The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

Sweet Revenge

27

Ryan forgot about the card for a second, and thought about what he really wanted to focus on. 'Man, I'm going to hang out and have fun!'

Ryan took a shower, cleaned himself up and threw on some clothes.

As excited as he was, he was still very nervous about the whole experience, he feared saying the wrong thing or doing something crazy.

Scolding himself, he used Declan's words to chase away his anxiety. Ryan wasn't crazy, and he could control those outbursts that had humiliated him his entire life. What he thought was mental abnormality was mental ability. And knowing that fact was as if someone cut chains from his body and allowed him freedom. A freedom to experience life how he saw fit.

* * *

When he arrived at the Northland Hotel, after strolling a block and a half in the warm April night, he found Gunner, Phong, Chloe and a thick athletic black girl sitting around a table.

Ryan felt sheepish as he reached the table, "No Mai tonight?"

Gunner eased Ryan's guilty expression, understanding that the scrawny teenager felt responsible, "Don't worry, she's a little disappointed, but she'll warm up to you. I know it. This here is Sandra." The blonde haired boy said, pointing toward the black girl to his left.

Chloe spoke with a chipper ring, however, you could tell there was a little bitterness in her voice. "She graduated two weeks ago. She's Gunner's partner, but in the field solo for now."

Gunner quickly added. "I graduate next Friday. Not a minute too soon."

"Right a ton of work to do." Ryan nodded.

Sandra's voice was brazen and brassy. "Declan says this is the best class of recruits he's ever had. The man worked extra hard to get us the...you know...assignment. Boy, Dick Johnson was not havin' it, but the man should just let us do it. I mean if we're the best then...."

Phong glanced towards the entrance and with a mischievous laugh said, "And there's our guest of honor."

Ryan turned hopefully, wanting to see Mai, instead, he saw the worst 'guest of honor' in all of creation; Caleb. He was accompanied by the pretty blonde girl from the other night. They were dressed as if it was prom night: Caleb was in a tux and the girl in a glittering evening gown.

Caleb hadn't noticed them, as he and his date traipsed toward the opposite end of the Walnut Room. The dining area had a large elegant bar and many tables covered with white table cloths.

Ryan took a seat, ducking behind a hand to shield his face from being seen. Phong looked at Ryan, "Relax man. Trust me, the dude is smart and witty, but you have the edge."

Chloe spoke in a deviant tone, "Let's listen to the Garbage he's telling this poor soul."

Gunner turned to Ryan, "If you don't mind, I ordered the Duck with sparkling water for you."

Ryan shrugged., "Sounds good."

"This is when our training exercises get real world results." Gunner's thin but husky voice hinted deviant delight. "Focus on them, like you would Wes and Mario"

"No problem," Ryan couldn't help a smirk when looking at Gunner's face. The blonde kids personality was infectious.

They all waited for their food to arrive and became silent.

Caleb's conversation was the table's entire focus.

"So, my lovely sapphire rose, what would you like to order? Choose anything."