Radiant Oddities (Anomaly Saga #4)

3

"So, yeah, that's basically it," he said.

"Wow," said Kira. "Well, I wish you the best of luck. I really hope you stay safe, J. For me. And Alana."

"Of course, K," Chandler said. "Oh- one more thing. The receptionist gave me a file folder."

"Well, you'd be stupid not to open it," said Kira.

Chandler grabbed the file folder. He opened it, and inside was one pink post-it note.

"Kidding!" he began to read aloud. "Lockley didn't want to give you anything. I wanted to give you this, though. -Alice." He examined the post-it note even more.

"It's a series of numbers!" Chandler said. "But what could they mean?" he began to list them off. "714-482-9281?" Chandler read aloud. "What could that mean?"

"J, you absolute moron," chuckled Kira. "Whoever this Alice girl is, she gave you her phone number."

Chandler furrowed his brows, frowning at the post-it. "Whatever for? Unless- perhaps she's to be my contact for this mission."

Kira rolled her eyes. "I genuinely don't know what I saw in you. She wants you to call her! Probably set up a date or something."

Chandler flushed. "A date! No, I've got no time for a date. This is a suicide mission."

"Is she cute?"

"Is- What?"

"Alice. Is she at least cute?"

Chandler scoffed. "That is highly irrelevant and inappropriate, K. Bottom line is: I've got to prepare for this mission. But to be honest . . . I don't really know how, at this point."

***

Six hours and three cups of coffee later, Chandler knew how he would prepare. He would prepare by barely preparing at all. He would prepare himself for the possibility of death, pick up the delivery of guns, communication devices, and tranquilizers in the morning, and set off with the intention to be ready for anything. He didn't call Alice, but he sent her a message telling her to meet him outside the pet store. He would politely decline her date, and then he would be on his way into the unknown.