Innocent

I guess you really did it this time

* Elliott *

My apartment is awful. I mean, I know the Association isn't going to pull any special strings for me or any of the other agents, but at least they could've made it a studio apartment that doesn't have floors that are coming up and walls with paint peeling. But it's nothing that I'm not used to, unfortunately.

I wake up at 4:30 in the morning, a common occurrence for me. Since I don't have to be at Taylor's until six, I decide to start working on my report.

I open the documents on the small computer they gave me. It doesn't do much, just gives me a top-secret system that can store all my documents, reports, and notes. Either way, it's better than having to write out everything on paper.

I place my hands on the keys, and the words sort of flow out of me. I know the Association can see everything I'm doing on my computer, so I don't include anything that could get me in trouble. Specifically, nothing about what Taylor told me about how Callan could have very well had the job I'm doing now.

Callan. I haven't talked to her since yesterday, but it still feels like it's been too long. I don't know why, but something about not being able to see your best friend for that long of a time hits you like a punch in the stomach. Especially when your best friend has been like a sister to you since you were eight.

I shake my head, removing all thoughts of Callan from my mind. I can't let my emotions get in the way of my work. I turn back to my computer screen and concentrate on what I'm writing about Adam.

I met up with Swift and Wiles at a restaurant yesterday. They claimed that they wanted to get to know me better. They asked plenty of questions, including my name and age, and why I'm working here. I did not give any information about the Association away. Swift was surprised when I ordered a salad (the cheapest thing on the menu) and acted concerned. Wiles kept his distance more, but was still surprisingly courteous.

I will continue to think of ways where I can capture the target, and I will be in immediate contact as soon as I have gotten the solution.

I pause, my fingers still resting on the keys, before I check the time. It's 5:45. I close the computer after saving my draft. I could use the fresh air, and there's no way I can't defend myself in the city at such an hour. I'll be able to walk to Taylor's apartment after I have some time to myself. I have a feeling I won't be getting too much of that after I start working closer with Taylor and Adam.

After I pull my hair back into a tight French braid that falls down my back, I get changed into my usual attire, and head out into the city. It's still pretty dark outside, which I'm pretty grateful for. No one can see me, and it always seems quieter in the dark. I like it that way.

As I walk along the streets of the city, I realize that although I can still hear the sounds of traffic on busier streets, it's much quieter than during the day. If I'm able to stay invisible to the eyes of people, no one's going to call the police about a teenage girl wearing all black walking around at night. Although I suppose the police won't be able to do anything about it. I have identity cards and a badge that shows I belong to the Association. If they wanted to do something to me, they'd have to get past my dad and General Ryder first.

After I walk through many more streets than I can keep track of, I decide it's about time I head over to Taylor's apartment. I'm not about to be late on my first official day of the mission. I shudder at the thought of what my dad could possibly do if he found out. One thing's for sure, it would most definitely not be pretty.

As I approach the apartment building, the sun is starting to come up. Two of Taylor's security guards are standing outside, and they turn to me as I approach.