I'm still rubbing that spot in my finger. For the next few days, I'll be able to feel it. Now, in the shower- it's worse than usual. The bump is slightly swollen, moving my finger hurts, and touching literally anything hurts but oh well. That's life. I've been through worse.I finish up in the shower and step out. With the towels that came with the place, I dry my hair off. Victor said he doesn't care what I wear as long as I do my job right, so I throw on a pair of jeans and t shirt. Anything more would restrict mobility, which is a definite no no in this line of work. I'd go naked before I'd wear a full suit while on shift.
I give myself a long, hard look in the mirror. Clean, clean shaven and in a work outfit, I don't recognize myself. The last time I looked like this was.... The day before the incident.
I turn away from the mirror and focus my attention on getting out the door.
It's also a good idea not to carry much, so I just shove my phone in my pocket. I take the now familiar route through the tiny neighborhood and smile at the same woman I saw two days ago, who I've gotten used to in such a short period of time. Last night she brought me food- which only reminded me how badly I need to go grocery shopping and spend some of my money on kitchen appliances.
I re-emerge near the same section of road. When I put my thumb out, a random guy picks me up. I write the address down on a piece of paper and he nods. Hitchhiking is just how people get around in this area- nothing to be ashamed of like how people try to make it seem in the U.S.
He doesn't speak at all, but near the end I hand him a thank-you bill anyways. I stand in front of the gate now, three feet away from the chip reader- grimacing as I bring my hand up.
When I place it within range, I feel a tiny zap near the chip. This is why we're still supposed to let it rest for twenty four hours- much less than it used to be, but still.
Sure enough, it opens the gate. I step in, my paranoia expecting some net to come shooting at me, but when none do- I relax. I can abandon the paranoia now. It's okay, I'm okay.
Emily's not. She is dead.
I let myself in the front door when no one comes to answer it, and start calling out victor's name. I hear footsteps upstairs, and then a young woman emerges- the one I'm supposed to be guarding, I assume.
"Hi-" She puts out a hand for me to shake. "I'm Maria. You're....Damon?"
"Yes ma'm." I reply. "Is there anywhere specific you'll be going today?"
She nods. "I've got to go to a courthouse for a meeting with my client today. Should be quick but...this one tended to... be quite violent with his victims so.... You definitely have to come."
Oh yay. First day back and I already have to be on high alert. I've never forgotten my secret service training- nobody has, but it's a tad bit rusty.
They wouldn't let us sleep more than two hours at a time the fifth week we were there, since they wanted us to be prepared if a situation ever came up where backup was needed. And it actually turned out to be useful- because there were plenty of those, especially while I was working for Lauren.
"Of course." I fake smile. "When do we need to leave?"
"Soon-" She says, pulling her phone out. "Oh my god."
She puts a hand over her mouth, genuine shock in her eyes. Curiosity, I peek over her shoulder.
Doctor who helped save the life of Lauren Wells during the 2023 attack shoots himself in the head
YOU ARE READING
The Traitor ✓ (Book Six)
Romance*A White House occupants novel* Word Count: 79,497 *available on amazon* A former secret service agent- James Garcia, has been deemed a terrorist by nearly every individual on the planet. But he's been given a second chance- and now how he uses it...