The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

And Ryan Breaks Rule Four

29

When he arrived at his apartment, Ryan blocked his next move from his mind, except, 'I should wear Damon's secret hoodie and watch. I have no Idea who I'm meeting. They may not be on my side.'

He grimaced as he thought the words, but really, how could he not? Besides, thinking ahead was definitely something he needed to do.

He checked himself in the mirror. The hoodie did look out of place, it was practically seventy degrees and everybody was in shorts today. It had been the warmest day of the year. However, bringing anything that would give him an advantage was a plus.

He hopped in the Elevator and headed towards the bottom floor. The building was practically on the same city block and right next door to Hagemiester Park, which was a Restaurant and Bar.

Ryan didn't expect Hagemiester Park's patio, which spread out to the city deck, would be open in April. However, to his surprise, it was absolutely packed. People were talking raucously and enjoying the warm night. The small outdoor bar had waitresses buzzing around it.

"I'll never find who I'm looking for." He sighed, surveying the darkened park benches resting at the patio's edge. From there, the City Deck's wood and concrete walk created passage along the Fox River.

Ryan turned towards the building, inspecting the vast patio before it. Practically right in front of him, modern gas fire pit tables sat among outdoor sofas. People filled the plush seating. Beyond that, at round tables scattered until the plate glass windows, guests sipped their drinks and held lively conversations.

'This is useless' Ryan shook his head, as he turned towards the darkened night- away from the patio. There, park benches faced the Fox River, whose waters were livened by the city light's shimmering reflections. 'whoever is supposed to meet me won't see me. Or pick my thoughts out from this crowd.'' He thought, hopelessly scanning the dark.

"I beg to differ" A soft, low female voice sounded, being two feet from him. It sounded as if a very mature woman had spoke the words.

Ryan turned, shocked to find a teenaged girl. Through the meager light, he studied her very unique appearance, realizing...'this is who broke in and left the card.' Much like the card's nature, a dark mysterious air was very evident. Yet, as Ryan remembered the card's contents, their was a softness and a posture that spoke of both eloquence and elegance. The appearance didn't fit the girl. Yet, some how it did.

Her dark hair reminded him of an ancient Egyptian pictograph. She had short straight bangs, with longer hair beyond that. The hair almost reached the shoulder, so straight it appeared pressed. Black clothing, Including a T-shirt that boasted the White Stripes, seemed a throw back to goth girls.

Her face was intentionally pale from makeup, her lips matched her clothes, as too, her dark eyes were doused in heavy black eyeliner. Set inside the black border were soft brown globes that, at the moment, were conveying an earnest attempt at friendliness.

"Have a seat." She patted the empty spot on the bench, quickly and daintily.

"Uh...Okay." Ryan fumbled, purely dumbstruck. He sat next to her and pointed his eyes towards the bridge, trying to focus on her thoughts....he sensed nothing.

"The name's Esmeralda." She said, sounding slightly more girlish, as she craned her neck to make eye contact. Her tone suggested that Ryan should be pleasantly surprised.

Instead, Ryan turned and suspiciously tried to read her face. "What do you want?"

"Wow, I thought you'd be a little more receptive ,buddy. After all, you did do something incredibly brave for me."

"That's before I found out you deserted TALONS." Ryan said in a rigid whisper. 'I'm breaking rule number four!'

"Trust me, my friend, I really had no choice." Esmeralda said lowly. "And don't worry, so am I."