Secrets Leave Scars [EDITING]

17 - Lonely

The rest of our training consisted of Omar and I sparring. Marcus didn't speak to me for the rest of the session, and Omar wouldn't stop speaking to me. We were ordered to line back up again before dismissal.

Ivy walks to her spot, her hair more tasseled than usual. I laugh when Kol arrives too, his face slightly flushed. The other recruits take their positions.

"As you all know," Marcus's voice echoes throughout the room, "the annual Masquerade Ball is this Friday. I have sources who say Ivan Lukin will be attending, which means we all need to be on high alert. Even though there is no violence tolerated at these events, Ivan's never been too fond of rules."

I attempt to hide the confusion on my face as I look at the others. I'm the only one who's completely lost. The FBI never mentioned any kind of Masquerade Ball in my training for this mission. I didn't know the first thing about balls (pun not intended).

Marcus marches to his office as soon as he dismisses us, leaving me as confused as ever. I wave Kol over, hoping he can explain.

"What's this Masquerade Ball?"

He laughs, then stops, realizing I'm serious. "Oh right, you wouldn't know... Basically it's a dance where everyone wears a mask and you socialize with your enemies."

I stare back at him, still confused. He grins and continues, "Every mafia is there and it's some kind of civil social event. There's no violence or killing allowed no matter who you are."

"Mafia members get together for a social event...just for fun?" I clarify in disbelief.

"Yeah I guess so," Kol chuckles. "It's a chance for the leaders to brag about how much better their mafia is, without getting killed." That's just about the stupidest thing I had ever heard. "Oh and you need a date."

"A date?"

"Most of the members have their dates picked for them, the Veil family heirs are expected to go with a heir from the Grey family or Steele family, depending on how many heirs there are."

"R-Right," I stutter. "And who do I go with? You know considering I'm the only idiot who isn't mafia born?" Kol raises his eyebrows in thought.

"Well, I can pick whoever I want since I'm close with Steele, soooo..." he quickly grabs my hand and rests his free one on his chest. He straightens his back and clears his throat, "Will you be my date to the Masquerade Ball, Isobel?"

I laugh, "Okay okay."

"Great, now you don't have to worry about it." He chuckles. "Be on time for training tomorrow!"

"I will," I shout, walking out the bolted doors.

***

I arrive back at my apartment and head straight to my closet. Behind all the racks of clothes, I punch in the pin to the hidden security box. I placed it there on the first day I moved in. It contains a radio, my FBI badge, and a small, computer-like device that allows me into the database. It wasn't much, but it was the only way I could contact the bureau.

I find myself pouring a glass of red wine, while I pass through the different security measures. I test the radio to see if anyone is on the other end, but fail to get a response. Finally, the database is unlocked and I make my way to my file.

The file contains the work I'm doing now, including the information they collected about who's researching my alias name. I click on the right tab and access the data. The searches were vague, "Isobel Pierce, Isobel Pierce Miami Florida, Isobel Pierce Family." Anyone could have been searching that up. I sigh in defeat, taking a big sip of the wine in my glass.

I scroll to the search bar and type in the name Trinity Veil, in hopes to find information on her brother. I remember how uncomfortable she got whenever he was brought up... "Roman Veil, died three months ago at the age of 21." The searches left me with no new information or anything that could be of use to me. Frustrated, I shut the database down, and place it securely behind my closet. I test the radio one last time, before accepting the fact that I'm all alone.

Normally, I wouldn't mind getting some time alone, however, this environment was destructive. In previous missions, I had been an undercover worker or an undercover banker. Never an undercover mafia recruit. The rules here were different, and much more stressful.

All the fighting with Marcus, was also taking a mental toll on me. The constant talk about killing made me anxious. Not to mention, it brought up painful memories from the night Link died.

Throughout the months since his death, I've tried to keep my mind off of him. Thinking about him brought on all kinds of emotions and I know I don't deserve to grieve him. No matter what happened on that horrible night, he was still my partner, and I missed him.

My endless thoughts finally silence as I close my eyes and go to sleep.

Marcus's POV:

My body aches with exhaustion. The shipment we stole from Lukin's team, turned out to be a bunch of drugs. There was still no lead on anything regarding the Russians, except the Masquerade Ball. It was coming fast and I still didn't have a concrete plan.

"Guard, get Kol and Dimitri please," I signal to the bulky man watching me from the door of my office. He nods and marches away to retrieve them.

I massage my temples, attempting to relieve the massive headache building. "What's up Boss," Kol says, strutting into my office. The smell of liquor follows him.

"Are you drunk?" I grunt.

"Uhhh just a little," he replies, rubbing the back of his neck apologetically. I roll my eyes and stand up. Dimitri walks in, furrowed brows and all.

"I want to talk to you about the Ball on Friday," I announce finally. "We know Ivan will be there, but we need to be prepared if he tries to make a move." The others nod in agreement as I continue, "I want every member present."

"Even the recruits?" Dimitri grunts.

"Yes," I reply sternly. "Everyone." I watch as Dimitri settles down.

"So do you have a plan here Boss?" he questions me, resting his mucky shoes on my desk.

"Everyone will bring a small weapon, just small enough to get it in the event. No one will make any moves, unless the Russians do first. Make sure everyone's dates are mafia members just in case it gets bloody," I order.

"And what about your date huh?" Kol snickers, grinning wide.

"Getting a date is the last thing I'm thinking about," I respond. "Don't worry about it."

"Actually I am worried about it," Dimitri speaks up. I raise my eyebrows at him quizzically. "I saw that training session you had with your favorite recruit," he winks.

"And?" I test him.

"And you looked pretty close," he smirks, stepping up to me now.

"Ohhh yeahhhh Isobel's reallyyy pretty," Kol slurs, covering his mouth as he yawns.

"Both of you shut the hell up and get out," I spit, returning to my desk. I watch as Kol stumbles out, leaning on Dimitri for support.

I stare down at the empty plans sitting on my desk. The exhaustion takes over as I fall into a deep sleep.