I didn't know if the workers had seen me making a break for it, but all was good so far.

But our luck ran out when an ear-piercing alarm screamed through the silence, threating to deafen us all.

"They know your there," Chapman hissed, "And we've been kicked out of the security system."

I heard Derik ask, "What does that mean for us?"

"There's a three-minute window until the entire building is on lockdown. You need to make it to the roof fast."

I continued running up the stairs while realizing we still had four flights left to go. We could make it as long as we stayed on the move. Plus, there was a possibility we were being tailed, so there was no time to waste.

But as we crossed the twelfth floor exit a guard barged through the door, his body connecting with mine as I saw the gun in his left hand. Willi swung at his head. I grabbed his wrist. He yelled in pain as the gun clattered to the ground.

I grabbed it and pointed at him, but something in me hesitated. The guard from the bank flashed before me.

Then Derik knocked him out with a swift hit to his head. "Alexa go!"

The encounter with the guard had wasted precious seconds, but we couldn't fail tonight. If we did, we were all dead. If we didn't make it, I would never see Anna again.

"One minute," Chapman informed. Two more flights to go.

My legs screamed in pain as I passed Melissa and Derik. All I had to do was beat the locks. Beat them before the countdown ended.

By now I was breathing heavy. I had to get to the door. I couldn't fail this time. My heart raced from the adrenaline. Sweat formed on my brow as I darted out the stairwell and towards the rooftop exit.

There were only seconds between our freedom and doom. My internal clock pounded the seconds in my head. Reaching the door, I shoved it open, feeling the California heat from the other side touch my skin. That's when I heard the locks click. I had beaten it!

But my victory was short lived. From nowhere I was hit from behind. My head spun as my body jolted forward onto the roof. Groaning I turned onto my back only to peer up into the barrel of a gun pointed straight between my eyes.

Move Alexa.

A shot rang out. Dust from the bullet sprayed my face. I kicked the guard's knee in defense. An ear-deafening scream erupted through the night.

This time I didn't hesitate to shoot.

Then my friends scrambled through the door. Willi grabbed my hand and yanked me up. I couldn't make myself look at the dead guard.

"Come on," Willi ordered.

We dove through the doors of the chopper. Seconds later bullets slammed against the metal. More guards must've followed us onto the roof. The sound of shattering glass shocked me back into reality. Shards spraying against my arm and slicing my skin.

I pointed and shot, hitting at least three of the four guards before running out of bullets. Somehow the pilot managed to get us out of there, heading away from the building.

"Lex, you okay?" Derik inspected my arm. Though I was bleeding pretty bad, it was only a few cuts.

"Fantastic," I replied.

Looking up I spotted Melissa, looking guilty. Anger seemed to cloud my thoughts as the memory resurfaced. She bailed one me! She was lucky I had run out of bullets, because at that moment I would've put one between her eyes too.

I pulled my backpack off and removed the files stored there, making sure everything was still in its place. I leaned back, closed my eyes, and took in a deep breath, attempting to slow my heart rate. My arm burned and my legs were still trembling. I wanted to talk but the exhaustion of coming down from the adrenaline was too much.

Everyone else was silent, which was worrisome because usually the team was excited after a mission victory. It had been an extremely close call, but we were safe, at least for now.

We finally made it back to the NIA headquarters, the chopper slowly lowering itself to the helipad. Derik tried to help me out of the aircraft but I shrugged him off, jumping down and walking straight up to Chapman.

I handed the folder to him. "I think you owe us some answers."

His eyes met mine but there was something different about his demeanor. That cold sternness was gone. Instead his eyes held a sense of respect. He just nodded before ordering, "See the medic about those cuts. I advise you and your group to stay here for the night. We'll meet in the morning."

Now there was an understanding between us. So I nodded and went along with the medic who cleaned and patched me up. After I walked alone through the halls, allowing my brain to process everything that had just gone down. I also realized how fatigue I was. How in the world had we survived that job?

Whoever had informed the GIB of our coming was responsible for this. That was the reason the building was on high alert when we showed. It was the reason I had to kill four guards. Why hadn't I told Chapman of the possible snitch up on the roof? I should've informed him as soon as possible. But it was too late now. It could wait till tomorrow.

Back at our room, Willi, Derik, and Melissa looked up in concern at my arrival.

Derik came over and engulfed me in his arms. I reciprocated, though it seemed weird for him to be hugging me.

He exhaled. "Lex, I'm so proud of you."

In ten years Derik had said such a thing only a handful of times. Not to mention he was actually showing physical affection. Had he thought we wouldn't make it? Thinking back on everything we had just gone through I realized it was a miracle we were still alive. In a moment of life or death there wasn't much time to reflect, but now I was coming to terms with the truth of our situation. My eyes burned but I blinked away the pain.

"Thanks Derik."

Everyone looked whipped, which didn't surprise me. The mental stress we had endured was only the beginning of our exhaustion. Physical would come later. Sleep was the only thing we needed right now, but we would be lucky to find any tonight.

Melissa claimed, "I'll take the couch."

"No," Willi shook his head, "Take my room. I'll sleep here."

"Just share a room with Alexa," Derik suggested.

"I don't like sharing," I protested.

Melissa's eyes locked on me as I gave her a menacing glare, knowing she wouldn't argue. Not in front of Willi and Derik.

She shrugged, "N-No, it's fine I'll just stay on the couch."

Derik frowned at me. "Alexa, what's your problem?"

Should I tell them? I didn't see a reason not to. I'd been right about Melissa. She was a coward, and could've gotten us killed if the workers would've seen her running out of fear.

But instead I shook my head, "Nothing."

Walking into my room I kicked off my boots and removed my blood-stained shirt. I was sore and weak, but I knew sleep was the remedy. I pulled out my hair-tie and raked my fingers through my hair. Finally, my back hit the mattress and my body sighed in relief. Never had I expected to be pleased to end up back in this room.

Melissa came in. "Alexa... I just want to apologize..."

Closing my eyes, I tried not to care about her bailing on me earlier but I couldn't help it. Her apology only fanned the flames of my anger. If I didn't hate her before I most certainly hated her now. And I had a feeling she knew that.

Abandoning me had been selfish and weak. I understood sometimes you had to put yourself first, but we were a team. She had agreed to be there for me.

"I don't want to talk," I countered, refusing to address this situation further. Hopefully after tomorrow we would part ways and I would never have to see her again.

Deep down I wanted her to feel the pain I had felt when she had bailed on me because that's the kind of person I was, but I couldn't. The exhaustion was too much. I couldn't even force myself to move under the covers. Maybe if the anger still lingered by tomorrow morning I would give her a piece of my mind, but as of now she was lucky.

My eyes closed but my mind raced. All I could see was Anna. She was probably worried sick, pacing around Derik and Mia's house waiting for us to show back up. We had been gone for two days now without any contact. My mind settled down as I recalled our last conversation, which had been a good one. We would see each other again soon, so I could only hope.

I felt sleep approaching, offering me relief as I welcomed it. I had been running on empty for too long. My guard had been up relentlessly. If I just allowed sleep to overtake me, tomorrow would be here in no time.

And God knows I wanted thisday behind me.