The Archer (18+)

XX

I did not call my mother directly from my cell. Instead, I wordlessly retreated to the study and bolted the door shut. I tried to remain calm as I turned on the computer and logged into our Organization server. This was where all our remote internal meetings were held.

After putting in my credentials and bypassing all the necessary screens, I gave my mother's contact a quick ring.

Soon enough, her face popped into the screen. Her eyes were wild and her hair was disheveled. It appeared as if she had not slept for days.

Before I could query her well-being she spoke first, "Have you gotten any leads on the targets? Pueblo told me that the second target is some hotshot Russian."

I raised my eyebrows at her in surprise. Was this what the urgency was for? A measly question about the progress of the mission?

"Yes, we apparently have a new target. We are still gathering information though."

She nodded once thoughtfully, "I don't know too much about him except that he's Russian. I wasn't at the meeting when the new target was being chosen and discussed in detail."

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Usually The Heads would all come to a decision on targets for missions. This was the first time in my life and my decade-long career that I was hearing that a member of the Heads was singled out and not included in the process.

"That's weird. Do you know his name at least?"

He shook her head once and released a sigh, "I already have far too much in my plate. I couldn't be bothered to ask. Any more updates?"

Thinking nothing of it, I quickly moved on, "Jackson is here in Italy." I informed her.

"Jackson? Roberto's son?"

"That's the one. He was one of the men that assisted with the weapon clearance. He decided to stay and be our Poly for the time being."

My mother folded her mouth, a faraway look bloomed itself within her hazel eyes. She sat like this for a moment, gazing at what seemed to be nothing.

"How would you feel if you were to be pulled from the mission?" Her question was sharp and unforeseen.

My heart thrummed in my chest, "I'd be pissed." I answered truthfully.

"Why would you be upset?"

My nostrils flared, "Who wouldn't be? I've spent so much time here already."

My mother sat up straighter and adjusted her screen so I could see the displeasure painted over her face.

"Well, there are currently three assassins and a Poly living in the house, yes?"

"Four assassins." I corrected tersely.

"I intentionally didn't include you, Abrielle. There is Cutthroat, Raine and Bleu..." she trailed off but I think I understood where the conversation was headed. After all, she did suggest that I relinquish the mission before.

"I firmly believe the others can successfully finish the mission without you. You are flawed after all. I will be dispatching a plane this evening for your departure." Her leer was fortified of steel, daring me to go against her words.

If she was before me, she would physically try to make me concede and maybe I would be a bit daunted but she was miles and miles away. Her words wouldn't hurt me today, not when my chest was still heavy from talking about my father.

I felt blind-sided. But if there was anything I learnt from my mother it was to never show your weakness. Especially not in the face of adversity.

"Why am I getting sent home? Where is this coming from?" I tried not to trip over my words even though my chest was swelling in agitation.