Hired for secrets

He is mine

The perimeter alarm cut through Sofie and Philip's heated argument, like a leopard breaking apart the dominance fight of two antelopes. "Security" was coming and Philip was on high alert. Was he afraid for his or her safety? Or was this one of his carefully planned ploys?

"How much time do we have?" Philip's voice was a low growl as his eyes darted along the tree line.

Sofie's perimeter monitor calculated the speed and distance of the approaching person. "About two minutes." It judged the person to be male and at a walking pace. "Why are you so concerned?"

"I told you Security is dangerous. If Elandra suspects I'm gone..." He closed his eyes for a second to collect his thoughts. "Let's not get into this. Help me clean this up."

He hastily stuffed the half-eaten cheese platter into the basket and pushed the blanket on top, gesturing for Sofie to collect the lanterns.

"Hurry up!" His tone was sharp. "Where is he coming from?"

"From over there." Sofie pointed towards the forest path, leading to one of Elandra's fences. "I don't understand, why is..."

"And this is not the time to explain," he grabbed her arm to make her look at him, "I'll distract him so you can get away. Your car is nearby, yes?"

"Yes, but it's right where he's coming from. He could have seen it."

"Damit!"

Philip raked both hands through his hair and started pacing.

Seeing Philip lose his cool made cold shivers run up her spine. She was in danger.

"Is the car traceable to you?"

"No."

It was a rental. She got it under a false ID and paid in cash.

"Ditch it and get a ride from the highway."

"Are you serious? I can't get a cab out here, I'd have to hitchhike..."

How could he even suggest that?

"Trust me, it's safer than running into him. You still have your taser, right?"

Sofie grabbed his arm, the seriousness of the situation had sunken in.

"Philip, will you be alright?"

When he did not reply she added, "come with me. Away from all of this... I know I haven't been open with you, but..."

"Sofie..." He sounded calmer. "I can't come with you. And you must go now. Please."

There was nothing else to say. He made up his mind and there wasn't enough time for Sofie to change it. With a curt nod, she stepped into the woods. The dense forest wrapped itself around her like a blanket of shadows, hiding her from the brightly lit meadow. But the thick underwood caught in her hair and tore at her clothes. With every step twigs snapped and leaves rattled. This is too noisy. She glanced back at Philip. He shook his head.

"Stay hidden," he mouthed and returned to the middle of the meadow.

"There you are!"

A man dressed in a black combat uniform stepped onto the meadow. His clenched jaw made his angular face hollow and corded. His nose looked like it had been broken several times and never quite healed. This was a man who lived and breathed physical conflict.

Without hesitation he drew his gun and pointed it at Philip. Sofie pressed her hand over her mouth to silence a gasp. This must be Security. How could he treat one of their own like that?