The Pursuit

Twenty-Nine

⬻Damien⤖

She changed on the car ride to my apartment. She was evolving into the girl I thought she was. The weight seemed to be lifted off her shoulders when Agents Kenyon and Dias told us  her dad was home. She breathed a bit differently and then I noticed her shoulders pushed back as they said Sarah was in FBI custody.  I didn't want to ask any more questions but my curiosity was peaked as they walked us into my high rise apartment building.

"What about Abby and Sam?", I asked Agent Dias as Maggie walked besides us with Agent Kenyon. Her hair blew around and her eyes were glowing. She was different here, in the city, almost like a different person. This atmosphere seemed to be here solace, rather than the ocean waves of Hawaii.

"We've got a lead of Abby, she's currently in New York. As of this afternoon we've had a search warrant for her location and as well as an arrest warrant for her", he paused and got into the elevator with me. He lowered his voice down to a whisper as to not alert Maggie in front of us. He turned to face me, "We have still not located the whereabouts of Mr. Bryant".

A shiver ran through me and I wondered how well they have scanned this building or my other homes. I couldn't think of how this man could be stopped if he was a ghost. I nodded letting him know I was aware of the severity of the circumstances.

When we got into the apartment I felt an instant wave of serenity. This was my sanctuary, my home and my kitchen. I trained for years  and my kitchen was where I could be myself. I worked hard to get this point in my life both emotionally and professionally.  I felt more calm now, more in control. I could see Maggie soaking everything in. The glass windows gave the best views of Boston. I watched her navigate around the open space and she settled into a chair by the window. I plugged our phones in and dismissed the agents promising we'd call if we needed them. I setup my computer and let Maggie decompress more. 

Maggie got to talk to her father briefly and kept herself positive with him, making plans for the moment this hellish experience was over. While they talked, I arranged extra security for her and myself, as well has her dad. I knew the FBI would be watching us but I didn't want any loopholes. I wanted everything iron tight. I couldn't afford to let someone else come in and threaten my life nor the lives of the Roberts family.

By the time we leave for dinner I'm buzzing with an edge of excitement. The day after I found out who Maggie really was I got into contact with Ellie. Once we were bound for Boston I told her I'd like to get dinner. She was a guaranteed dinner date and my plan was working smoothly. Ellie and Maggie haven't seen each other in years. I hoped with every bit of my faith in healing that this dinner date would surprise the both of them, and that they would fall into sync again.

When we got to my restaurant in Harvard Square I was more nervous than I thought I'd be. My anxiety kicked up a notch hoping that Maggie would be okay with the surprise. Maggie looked gorgeous with her hair pinned back, tanned skin, and royal blue dress. I had let her know how beautiful she was in the dress which she picked up at a local shop when we were in Hawaii. I felt lucky to have her on my arm as we navigated the tables.

She walked around customers and owned their attention, she took the spotlight in stride. She was so unaware of it though, so humble with her beauty. As we got closer I could see Ellie's blonde bob at my usual table. Ellie had gotten herself a fast paced, high positioned, international job with Onassiscorp the weeks after she graduated. She had grown up a lot. She sat with purpose and seemed like such an adult. I adjusted my dress shirt that I found suffocating and loosened another button. I hated dressing up,wearing ties and dress shoes but I wanted to show Maggie how much this meant to me.

We got closer to the table and I tightened my grip on Maggie's hand. She squeezed it back and I looked to her and smiled. She beamed back at me with such youthfulness. We got within a few feet of the table and I cleared my throat. Ellie turned her head and looked at us. Her jaw dropped and she jumped from the table. Maggie's grip loosened and she moved in front of me.